How to Transition Your Wardrobe from Summer to Fall

I like to think that I have a very well-rounded and balanced closet that represents every season. My favorite pieces in my closet and favorite pieces to shop for are dresses, sweaters, coats, and purses. However there are other items I consider to be my staples including great denim, loafers, boots/booties, and blouses that can go from work to fun. I tend to shop for a mix of pieces at approachable price points and at “investment” price points.

All the above pieces are my most worn items so I don’t mind investing more in them to ensure good quality that will hold up over time because I wear them so much that the price becomes worth it. I think about the above pieces in my closet when I go from season to season, which brings me to the point of this post: how to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall…

Twice a year, I step into my closet and do a huge overhaul and clean so that I can keep my closet fresh, relevant, and inspiring. My two closet clean outs occur after fall/winter and then again after spring/summer. Last week I actually had a calendar date to clean out my closet so I would stick to my guns and get it done (and because I had a big closet resale event last night!)! When my closet is so full that I can’t see anything, I start to hate everything in it, which is not the way I should feel about my clothes!

My #1 tip

It is to sell or donate everything not worn that season. If I see a dress, skirt, or blouse that I didn’t wear all spring or summer, then you can bet I won’t wear it the next spring or summer. Also, I look for items that I’ve worn into the ground, items that look outdated, or items that were never quite right (i.e. didn’t fit perfectly, were made of uncomfortable material, etc.). I made piles of items to donate and piles of items to sell. It feel so good to see bags of clothes removed from my closet and to be able to actually see what’s inside my closet. I cannot recommend a major closet cleanout enough if you’re thinking about how to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall.

My #2 tip

Once your closet is cleaned out, you can really asses what summer pieces can be styled into fall (I recommend reading these five past posts for more tips on this: one, two, three, four, five). Also, you can see what items you feel are worth it to purchase for the new season. For instance, if you said goodbye to a few classic white blouses from the summer because the styles were old or because the blouses were soiled, then you might want to invest in a new white blouse or two. White blouses will be your best friend all fall long with jeans (similar for less) and a blazer. In addition, if you made room in the dress section of your closet, think about scooping up a new dress that can be worn now or later in fall with booties.

Lastly, this might be the first time you are looking back at your fall/winter wardrobe in months. If you’re like me, then you cleaned out your closet at the end of last winter. I might have gotten rid of a few sweaters that appeared tired, shrunken, or were way too worn and pilly. Now, I can look ahead and decide to invest in a fresh cashmere sweater (similar for less) because I know I will wear it enough times from now through February/March to make it worth the price. Always think back to your list of favorite wardrobe items and closet staples that you build your wardrobe around! See, it all comes full circle!