Summer Dresses That Are Fall Appropriate

Photo Credit: The Avenue.com

You love your summer dresses and aren’t ready to put them away until next spring. Don’t worry. Here are a few easy tips from Sheffield MacIntyre, owner of BackinStyle.com. And you can probably do it with things you already have in your closet.

Wrap a scarf around your neck

Not only is it trendy, it is also functional. Covering up your neck creates the illusion of heavier clothing (even though you may not be adding that much), and reminds people of colder weather. While it is still warm add a thin silk scarf. As the weather changes, you can wear heavier ones. Wrap it around, and around, close to your neck. (Don’t wear it loosely draped tied in a knot like a flight attendant) This is also a great way to add some color to your summer dresses, or a create an interesting look with a contrasting pattern.

Add a jacket

A blazer in earth tones like brown, olive green, & mustard yellow, or heavier fabrics like corduroy and velvet, will easily make your summer dresses fall appropriate, (and it will keep the chill away as the days get cooler). If your dress is loose and flowing like a tunic dress or a smock dress, add a structured jacket like a menswear-y blazer with stretch fabric so you don’t loose your shape. If you dress is more fitted, try a boxy or a trapeze jacket.

Wear a long sleeve blouse underneath

There are so many options here depending on the dress. It is a very current look since jumpers are so strong this season. If you are wearing a more structured dress, a silk blouse with long full sleeves and a tie neck, or ruffle is a way to give it the feminine touch. A button down, or oxford style shirt will make it more serious and sophisticated. Sometimes a contrasting neckline can be very interesting. If your dress has a scoop, or square neckline, add a shirt that has a ballerina neckline. Make sure the sleeves of your blouse are longer than those of your dress. If your dress is tank style, you can wear any length sleeves you want. Mutton, or big puffy sleeves are a fun way to modernize a tank style dress. A cashmere sweater also works to make it more cold weather appropriate.

Swap your sandals for boots or booties

Boots instantly make a dress more rugged and thus, autumnal. Wear them with out tights until the weather gets cold, allowing some skin to show between the top of the boot and the hem of your dress. 80s style booties are also a trendy choice, but are a bit funkier and more challenging to wear. For a more classic look go for equestrian style boots. They work with just about anything.

Add tights or leggings

Start with semi-sheer tights and gradually shift to opaque as the season moves along and it gets chillier outside. Opaque tights will seem too wintery now, unless they have a cut out pattern and allow a bit of skin to peek through.

Leggings on the other hand, that stop at the ankle or above, and show some skin, should be opaque or else you will look like you are wearing dancers tights. The trick to leggings this time of year, it to be sure to wear them with shoes that allow the top of you feet to show. This keeps them a little lighter, and less serious.

Keep both tights and leggings dark or earth toned. You can slowly incorporate each of these wardrobe transition as the weather gets colder, and eventually add them all at the same time.