We’ve reached the point of the summer where I’m sick of all my outfits. Whether I’m dressing for my 9-to-5 or headed out for the night with my friends, it seems like all of my summer pieces are calling me an outfit repeater. Of course, it’s still too soon to dig into my fall wardrobe—but as someone who shops online for a living, I’ve found the hack to looking chic year-round: Stocking my closet with transitional staples I can wear now and well into the fall.
When it comes to transitional style, there are a few key pieces to reach for on repeat. Think: White denim, flowy maxis, loose knits, linen, and bold colors that help you forget the fact that summer is dwindling down. They’re just as easy to wear now with flip flops and colorful accessories as they are in the autumn with button-downs, boots, and some strategic styling, of course.
To help you make the most of your closet for the next few weeks while also setting you up for an extremely fashionable fall, I’m breaking down chic outfit formulas you can wear now, then slightly tweak once the weather starts to turn. (The trick? Layers, baby!)
A colorful button-down
Once fall arrives, all of the color seems to disappear from my wardrobe—but this year, I’m determined not to let that happen. With a rainbow of button downs currently hanging in my closet, I’m reaching for a bold-hued top paired with flowy trousers (if it’s too warm for pants, a mini skirt would work just as well!). This outfit truly shines in the accessories; Peep the complementing sweater draped over the shoulders and the leopard print sneaks. If you see me strolling into the office in this ‘fit everyday come September, mind your business, please and thanks!
Madewell Signature Woven Shoulder Bag
A lightweight sweater
Something about a sweater and mini skirt combo really does it for me. I’m notorious for bringing a sweater to the beach to toss on over my bikini once the wind picks up—and these lightweight knits transition perfectly into fall. While you can easily get away with open-toed sandals like these on-trend wedges, and once autumn proper breezes in, swap ‘em for suede boots.
Ettika Open Circle Pendant
Your favorite white jeans
Repeat after me: We do not have to put away our white jeans after Labor Day. In fact, dare I say I prefer styling my white denim for fall and winter? (A chunky turtleneck sweater with white denim and boots? Chef’s kiss.) For late summer and early fall, try a monochromatic look. A white button down works just as well for August temperatures as it does come October with a cute sweater slung over your shoulders. And if you’re someone who needs a pop in every outfit, throw in a bold bag and a patterned satin scarf.
Meisee Mulberry Silk Scarf
A classic linen dress
As a major boat shoe fan, I’m prepping to style my favorite Amazon pair with the breezy linen dresses I’d usually put away the minute the weather turns crisp. Lest we forget that a denim jacket is a transitional fashion hero? While I’m usually partial to my traditional blue jean version, a black jacket lends an added level of sophistication. (Pro tip: You can also steal this outfit formula for your go-to maxi skirt and tank top combo.)
Cushionaire Anchor Boat Shoes
Cckuu Colorful Stripes Crossbody Bag
These controversial capris
Capris might be divisive, but the trend is here to stay. If you snagged a pair of these nostalgic pants recently, I have good news: You can style them well into fall (so long as you don’t mind having chilly calves). The trick? Pair them with fall-ready layers, like a tie-front jacket that’s easy to shed if it gets warm out, and closed-toed shoes, whether they’re chic sling backs or the jellies you’ve been wearing on repeat.
Cushionaire Romance Sling Back Loafer
Textured flats
Whether you’re team jelly mules or prefer mesh Mary Janes, the arrival of chillier weather doesn’t mean you have to stow away your collection of flats—even those with open, textured designs. This sleek, all-black outfit is exactly the vibe I want to channel: Sophisticated and put-together with a hint of edge. If you don’t have a nice black tank and trousers, this is your sign to hit add to cart on both of these closet staples. And while you’re at it, look for a belt brimming with sculptural details. Feel free to toss a blazer on top if you’re dressing for spaces with no chill when it comes to the A/C—or are bringing this ‘fit deep into fall.
Madison McGee is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines, primarily reporting on home, tech, fashion, and books across titles like Cosmopolitan, Esquire, House Beautiful, Country Living, ELLE, Town & Country, and more. Prior to joining Hearst, she covered pop culture and trending news at BuzzFeed and worked in book publishing. Madison is a graduate of both the University of Mississippi and New York University, where she received her Master’s in book publishing and magazine media. When she’s not writing gift guides, product reviews, and sales and deals content, she’s probably exploring New York City’s independent bookstores or cheering on the Baltimore Ravens.
