Is Your Closet Almost Ready for Autumn?

Ah yes, it is about that time where we need to get our closet ready to transition from summer into autumn.

We seem to not want to let go of summer… and then fall creeps up on us. Then, we are stuck, because the mornings can be cold but the afternoons are still warm. We want to avoid being too cold in the morning but then also being too sweaty later on during the day! So, we are often left trying to figure out which pieces we should have in our closet during this transition.

I definitely have some tried and true staple pieces that I carry into the fall season. I’d love to share them with you all. Not only have they helped me stay at just the right temperature throughout the days, but they have also made me appreciate how versatile pieces can be if you just get creative. Let’s get to it, with keeping in mind that some of the fall 2020 trends include: shag, balloon sleeves, suits, pointed-toe shoes and more… thank you Vogue.

PS. I am linking to pieces that I own and adore. They may be out of stock, as I have purchased them quite some time ago. I also share great alternative options which honestly I will probably end up buying after this is published because that is such a ‘me’ thing to do!

1. Long Dresses

Dresses with “balloon sleeves” or “puff sleeves” are all the rage right now, no matter if the dress itself is long or short, the sleeves add character. To me, a dramatic puffy sleeve on a lengthy dress gives off elegance and grace. If the puffy sleeve is too much… and I get it, then a regular long sleeve and lengthy dress with a wrap around the waist and/or some sort of print is a great choice too. My favourite prints right now for dresses like this are either an animal print in earthy brown and green tones, or a polka-dot print in black and white.

Often times, during the early stages of fall, I like to choose a lighter material when it comes to longer dresses so that I am not sweating during the day. Later into the fall when it is a lot colder, I wear knit dresses. These dresses can be worn with a leather jacket or trench coat over top for added warmth. Longer dresses are perfect overall. The right ones can be paired with a white sneaker for an everyday look during the warmer time period and then also worn to more sophisticated scenarios with a pair of flats, heels or light booties. In other words, I wear them to work, to family get-togethers and out on weekends with friends.

Do not get intimidated and think that you will look as though you are drowning in the dress. Order the right size so that it does not flow too far away from your body. I am 5 ft 3, weigh 125 pounds and love this look. Simply make sure that the shoes you choose to pair the dress with are not too chunky or high and do not go heavy with accessories.

Here are some of my favourite dress finds:

Puff Sleeve Bustier Ruffle Hem Polka Dot Mini (Boohoo)

Little Moon Celestia Dress (Aritzia)

The Group by Babaton Henley Sweater Dress (Aritzia)

2. Blazers

If you know me, you know that I own multiple blazers. I love them because I can style them in SO many different ways. For an elevated look, I will wear a blazer with a classy dress pant, either to work or during a night out on the town. These pieces can be light and breathable if you choose the right ones. For a casual look, I will wear a blazer with a vintage t-shirt and jeans from Revolve. What is great is that when transitioning from summer to fall, I can wear a blazer in the morning when it’s colder, but then I can simply remove it and have an outfit that is more suitable for the warmer part of the day and then put it back on when it is cold again at night. My favourite blazers are:

Wilfred Cherrelle Jacket (Aritzia)

Long Double Breasted Blazer (Zara)

Oversized Double Breasted Jacket (Zara)

Now, I will add – most of the blazers that I own are in black and white. For the purpose of this article and the fact that fall is arriving soon, the colours to go for now are: browns, greys and a plaid pattern in earthy tones. For something bold – an emerald green would be quite beautiful. This summer I ordered a blazer and dress pant in a powdered blue. A power-suit in a bold colour depending on the season is so fabulous and definitely an eye-catcher. I personally believe that every lady at some point in their life should try this – it makes you feel pretty rad.

One last thing before moving along… cropped blazers are expected to be very popular this fall. A cropped blazer is a sure way to not get too sweaty during the earlier days of the season. I think that a cropped blazer with a high-waisted dress pant, or jeans and heels would look lovely.

3. Dress Pants

I have briefly touched upon dress pants above. I am so attached to the ‘Babaton Conan Pant – Long’ from Aritzia. They are so comfy and light that I actually wear them in the spring, summer and fall. Just think, in the morning, you can wear this type of pant with a tank top (preferably a bodysuit to look more streamlined), or a very light blouse and then a blazer or light cardigan over top, and then by the afternoon you can just wear the pant with the tank top or light blouse and you are good to go. On weekends, you can wear the pants with a very casual white t-shirt and sneakers or combat boots. I own all neutral colours in this exact pant.

4. Flowy Button-Ups

You know those long sleeve tops that are airy and can be worn buttoned-up or down? The best ones come from Aritzia. The Wilfred New Flowy Button-Up is specifically my favourite. This is an amazing transition piece because when it is buttoned-up it is warm enough for cooler mornings and then during the day a few buttons can be undone to make it feel lighter. Pairing this top with jeans or dress pants is easy. I have it in both black and white. I love wearing it buttoned-up on its own with only a simple bralette underneath. Towards the colder part of autumn, this looks super classy underneath a trench coat.

5. Pointed-toe Mules