You know it’s time to think about transitioning your work wardrobe from Summer to Fall when that fresh Fall breeze starts messing with your sleeveless sheath dresses a la Michelle Obama. Or when that flimsy cardigan you keep on hand to keep from freezing over in the office starts demanding a more autumnal upgrade.
As sad as it can be to wave good-bye to the warm months of summer (and to that blasting office A/C), lighter work outfits, and bright pedicures, it can also be a time of renewal and change, including for your wardrobe. Yet, that doesn’t mean you have to invest in a whole new wardrobe, or re-engineer your closet.
After many wardrobe faux-pas, unnecessary expenses and hilarious fashion snafus, here are some of the best tips I learnt about transitioning your wardrobe from Summer to Fall, minus the stress, wallet drain and fashion incoherences:
Wallis Ribbed Ponte Blazer – Photo credit: nordstrom.com
Blazer it Up!
One of the first signs of Fall weather in my work wardrobe is the migration of my blazers from the depths of my closet to my chill shoulders. There’s something about Fall that just makes you want to look more pulled together (and feel warmer)!
So gently thank your lighter cardigans for their summer shift, and diplomatically replace them with more tailored, fitted blazers. I like this Wallis ribbed ponte blazer that goes with pretty much anything you may own…
Workwear: Bella Vita Zip front booties – Photo credit: nordstrom.com
Switch Your Shoe Game!
There’s nothing elegant about freezing your toes out because you decided July should never end! Start welcoming the Fall in your wardrobe with more appropriate shoes, even if that means pairing that pair of cute booties with your summer dress.
For those who still want to show off last week’s pedicure, these Bella Vita Zip-front booties are perfect! Or you could always go for a more conservative, chic style with these elegant Vince Dryden low-heel ankle booties from Shopbop.
Eileen Fisher Print Silk and Wool Scarf – Photo credit: nordstrom.com
Dig Out Your Scarves!
Fall is the quintessential “scarf season”! It’s fresh enough that you can wrap them around your neck for warmth, and warm enough to show them off! Not to mention that chic “je-ne-sais-quoi” they instantly add to your entire look!
I like this Eileen Fisher Print Silk and wool scarf from Nordstrom. And if you’re into your wild side, this Sole Society leopard print scarf is a winner!
Oscar de la Renta silk blouse – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Fade Out Your Colors!
I’m the first one to go for an all-colorful, bright look, even at work. Yet, as the seasons change, and Summer starts to fade out, I’ve learnt to tone down my brights. I’m not completely giving up on them though. I’d still pair a colorful skirt with a darker top or blazer. Or a bright top with darker slacks.
My favorites are silk blouses like this Alice + Olivia high-low peplum crepe top, which pairs beautifully with a bright bottom.
Women’s tights – Photo credit: anntaylor.com
Factor in the tights!
Ok, this is not my favorite “season transitioning” tip here, but one that may be necessary and even stylish if you know how to pull it! I’m not the biggest fan of tights, so whenever the weather starts getting cooler, I start looking for fun, interesting, yet still work-appropriate tights…
Like these sheer dot tights from Ann Taylor.
How do you transition your work wardrobe from Summer to Fall?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
