| | |

How to Dress for Fall When It’s Warm Outside

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some products might be gifted from brands.

Getting dressed in a warmer climate from early August to October can be quite a challenge. Schools are back in session, your favorite brands have released their fall clothing lines, and Halloween decor is filling up the shelves, making you feel like it’s time for booties and sweaters. But, surprise—it’s still a sweltering 90 degrees! Should you stick with shorts and tank tops or sweat it out in a cardigan? Today, let’s talk about how to dress for fall when it’s still warm outside. I’ve got some great tips to help you stay stylish, comfy, and cool during this tricky transition!

Looking for more fall fashion? Visit these posts:

How to Dress for Fall When It’s Warm Outside

Add a Splash of Fall Color

Crewneck Boxy Rib T-Shirt (Small) | Rib Wide Leg Ankle Pants (Small) | Colette Large Hoop Earrings | Lex Chain Necklace in Gold | Lex Chain Bracelet in Gold | Sam Edelman Pointed Toe Pump (TTS) | Large Kensington Quilted Suede & Leather Shoulder Bag

Warm weather shouldn’t keep you from adding fall colors to your wardrobe. It is a fun way to transition from summer to autumn without breaking a sweat.

Are you wondering what shades to add? I personally lean towards earth tones for my fall wardrobe. Those are rich browns, caramel/camel, olive and sage greens, and burnt oranges. I also like to look for jewel tones, which are deeper, bolder colors like emerald green, burgundy, sapphire blue, plum, and ruby red. In other words, I like all colors. Lol!

Cotton Crop T-Shirt (Large) – (Similar) | Flat Front Straight Leg Pants (Size 8) | Oversize Buckle Suede Belt (Medium) | Kitten Heel Pointed Toe Slingback Pump (Size 9)

These olive pants scream fall to me, but I’ll pair them with a short-sleeved shirt for the next few months to keep me cool! You could even switch this look by wearing a fall colored short sleeve top with a pair of chino or denim shorts. I always think of plaid during fall, so these kitten-heel slingback shoes are perfect.

Choose Comfortable Fabrics

V-Neck Sequin Knit Poncho (S/M) | Microfiber Tank (Size 2) | 7″ Fray Hem Shorts (Size 1) | Tan Straw Clutch

When it’s still warm but you’re itching to add a touch of fall to your wardrobe, go for cool, comfy fabrics that keep you feeling great. Think lightweight cottons and breezy linen blends that let you stay cool while you layer up. These fabrics are perfect for adding some fall flair without overheating. I have also been adding some crochet style tops to my closet. They are perfect for getting those sweater vibes, but they have a large open knit for good airflow.

Striped Midi Dress (Large) | Colette Large Hoop Earrings | Lex Chain Necklace in Gold | Lex Chain Bracelet in Gold | Rebecca Minkoff Leather Tote | Sam Edelman Pointed Toe Pump (TTS)

If you want to wear sweaters and knits, you can also go with short sleeve or sleeveless options like this knit midi dress. They still give you the cozy, textured look but with a little extra airflow! I’ve been a big fan of sweater vests like this white one and this black and white striped one for this exact reason.

White Sweater Vest (Size Medium)

Here’s a short sleeve sweater tank that I’ve been living in this summer. I love a cable-knit sweater, and this one is sooo soft! I loved it so much that I also bought it in white and pink. The medium fits me great, but I bought the white in large. I paired it with a breezy pair of jeans, but it also looks great with linen pants.

Cable Short Sleeve Sweater (Medium) | Linen Flowy Wide Leg Pants (Size Medium) | Sandal with Cork Footbed and Arch Support Footbed (Size 10-10.5) | Straw Handbag with Black Trim

Cozy sweaters, as long as they aren’t too hot, are an easy way to get a fall vibe. I’m wearing a black cable knit short-sleeve sweater, but it is also available in fall hues such as rust.

Think About Footwear

Black Charming Shell (Large) | Hustler High Waist Fray Hem Ankle Bootcut Jeans (Size 31) | Dr. Scholl’s Loafers (Size 9)

Choosing the right shoes can make all the difference in looking like you’re dressing for fall vs. summer. Nothing screams summertime like a pair of flip-flops, so it’s time to set those aside if you’re looking for autumn vibes. I know boots are what our minds go to when we envision fall outfits, but I’m here to tell you that a pair of flats will look cute for late summer and early fall!

Black Charming Shell (Large) | Hustler High Waist Fray Hem Ankle Bootcut Jeans (Size 31) | Camel Suede Loafer Mule TTS

Mules are a fantastic option because they have a closed toe, but they’re backless. This lets your feet breathe, unlike a pair of boots. They come in various styles and materials, from sleek leather to cozy suede, making them perfect for those in-between days. Pair them with everything from jeans to a denim skirt for an effortlessly chic look that’s both stylish and practical.

Retro Court Sneaker (TTS)

If you feel like it’s past the point of sandal territory, but you can’t bear to wear a pair of boots yet, throw on your sneakers! Sneakers are an all-season shoe, and they can honestly be worn with almost anything these days. I love a classic all-white sneaker, but you can also find sneakers in some great fall colors, like these tan Retro Court Sneakers from Rag & Bone.

Pull Out Your Transitional Pieces

Cotton Crop T-Shirt (Large) – (Similar) | Open Front Longline Cardigan (Medium) | High Waist Flared Wide Leg Jeans (Size 29) | Raniah Waterproof Bootie (TTS)

Late summer and early fall is the time to pull out your transitional pieces. I know that sounds complicated, but this is just a fancy way of saying use light layers to create an outfit! These are perfect for those in-between days where it starts out chilly while you’re doing your morning errands, but then you are sweating by lunchtime.

DENIM JACKET (Large) JUMPSUIT (Large) Nike Air Max Dawn Sneakers (TTS) | Italian Leather Handwoven Crossbody

A classic denim jacket is a must. It’s laid-back enough for the day but can be dressed up for evening events. A medium-wash denim jacket is a timeless choice, and this is my absolute favorite one. I wear it over dresses, tee shirts, jumpsuits, and the list goes on!

Lightweight Cardigan Sweater (Large) | Adeline Chain Link Necklace | 18 Kt. Gold Vermeil Cross Necklace | Corin Tote (This year’s version)

A cozy cardigan or lightweight sweater is great for cooler mornings and evenings. This one is super lightweight and comfy! You might not think of fall when you see pink, but it is available in lots of other colors, like dark green, gray, navy, and black.

Don’t Forget Fall Accessories

You don’t have to overhaul your entire closet to create a fall look. Instead, start with a few fall pieces like scarves, bags, or shoes in fall hues to add that seasonal vibe.

Are you looking forward to fall fashion? When do you switch over your wardrobe to the new season?

Whenever you SHARE my posts on PINTERESTINSTAGRAMYOUTUBE, AND FACEBOOK, it helps other style-challenged ladies find my blog. I appreciate every one of you, and I consider you a friend.

Are You One Of The GURLS?

You will get a daily email reminder from me alerting you when a new blog post has gone live. And, occasionally, a “special” email will hit your inbox, so watch for those!

To GOD Goes The Glory!

Verse Of The Day

Matthew 19:26 NIV

26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

50 Is Not Old partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above. Affiliate Links help bloggers like me fund the free content we provide on our blogs. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some products might be gifted from brands.

50 Is Not Old Seal Logo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

52 Comments

  1. Fall here in Virginia Beach does not arrive thank god till mid to late October. Too soon to think about that here. Its 85F with dew point of 70F. Can’t think of fall yet. When I was living up north in Long Island the media was training everyone that Memorial Day starts summer and Labor Day ends summer. For me I love 50F and rain during Memorial Day and 95F and humidity on or after Labor day just to shut everyone up. For me I dress the weather. Love wearing a summer white dress right after Labor Day and sometimes in October especially up north. Here in Virginia Beach September is beautiful assuming no hurricanes. Gotta to go to Long Island mid September for a wedding. Got a little white dress ready just in case its warm enough. Summer is my season and I don’t like it go away. Since I moved to here its about 6 months Summer, 2.5 months fall, 2.5 months spring and 1 month winter, My fall more like winter day to day fashion is very basic. Jeans, sneakers, sweaters, jackets. Boots, sweater dresses for going out. Summer fashion is about 75% of my wardrobe.

  2. Laura Short says:

    “Fall” doesn’t happen here in the Houston area until… umm…. ever! My trees usually loose their leaves in December / January 🙂 So summer weight fall clothes are necessary! Thanks for ideas and inspiration! Denim Skirts, Navy/Black linen pants, olive anything all work for our fall. I love the magenta you modeled; pretty! I bought some brown and some olive suede sandals… that’s fall, right?

  3. Living in News Orleans we need warm weather fall clothes. It sometimes doesn’t feel so much like fall in the Deep South.

  4. LOVE the plaid pumps!! Plaid always makes me feel like it’s fall!