Not Quite Fall, Not Quite Summer: What To Wear Now
It’s that time of year in Indiana again. The leaves start to fall, the mornings become chilly, and pumpkin spice has officially taken over every coffee shop in town. But by the afternoon, the sun is blazing and it feels like you should be by the pool.
So, how do you dress for confusing weather? We’ve rounded up a few smart (and stylish) tips to help you transition seamlessly from chilly mornings to warm afternoons without sacrificing comfort or style. And no, it’s not just about layering. These tricks will carry you through this awkward in-between season effortlessly.
Replace or Add
Let us introduce you to a foolproof formula for transitional dressing: replace or add.
Start with a favorite summer outfit, and make just one simple change to bring it into the pre-fall zone. For example, if you’re wearing a short-sleeve tee and a mini skirt, try replacing the skirt with wide-leg trousers or relaxed denim. Boom! Instantly more coverage, without overheating.
You can also go the "add" route. Say you're in denim shorts and a tank top—just add a lightweight cardigan, blazer, or cropped jacket for warmth in the morning, and peel it off as the sun comes out.
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Play With Textures and Colors
Bringing fall into your outfit doesn’t mean diving headfirst into wool coats and heavy knits. Instead, mix in seasonal textures and richer tones while keeping things breathable.
Think lightweight knits, ribbed fabrics, dark-wash denim, or suede accessories. Add fall tones like rust, olive, and deep burgundy to balance out your summer silhouettes. These subtle swaps will make your look feel more autumn-ready without adding bulk.
Don’t pack away those summer pieces just yet. Pair a breezy maxi skirt with an oversized sweater, or wear leather boots with your favorite sundress. It’s all about mixing warm weather staples with fall-forward elements.
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Footwear Matters
Your shoes set the tone for your whole outfit. Ditch your sandals for loafers or ankle boots. These styles give just enough coverage without feeling too heavy. They also help anchor your look and make it feel more seasonally appropriate, even if you’re still wearing lighter pieces on top.
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Add a Handmade Touch
This time of year is also the perfect time to experiment with handmade items to elevate your outfit. Handmade doesn’t just mean pretty either—it can be practical too! These are a couple simple projects to elevate your garments for practical transitional wear.
No-Sew Bolero: Give an old sweater new life by turning it into a lightweight layering piece. Simply cut across the body of the sweater just above the chest, removing the lower half. You’re left with a cropped bolero-style shrug that keeps your arms warm without adding bulk around your torso. Perfect for layering over tanks or tees on cool-but-not-cold fall mornings.
Crochet Headband: Fall is the perfect time to take on new hobbies, a thick headband or ear warmer is a great starter project to learn to knit or crochet. It keeps your ears warm on cool mornings, but it’s small enough to tuck into your bag when the sun comes out.Bottom Line
This in-between season doesn’t have to be a style struggle. With a few strategic swaps, some smart layering, and the right mix of textures and colors, you can master the not-quite-summer, not-quite-fall wardrobe.
Comfort is key, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing style. So embrace the unpredictability and have fun! With these tips, you’ll be ready for whatever Indiana weather comes your way.
