7 Ways to Transition Your Summer Wardrobe for Fall

We are all familiar with the various pressures that come with the beginning of a fall semester. New classes, new people, and new weather. Fresh off the press of a hot summer, a new fall semester allows us to re-enter our university environment with new confidence, and for many, a new wardrobe. 

If you’re anything like me however, the idea of cultivating a cold-weather wardrobe is equally as stressful as it is exciting (especially if you’re a student in a place prone to intense weather like Chicago or New York.) 

In need of some serious cold-weather counsel? Don’t be too quick to pack away your favorite mini skirts. Below, I lay out a list of easy ways to help you transition your wardrobe with the changing of the leaves on the trees; all without breaking the bank. From stocking up on basic button downs to finding ways to play with your favorite summer pieces, I hope the following tips encourage you to take on your fall semester in warmth and stylish self-confidence.

01. Stock up on neutral long sleeve button downs.

There is nothing more versatile than a button-down blouse. Perfect for slipping over a swimmy in the summer, this wardrobe staple can also be layered underneath a wooly sweater or paired with your favorite leather jacket for added warmth in the cooler months.

Photo Via H&M

H&M Cotton Poplin Shirt

Available for $13.

Photo Via Zara

Zara Linen Shirt With Pockets

Available for $46.

Photo Via Aritzia

Aritzia Wilfred Free Boyfriend Linen Shirt

Available for $88.

Photo Via Lulus

Lulu's Casual Conversations Ivory Striped Button-Up Long Sleeve Top

Available for $54.

02. Invest in one or two pairs of perfectly fit jeans.

One never feels more powerful than in a pair of perfectly fit jeans. Whether you prefer a straight leg weathered look or a 70s inspired flare leg pant, one or two pairs of well-fit denim pants are an essential that can travel easily between summer and fall.

Photo Via Zara

Zara High Rise Flared Slim Fit Z1975 Jeans

Available for $50.

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise Dad Jean

Available for $99.

Photo Via Old Navy

Old Navy Higher High-Waisted Flare Jeans

Available for $45.

Photo Via Loft

Loft Petite High Rise Kick Crop Jeans

Available for $90.

03. Keep your go-to mini skirts at the front of your closet.

Instead of tucking your favorite mini skirts in a box, hidden from sight until next summer rolls around, I suggest finding new ways to incorporate them into your fall wardrobe. Pair the skirts below with sheer black stockings and a basic turtleneck for a timeless and classic look.

Photo Via Urban Revivo

Urban Revivo Chain Detail Pleated Skirt

Available for $49.

Photo Via Zara

Zara Textured Weave Mini Skirt

Available for $60.

Photo Via Boohoo

Boohoo Boucle Mini Skirt

Available for $45.

Photo Via Forever 21

Forever 21 Pleated Plaid Mini Skirt

Available for $15.

Photo Via Francesca’s

Francesca's Liza Front Slit Faux Snake Mini Skirt

Available for $54.

04. Turn to wide-leg trousers – always.

Breezy enough to keep you cool in the summer, but chic enough to pair with a sweater or a blazer in the fall, terrifically tailored trousers are the perfect pants to invest in for a transitional wardrobe.

Photo Via J.Ing

J.Ing White Straight Leg Suit Pants

Available for $25.

Photo Via Nasty Gal

Nasty Gal Tailored High Waisted Wide Leg Pants

Available for $84.

Photo Via Silk and Salt

Silk and Salt Roxanne Tailored Trousers

Available for $58.

Photo Via Boohoo

Boohoo Puddle Hem Pinstripe Wide Leg Pants

Available for $60.

05. Buy into a collection of versatile tights.

No need to worry – these are not your 4th grade ballet tights. Equally charming as they are versatile, these sheer black tights are perfect for keeping your legs warm (and classy) under a mini skirt and your go to boots.

Photo Via ASOS

ASOS Design Mini Dot Tights

Available for $12.

Photo Via Forever 21

Forever 21 Sheer Striped Tights

Available for $7.

Photo Via Tilly’s

Tilly's Full Tilt Floral Tights

Available for $10.

Photo Via Dolls Kill

Dolls Kill It Takes Two Rhinestone Tights

Available for $10.

06. Use your sleeveless tank tops as an extra layer for especially chilly days.

Though the tank tops below are all white, you can use any of your easy-to-wear summer tanks as an added layer under your fall sweaters. Not to mention, slipping on a tank can prevent any skin irritation from your potentially itchy vintage knit!

Photo Via H&M

H&M Rib-Knit Sweater Vest

Available for $13.

Photo Via Forever 21

Forever 21 Pointelle Knit Cropped Cami

Available for $10.

Banana Republic Factory Ribbed Scoop-Neck Tank

Available for $30.

Photo Via Old Navy

Old Navy V-Neck Rib-Knit Sweater Tank Top

Available for $30.

07. That cardigan you slip on over your shoulders during a cool evening on the beach? Pair it with your favorite boots for a classic look.

Not quite ready to do away with your go-to summer cardy? Match your favorite button-down knit with your most comfortable jeans and sneakers for a casual fall look.

Photo Via Boohoo

Boohoo Pointelle Cropped Cardigan

Available for $40.

Photo Via H&M

H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan

Available for $20.

Photo Via Forever 21

Forever 21 Ribbed Knit Cardigan Sweater

Available for $25.

Photo Via Zara

Zara Ribbed Knit Jacket

Available for $46.

Feature Image Via @celabacellar.

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