With Autumn approaching, so does the morning scramble known as “what to wear?”. When the weather can present you with all the seasons in one day, this challenge can become more daunting than ever. So I felt like a little practical run-through would help all of us feel a little more prepared for the days and weeks ahead.

LAYERS ARE FUN

The best bit of this time of year is the ability to play with layers. I’m not talking about sweaters & coats; but about belts & blazers, ballet flats and long pants (I’m so excited to wear jeans again!). THe cooling temps allow you more freedom to wear whatever you want, so play with it - have fun with putting pieces together that create visual interest.

DON’T PACK AWAY YOUR SUMMER DRESSES YET

Now, I am not talking about true Fall-weather clothing, not yet, but rather those weeks of cooling, that bring the temps of summer down and start to bring relief to everyone. So don’t get over eager and start packing away your summer dresses, just yet. Now is the time to wear them without sweltering, and maybe add a linen blazer, jean jacket or cardigan with them for functional layers AND outfit interest - and play with pairing them with boots on the rainy days.

THIS IS THE SEASON OF THE LIGHT JACKET

I am very comfortable with a blazer (blame it on the school uniforms), and love the comfort of an easy broken-in jacket over virtually anything. Linen or linen-blends are my favorite, in a classic easy fit - over the last decade I’ve collected about 6. Their best use is to transition those slinky silk dresses & cotton summer dresses; or layer over a tank top and jeans for easy early Autumn dressing. I love the preppy, “pulled together but hardly trying” look it gives. But it doesn’t have to be a blazer! A denim jacket is great for this “thrown on” look, as well as a light weight cardigan. The key is to be un-fussy with it, a little relaxed and broken in - not tailored within an inch of its life, and a few wrinkles never hurt anyone - goes a long way to communicating easy cool weather vibes.

EMBRACE DENIM

Like I said, I miss my jeans during summer. In Texas, it gets so hot that it is smarter to just pack the jeans away & embrace the linens and poplins in as loose a style as possible. But there's nothing so nice and sturdy as a good pair of jeans, and it is a treat to pull them out again as soon as the temps drop into the 80s. Denim on denim is an American classic, and Autumn is the time to embrace it to the max. The tiny bit of texture in the denim channels Fall, without the chunkiness of cords or a knit. My favorite is just a medium wash button-down paired with my medium wash straight leg jeans, and brown leather belt (possibly boots too). Does it get cooler than that?

USE COLORS & PATTERNS TO SIGNAL FALL

I have a real love for merlot, evergreen, sage, olive, oatmeal and navy; and my wardrobe is full of all season clothes in these shades. The great thing about these colors is that they work beautifully for signaling “autumn” in your outfit without necessarily being cold-weather pieces. So snap up a tank top or button down in your favorite Autumn colors when you see them, you’ll be surprised how much you reach for them. A merlot red silk slip dress looks as good on its own, as with a chunky knit thrown on top for Christmas dinner, so don’t underestimate a lighter piece's usefulness throughout the year. 

I’m not one for this particular style, but a plaid button down or lumberjack flannel is also a great lighter layer that can channel fall without making you feel like you're in a sauna. Using motifs like plaids, checks, houndstooth, or leopard are great ways to transition your clothing without breaking a sweat. I prescribe to the “leopard is a neutral” club, because it is fun to subtly play with the animal print to add that yellow tone and bit of visual texture - especially with black or blue denim. Some of the classist ladies alive play with leopard print in belts & flats in their wardrobe!

THE FOOTWEAR GETS THE LAST WORD

Your shoes really are what make or break your outfit during this time of year. A good rule of thumb is to consider what could get you through a rainstorm as well as sunshine, and you're good to go. Boots might be too hot, but sandals will be inadequate if you're caught in a down-pour. So go for the middle of the road styles: sneakers/trainers, loafers, or my personal favorite, ballet flats. The closed toe and sturdier styles will hold you in good stead regardless of what the weather throws you. 

Early Fall is also the beginning of the rainy season, so you know what I’m going to say - get comfortable with wellies/rubber boots. Find a pair you like and fit you well, and get used to wearing them with jeans, or whatever on those rainy muddy days. For some reason this is a common-sense fashion item that fell out of our lexicon (in America) after the 1960s or so. You’ll still see them in use up in the North East (because they get too much rain to ever give them up), but the rest of America seems to have had cultural amnesia that there was a shoe designed to save you ruining the rest of your footwear - the rubber boot. It comes in short & tall styles depending on what you prefer, and they are meant to be the footwear for those wet days. I will likely do a piece on the wellie or rubber boot, and its history, but for now - give it a try!

YOU DON’T HAVE TO OWN A TRENCH COAT

I know, I know. Everyone says you have to own a trench coat, and they make them look so cute on Instagram, but here's the thing: If you live in America, anywhere that is not the North East (or possibly the North West), you're better off saving your money. The trench is a fantastic piece of transitional, wet weather clothing. It is a classic in Europe & Britain, and you will see it all over street style pictures. I own one, and I wore it every day of my last two trips to Europe, and when I lived in New York whenever it rained - the rest of the time it sits in my closet in Texas, unused. My advice is, know where you are and what the fashion taboos are. I get the impression denim jackets are a no-go in London, just like a trench coat is a bit odd in the South West - to each [region] his own. So don’t feel forced to buy one if it doesn't make sense with where you live.

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Well, I hope this was a lovely little light run-through of all best tips for dressing during this transitional season. During this busy time of year, the last thing we need to be worrying about is what to wear in the morning! My hope is this gives you at least a little aid to make those mornings a little bit easier. ‘Til next week!

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