How To Transition Your Summer Clothes Into Fall When It’s Still Hot AF

8 tips on how to get more wear out of your summer faves, courtesy of Style Panel

Traditionally, September has meant putting fall fashion pieces into rotation, and even with a rare heat wave in the mix, (yes, it’s hard to start thinking about velvet slips and sweaters when it is still hot AF) we thought it time to ask the Style Panel for advice on how to transition our wardrobes seamlessly into the next season. Whether it’s layering slip dresses over white t-shirts or working off-the-shoulder tops with darker-toned pieces, here are eight style tips on how to get more wear out of your summer faves when the temperature dips (eventually).

Question 167: How do you wear your favourite summer pieces for fall?


how to transition summer clothes into fall conni

Conni Jespersen, 35
Toronto | Art in the Find

This Colazza blue floral jumper from Anthropologie was a summer purchase. Not only was this a great one piece outfit, but before I purchased it I thought about a few ways that I could make this a summer-into-fall piece. Making the most out of your pieces will save you a whole lot of time and you’ll get the most bang for your buck. Tip on how to do that? Before you purchase, visualize how you’re going to wear something at least two to three different ways. Do you think you can do that? If so, purchase!

Add a statement piece
One way to spice up any outfit is to add one of your favourite pieces of jewellery. I added a vintage blue necklace that I purchased at a local consignment shop a few years back. Whenever I’m looking to add a bit more to my simple outfit, I’ll throw on this necklace.

Wear it with a blazer
Heading to work? Throw on your jumper and layer it with a blazer. It has a way of making an outfit look more sophisticated. Find one that is easy to wear and fits just right (read: comfortable when giving a hug).

Add a pair of work-appropriate heels
High, high heels just aren’t my thing anymore, but wedges or kitten heels I can do! Especially with my blue floral jumper, low heels will do just fine.



Laura Mitbrodt, 31
Victoria | Laura Jane Atelier

I like to transition my favourite summer dresses into fall by layering fall pieces and adding accessories like a bold hat. You can easily wear a maxi dress into fall if you add a chunky cardigan and tights to keep warm. My burgundy hat really completes the look and the colour screams fall.

Laura’s wearing: Dress, Marshall’s. Hat, AMI Club Wear. Necklace, Stephanie Kantis.



Kayla Short, 29
Halifax | Short Presents

Truth be told fall is actually my favourite time of year for getting dressed. It’s not too hot and not too cold: it’s just right. Fall weather is especially perfect for layering, and one of this season’s biggest trends is the slip dress layered over the white tee. So don’t toss those summer dresses just yet because they still have some life in them.

Kayla’s wearing: Dress, Aritzia. T-shirt, Envy Clothing Co. Shoes, Converse via Soft Moc. Bag, Auxillary via Aritzia. Watch, Daniel Wellington.



Becky Kung, 32
Calgary | Velvet & Vino

The denim mini skirt was a summer staple for me all season long and I’m excited to transition this closet essential into the fall season. With a few fall touches, I love wearing little denim skirts into the fall season. By swapping out the summery sandals and tank tops with black ankle booties and a fitted full neck knit top, my look is now completely fall ready.

Becky’s wearing: Top, H&M. Skirt, H&M. Boots, Topshop. Bag, Le Chateau.



Liat Neuman, 39
Toronto | YomanChic

As a summer person, I am still not ready to ditch my favourite summer pieces, like dresses and rompers. But when it starts to cool down, there is no other choice but to open up my mind and find alternative ways.

Although rompers are considered a summer piece, it can transition easily from summer days to the chilly days of autumn. Simply layer it with a lightweight jacket or a trench coat and finish off with a pair of classy sneakers.

Liat’s wearing: Romper, Club Monaco. Jacket, Zara. Sneakers, Geox. Sunglasses, Free People. Bag, Michael Kors



Katie Rose Decoeli, 29
Halifax | Wild Rosebuds

This summer was definitely the summer for dresses. So, being a new mom, I stocked up on figure flattering ones with the ability to breastfeed in. The great part about summer dresses is that all you have to do to carry them through the next two seasons is pair them with opaque tights, a chunky knit and boots. Even the lightest coloured and floral prints will instantly look fall when you add these three pieces to your outfit.



Krystin Tysire, 22
Vancouver | Girl in Betsey

I styled this pink bomber for fall by giving it an edgy look with black ripped denim, a plain white t-shirt and my go-to Adidas Superstar sneakers. I think you can definitely get away with pastels for the colder season by pairing them with winter appropriate pieces such as scarves, sweaters, knits and items in darker colours. It also gives your summer wardrobe a new life, score!

Krystin’s wearing: Jacket, Forever 21. Jeans, Topshop. Sneakers, Adidas.

Photography by Eric Branover

Jessica Concannon, 30
Montreal | WestmountFashionista

The off-the-shoulder style that was so popular this past summer also works beautifully for fall, especially when it is long sleeved and in a gorgeous jewel tone like this rich blue. These olive green pants are also another great carryover item from the summer.

Previously, I had styled them with little gold slides and a white t-shirt. However, now that I’ve been shifting towards richer fall colours and fabrics, they also prove to be the perfect sartorial mates. Once the chill starts creeping into the air, I’ll be styling these pants with knits as well.

Jessica’s wearing: Top, pants, shoes, Le Chateau. Bag, Valentino.

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