Fashion

Transition dressing

September 16, 2020 /

Here in the Upper South, it will be hot (70’s/80’s) and humid for most of the month of September. We may be tired of our “summer” clothes, but it’s still way too hot to bust out the tweeds and sweaters, much less boots and scarves.

So……it’s time to use more autumnal colors with lightweight fabrics. Does that call for a separate in-between wardrobe? No! It just calls for some creativity and planning. No ads or gifted products here, but a couple of good suggestions…

My first example is this much-loved linen dress purchased last year in Italy. A puchase made in minutes before a shop closed, to tide me over until a lost suitcase arrived, it has proved to be the base for a dozen outfits so far. Here it’s paired with a kimono from the greatly-missed Charming Charie and my Tom’s platform sandals from this summer.

It seems time to put the sandals back into storage, but it’s still warm enough to wear pumps with bare legs (which still retain a hint of summer color). I wear this paisley skirt in winter with navy tights, but the dark jewel-tones work well for fall as well. Pumps on bare feet in the past would have meant blisters for sure, but the discovery of Sheec no-show socks has been a real godsend, whether with deck shoes or heels (use code JODIE for 15% off!).

This pink linen dress purchased at the beach (read about that here) got dressed up with an ancient thrifted cardigan, a grey felt hat from a trip to the horseraces at Del Mar, my Tibetan shoes from Wilmington, and my “Seussical” earrings from Gathered Mercantile in Versailles – could I have a more eclectic outfit?

You know those days when an outfit has to do double-duty? I was going to work in my office, but also to visitation at a church for a dearly-departed friend. I didn’t want flashy jewelry, but also knew I’d be freezing in the air conditioning at work, and worried how the AC would be at the church (dressed up people get hot). I pulled out this Land’s End ponte knit dress from several seasons ago with a navy belt and pumps, and a scarf that is actually a filmy poncho, bought on vacation in Florida. Again, the Sheec socks came to the rescue with the pumps.

Here’s that hardworking Italian linen dress AGAIN, because I think with this vest (White Stag, from the church bazaar 10 years ago), it has a real late-summer/autumn vibe…

Finally, this is my most-loved purchase of the spring, an L.L. Bean linen (yes, one-track mind…) tunic that I adore. It’s cool when it’s hot, and I’m layering with camis and tanks now, and with turtlenecks a little later. The linen was a little stiff when new, but I’m wearing and washing a lot, often in plain water, to soften it up.

If you’ve still got warm weather, enjoy it. I’m waiting for more of a cool snap before the big semi-annual closet turnover (read about that here ). Then it’ll be like Christmas when I see my old friends in wool and fleece….

Tell me in the comments what you do to transition to fall, when your heart says cosy and the thermometer says steamy?

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10 Comments

  • Stefanie

    September 16, 2020 at 1:14 pm Reply

    I miss Charmling Charlie, too!!!! Your looks are so perfect; that linen dress from Italy is a 10 especially how you work it!!! It IS really challenging to dress in the south for ‘fall!” Thanks for a few practical, but stylish and fun, ideas!!!

  • jodie filogomo

    September 16, 2020 at 5:30 pm Reply

    I’m telling you…you make it look like it’s cooling down there. You’d laugh how I’ve even been taking photos with jackets and jeans (even though it’s only cooled down to 100!!)
    But I love the variety we can pull out, AND I don’t miss freezing my tookus off either!!
    LOVE, love, love these all.
    XOOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  • Connie Wright Stanley

    September 17, 2020 at 2:46 pm Reply

    M.K. always enjoy your fun posts.
    My fall wardrobe changes little here in Southwest Florida. I am still spending most of my time at home. My recent outings have been to the doctor and the hospital for a procedure. I did laugh when the nurse asked (I was already in the hospital gown) what attire I had with me to wear home, shorts, shirt, pants,sandals or shoes. I smiled brightly and let her know I dressed up for the big occasion. DRESS and Sparkly SANDALS. She looked at be like WHAT…?
    Take care and I hope to use some of your good advice when life hopefully returns to norma.
    Connie Wright Stanley
    Southwest Florida

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