10 summer-to-fall transitional outfits to keep you stylish between seasons

Ready or not, Labor Day is around the corner, and summer is sadly coming to a close. This means that now is the time to start transitioning your closet into one more fitting for the changing season. When crafting the ultimate summer-to-fall wardrobe, the trick is to focus on classic wardrobe essentials mixed with trendier pieces; think timeless khaki trench coats layered atop slinky slip skirts or striped tees styled with corduroy pants. It’s all about bridging the gap between summer and fall textures, balancing lightweight fabrics with warmer ones.

Another way to create a strong transitional-outfit formula is to choose a colour palette that mixes warm neutrals with one or two moodier shades, such as olive, chocolate, or navy. Pops of red are a good choice in the mix, too, whether that’s by way of the Row’s preppy barn jacket or Arch4’s cashmere polo sweater. Simple style swaps, like a raffia bag in favour of a sumptuous suede tote or a moody floral dress instead of an LWD, can help set the tone as you head into the early autumn season.

Below, tiptoe into fall with these 10 best summer-to-fall transitional outfits.

Texture Takeover

For crisp fall days ahead, lean into textures like Cos’s long-line suede coat layered over a sleek croc-embellished midi skirt. Style it with a white tee, minimalist thong sandals, and Sophie Buhai’s cord necklace for a dash of red.

Casual Prep

Add a little prep into your look and style the Row’s cherry-red barn jacket over Róhe’s menswear-inspired flannel shirt. Style it with a pair of sleek, straight-leg white jeans and supple suede boat shoes.

Boho Edge

Style your white poplin skirt with a sleeveless cashmere knit that’s both cozy and comfortable. For chillier days, wear it with a leather jacket and Khaite’s distressed cowboy boots.

Corduroy Cool

Layer Toteme’s trench-like car coat over J.Crew’s rich hazelnut corduroy pants and a striped long-sleeve tee to create an autumn-forward color palette. Adidas’s retro sneakers and a large leather tote help achieve an off-duty, downtown city vibe.

Early-Fall Floral Finds

Who says you can’t wear florals during the fall? Slip into Ulla Johnson’s moody floral turtleneck maxi dress and add a trench coat and boots for when it hits peak leaf-peeping season.

Suede Story

Pair Stouls’s suede tank top with Esse Studios’ tailored black trousers for a transitional outfit that’s both sleek and ideal for late-September afternoons that slip into the night. Versatile accessories like a midnight-blue crossbody bag and metallic sandals will still feel appropriate for both day and night, too.

Midseason Romance

A white tank and slip skirt will do just fine as summer is winding down, but one easy way to keep wearing your romantic lace-trimmed slip skirts this fall is to add a sumptuous suede jacket.

Color Burst

For a vibrant, welcome pop of colour, layer in a red cashmere polo shirt underneath a slouchy leather bomber jacket. Style it with your go-to jeans and ballet flats.

A New Kind of Short for Fall

For the ultimate late-summer look, style Bermuda shorts made of suede with a cashmere cardigan. Keep the summer vibes going a bit longer and wear them with PVC thong sandals and a shell necklace.

A Wardrobe Classic

The unsung hero in any transitional wardrobe is a trench coat. Wear it with everything from jeans and dresses to your favourite slip skirt. Accessorise with a suede bag and red beaded necklace for a pop of colour.

Lead image: Courtesy of the brands

This article originally appeared on Harper'sBazaar.com

Also read: Meet the homegrown designers—Anurag Gupta to Rkive—shaping post-apocalyptic style

Also read: India’s sneaker scene: Best stores, rare drops, and streetwear hotspots to know