My Top 9 Favorite Summer to Fall Transition Pieces
Autumn in north Texas is WEIRD to say the least. You have days that are still in the 90s, the “cold” days where it gets down into the 60s for a few in a row, and then the regular 80 degree period. Once that has progressed, you then enter the “fridget to sweltering” period where what you put on in the morning has you walking around with pit stains by noon.
In other words, you gotta be tough, and you have to wear layers.
Building Your Quality Wardrobe
I’ve been lucky enough to have the time and finances over the past few years to fill my closet with high quality, staple items for every season, including fall wardrobe staples. This is not me saying I go and drop in the $Ks at Nordstrom every other week. In fact most of my closet is indeed pieces I only wear a handful of times. When it comes to my staples though, the items I wear over and over, I want them to be built to last. If you are replacing your jeans every time fall rolls around, you aren’t spending your money right. I recommend forking over the extra little bit up front for something that will last you at least five years.
What is considered a fall wardrobe staple?
Fall is tough because, depending on where you live, your staples may need to be a little bit different. That being said, the items in my wardrobe I consider a fall staple are: I do feel the ones I am writing about today are versatile no matter where you are in the world.
All of these pieces can be used for layering or the transition from summer to fall, and I will be talking about the different ways you can style them all throughout the season (since they are my go to favorites). Since I, again, don’t repeat buy items every year, some of my originals may be sold out. That being said, I have found several highly rated dupes or comparables for every transition piece that is not available in its today.
My Favorite Fall Wardrobe Transition Staples
Balloon Sleeve Turtleneck Sweatshirt
You probably read that and thought “what the heck…”, and a year ago I would have done the same. I am starting off my fall transition piece list with my newest addition.
I bought my balloon sleeve turtleneck sweatshirt last year at the Neiman’s Last Call sale (my regular followers can attest to my love for a good sale find). The reason I bought it was because I thought it was cute. Little did I know it was going to be my GO TO, live in, most comfy, favorite grocery store wear ever. You won’t even have to change to go to Target! You’ll fit right in 😉
Think about it: it’s a sweatshirt, but make it chic. Mine is cropped, but not too cropped. I love that it is fashionable enough that I can pair it with a pair of white jeans, booties and an oversized bag for brunch, but also comfortable enough that if I want to wear it with leggings and slippers around the house that is totally an option. It is a perfect transition piece because it keeps you warm, but not soo warm that you are dying if the sun decides to shine extra bright one day.
Leather Leggings
I know these particular leggings get ripped on because of the influencers who support them, but my Spanx Leather Leggings are the greatest. They hold you in, are thick so they don’t show cellulite (or anything else), and go with so many things! I personally wear mine throughout the winter season as well. It’s also nice to be able to mix it up from jeans from time to time. They don’t get stretched out and look cute whether your bootie is showing or not. I wear mine with both heels and flats.
I bought true to size, and they fit perfectly in the legs and were a little wide in the waist. With my quarantine weight (lol) they now fit perfectly. (I gain weight in my stomach and face.) I honestly recommend you buy this piece in the size you normally buy in bottoms. They should be snug, but not tight.
Shop mine here, or a more affordable version (thank you, BP!) for half the price here.
Black Leather Skirt
I’m not going to lie, I actually just got my 2nd black leather skirt ever last year. Until then, I had had the same one for just over six years, and I had gotten it from Michael Kors on sale. My new one is from a local boutique and is fabulous, but maybe not as high quality.
The thing I love most about a good leather skirt is that it is so versatile. In the fall you can wear them with a tee, a cropped top (check out my photos), or a sweater. Once it gets cooler, you can rock them with any pair of leggings you want OR over the knee boots. It is a staple I think everyone should invest in.
An affordable dupe of mine can be found clicking here.
Oversized Plaid Blazer
Again with the boutique finds (sorry yall) – but this one was actually a gift from my sister. It is actually the photo I posted on my Instagram when I announced I was starting a blog (see below)! It is a double breasted blazer (buttons on both sides) and is oversized. I love that the plaid isn’t super dark.
I think blazers don’t get enough attention. They truly can ramp up any outfit! Throw one on over your t-shirt and jeans and suddenly you can go into any fancy establishment. They make all of my work from home video meetings easy, and I truly just love how they can transform you from shabby to put together in a quick instant.
Batwing Cardigan Sweater
Starting from the basics… what is a “batwing” cardigan sweater? So these words are actual terminology used by the fashion industry to describe this particular style of sweater. A cardigan is a sweater with an open front. Batwing describes the style – how the sleeves are tighter closer to the wrist and slowly grow to oversized as you move up the arm.
I recommend having at least one batwing cardigan in brown and one in black/grey so that you can wear them constantly (and you will)! Throw one on with your favorite loungewear in the evening, or use them as a fashion statement with one of your favorite mini dresses – this is one of my go-to moves since it extends the length of time I can wear my dresses for during the calendar year.
I’ve had my sweaters for years (at least 8) so I wasn’t able to find the exact ones, but this one comes in allllll the colors and is under $25. It looks high quality, has great reviews, and also appears to be exactly like mine.
Dark Wash Denim
If you only take one recommendation from this entire article, take this. Invest in nice dark denim. I’m talking about dark denim jeans and dark denim shorts. They will take you places, especially during the transition from hot to cold weather.
Both can be paired with a graphic t-shirt or with a light sweater and look effortlessly good. You can essentially not mess up a look if you are wearing dark wash on the bottom (as long as you know not to overlap patterns…). They are truly THE fall transition piece everyone should subscribe to.
My favorite, go to jeans (that I have bought and bought again for over 15 years) are here. I recommend sizing down if you are between sizes.
I have lots of favorite dark wash denim shorts, but my favorite brands to shop for them are Banana Republic and Free People.
Felt Big Rimmed Hats
I am forever the friend in the hat. From my summer sun hats to my big rimmed felt hats I bring out in the cooler months, I have one on often. This is another item I recommend having one in brown and one in black/grey so that you can amplify any outfit you want. They are cute, and I always think people look more confident in one (my opinion).
I own two: my brown one was more expensive than my black, and honestly I do think it will last longer. It was constructed with more intention and high quality stitching. That being said, I feel like once they are on my head you really can’t tell they are any different (other than in color). Here is my brown one (the nicer one), and click here for my black one.
