Every year, I seem to get wrapped up in the same cycle. Buy a summer dress, wear it for a couple months and pack it away until the warmer temps make their way back to Chicago. Which usually means pack it up and remember you have it / unpack it at the end of August, and only get one wear out of it the next summer. There’s nothing worse! So, instead of packing up those dresses that you had to have, how about using a few of my favorite style tips to take your summer dress from June to October?
When it comes to transitioning clothes from summer to fall, the cardinal rule is – of course – layering. You may remember this Fab’rik Wicker Park dress from back in May. Since its spaghetti strapped, I wore it with a jean jacket for work in May, but wanted to switch it up for the chilly weather that made its way to Chicago. You will never hear me knock the greatness of a leather or denim jacket {two of my favorite layers – and both would work well over this look for extra warmth}, but if you’re going for a look that’s a little more polished, try a sweater.
I know, I know – whenever I suggest this to someone, the most common response is, “I can’t pull that off.” Wrong. You can! You wear dresses, you wear sweaters – why not wear them together to get a few extra months out of your favorite frocks?
Top three style tips to take your summer dress from June to October
1. I’ve had this navy blue cropped sweater for a couple years, and it’s a go to for layering for a couple reasons. When layering over a flowy dress, try a boxy-and-cropped sweater, so it doesn’t wrinkle or bunch the dress underneath. Since this sweater hits at hips, it doesn’t need a belt, but if your cropped sweater hits closer to you waist, try pairing with a thin belt to accentuate your figure.
2. It’s no doubt that wearing a flowy dress and a boxy sweater can make you feel a little frumpy. To elongate your look, accessorize with long, layered necklaces. Rather than wearing one long necklace, add a little dimension to the look. Wearing two or three necklaces that are different lengths, styles or even metals will make the look more interesting. Need advice for a couple necklaces that look amazing together? I love this necklace and this necklace from Trending Above {a Chicago gals’s brand!} paired together – both under $60! Remember, the lower the necklace hits on your torso, the longer the look.
3. Warmth aside, nothing takes a look from June to October quite like a good bag and seasonally-appropriate shoes. When transitioning your look, you need to have an even mix of pieces from each season. If the weather permits, wearing open-toed shoes / sandals are totally appropriate well into fall. But, it’s time to retire your white clutch and straw bag until next season. Instead, try navy blue – a perfect color no matter the season. I couldn’t wait to break out this GiGi New York clutch that came in my fall Rachel Zoe Box of Style {more on that later}. It can also be worn as a cross body, but when you’re going for a fancier look – go with the clutch!
How will you style it this fall?
So, will you try these style tips to take your summer dress from June to October? Do you have a few other tips that you use to transition summer dresses? Tell me in the comments below or over on Instagram!
Outfit deets: the dress | a similar sweater | the clutch {from this fall’s Box of Style} | the shoes | short necklace | long necklace
I loved this. Being a Chicago gal I usually just pack them away. you challenged me to try this! Xoxo