As much as we hate to say goodbye to summer, we LOVE fall fashion! Layers, jackets, chunky sweaters–the possibilities seem endless, yet we’re not quite ready for full-on bundling up. Here’s how to style fall outfits to signal the changing season while matching the moderate early fall temps!
**Note: This blog was originally published in September 2024 but has been updated September 2025 with similar links. Happy shopping!
How to Style Fall Transition Outfits
Fall Colors
Absolutely loving Splendid this time of year! Their pieces are such high quality and are super classic so they never go out of style. We’re not against breaking the rule of no white after Labor Day, but for the most part, once September hits, we’re adding in darker hues and fall tones. Add in neutrals like navy, gray, or brown and sprinkle in autumn colors such as rust, hunter green, gold, and this fall’s hottest color: burgundy or a deep cherry!
Fall Layers
There’s a crispness in the air here in the PNW, and it’s our signal to pull out our cardigans! We love how a cardigan can be worn over a cute tank, and then as the day heats up, you can take it off and throw it around your shoulders or wrap it around your waist for a cute style accent. A lightweight cardigan is one of those pieces you can wear on repeat all season long without it ever feeling overdone. An open cardigan feels more “gradual fall” than the “committed fall” of a thick pullover sweater. An open button up shirt in a fall tone or plaid is another option for if you need a lighter weight transition layer! Krista’s wide leg pants look great with her cardigan and I’m loving these linen pants!
Fall Jacket
Most people don’t realize that a jacket can be your secret style weapon, which is why we love them so much! So simple, but so overlooked! It’s that “third piece” that adds a finishing touch to your outfit and simultaneously expresses your personal style! For fall transition, keep your jackets lightweight, such as a blazer, denim jacket, trench coat, utility jacket, or a bomber jacket in a thinner fabric.
Our jackets on the left are from Splendid, and the ones on the right are from Tommy Bahama and Free People! Theyre so comfortable, light while keeping you warm, and we get loads of compliments on these all the time!
Fall Pattern
The thermometer might be the same, but you hit September and suddenly those summer florals just don’t feel right! Now’s the time to switch to more classic fall patterns like leopard, plaid, and darker florals. Even if it’s warm out, you can wear these patterns in lighter weight fabrics and still give a fall vibe with your outfit. How cute is a vest in a chic black or classy plaid worn sleeveless on an early fall day? We love seizing a fun fashion moment like that!
The first two outfits are from Loft – I love how leopard goes with so many colors and you can really dress it up! Our outfits on the right are from Tommy Bahama. Don’t you love my floral blouse and Krista’s tan jacket. So cute!
Fall + Summer = Fall Transition
Girl math is adding a fall piece with a summer piece to equal a fall transition outfit! Some examples we love: a summer dress with a fall jacket, summer shorts with a fall sweater, summer shorts with fall boots, summer skirt with a fall sweater/fall boots, summer shorts outfit with a fall jacket.
Recently we’ve spotted a fall transition trend of pairing a long trench with a shorts outfit and we’re loving the unexpected and cool combo! It’s such a playful way to stretch your summer wardrobe while still leaning into the cozy vibes of fall. We also love that these transition looks can carry you from a crisp morning coffee run to a warmer afternoon without needing a full outfit change. The best part is you don’t have to pack away your summer favorites just yet – you can keep styling them in new ways with fall layers.
There you have it! There’s how to style fall outfits. There are so many fun possibilities! For us, the change in season always injects fresh energy into getting dressed. It feels like a fresh start, and even small swaps like trading sandals for boots or tanks for cardigans can make your outfits feel brand new. We also enjoy seeing what the trends are and sharing that with you! Let us know what you’re most excited about for fall in the comments!
Xoxo Julie & Krista
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