18 Summer-to-Fall Transition Outfits to Wear Right Now
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As we say goodbye to summer and welcome in fall, it's time to refresh our wardrobes for the months ahead. Navigating this shift in style is the perfect opportunity to bring the best of both seasons into your outfits!
In this blog post, I’m sharing 18 summer-to-fall transition outfits that will help you smoothly carry your style from one season to another. From suede jackets and lightweight knitwear to midi skirts and leather boots, these early fall outfits will have you looking effortlessly stylish, no matter the temperature. Here’s what to wear now for the transitional weather.
Getting your wardrobe fall-ready? Don’t miss these posts:
Summer-to-Fall Transition Outfits
1. Polo Shirt + Lace Skirt
Lace-trim pieces, whether shorts, dresses, skirts, or tops, were everywhere this summer. This look above is the perfect example of how to take a lacy skirt seamlessly into fall.
Pairing a shorter skirt with a cozy sweater adds warmth while keeping the outfit suitable for unpredictable September weather. I personally love the polo-style knit that feels very current while also dressing down the lace for a more casual vibe.
Slip on some mules and add a suede tote for the perfect fusion of summer texture and autumn richness.
2. Suede Skirt + Mules
This is the perfect pre-fall look for the office. A rich suede pencil skirt instantly signals the shift toward cooler months, and the warm camel tone? A classic neutral that’s oh-so seasonal.
Pair it with a brown blouse that won’t be too heavy for late summer. Into October and November, you could easily swap it out for a heavier knit.
What makes this ensemble especially versatile are the open-toe heels, a chic footwear option for warmer evenings. For your fall work wardrobe, you might opt for a pointed-toe kitten heel, ballet flats or knee-high boots.
The trio of luxe textures (suede, silk and leather) make this a refined transitional outfit that will carry you from desk to drinks.
3. Barn Jacket + Babydoll Dress
Alexa Chung is my forever non-French “French” style muse. She always nails effortlessly cool dressing, even when it comes to transition outfits.
I’ve been seeing babydoll dresses (like the one she’s wearing in this look) all over this summer. She makes it instantly fall-ready by pairing it with a barn jacket and black patent knee-high boots. She styled the same mini dress over on TikTok with a navy blue trench and ballet flats.
However you choose to style it, your airy summer dresses can definitely be worn well into September with the right outerwear and accessories.
4. Off-the-Shoulder Knit + Ankle Boots
Photo credit: @marie_teissonniere
I’m all about the poncho trend that dominated my Pinterest feed this summer. Thankfully, you can easily bring the capes and off-the-shoulder styles into fall by pairing them with tailored trousers and high-waisted jeans.
For an edgy element, I love the snake-print ankle boots as seen in the outfit above. But if sandal season is still in swing where you are, swap them for strappy open-toe heels.
Add the finishing touches: statement-making studs and your favorite shoulder bag. This is exactly the kind of outfit I would wear for grabbing a glass of vin en terrasse while the evenings are still mild here in Strasbourg.
5. Cardigan + Denim Bermuda Shorts
Mix light and dark tones to ease your wardrobe into the cooler months. This summer-fall transition outfit is a great example of how to do it.
The black cardigan and white denim shorts give you some extra coverage while still being summer-appropriate. Bermuda shorts were a popular piece this summer, and their longer length are perfect for early fall too.
A slouchy black shoulder bag and coordinating flats help polish it all off. I’m definitely sporting this look now and with straight-leg jeans later into the season.
6. White Dress + Suede Jacket + Sandals
A white dress is the ultimate summer staple, but layered under a suede jacket, it becomes an easy fall transition piece.
Suede outerwear was on everyone’s wishlist last autumn, so if you embraced the trend, now’s the best time to bring it back. Strappy sandals keep the look light for lingering warm days, but you can easily opt for ballet flats or ankle boots as temperatures begin to feel more frigid.
When you’re not ready to commit to full-on fall layers, this outfit is one to copy for in-between weather.
7. Leather Jacket + Pedal Pushers
Photo credit: @leiasfez
Pedal pushers and capri pants were a staple this spring and summer, and they look just as cool well into September (and even October if the weather plays nice).
Throw on a cropped leather jacket for just the right amount of warmth without tipping totally into fall layering. On warmer days, you can ditch the jacket and just don a fitted tank or baby tee.
Sleek black sandals keep the vibe fresh and summery, but swap in Mary Janes or ballet flats when the temps drop.
8. Lace Trim Tank + Car Coat
This transitional outfit blends breezy summer textures with autumn-ready outerwear. Lacy satin camisoles were a major trend for summer 2025, but just because colder days are on the horizon, doesn’t mean you have to pack them away already.
Style yours with tailored white shorts and an oversized beige trench for that first layer of fall warmth. Black square-toe heels are a chic, transitional shoe choice (closed-toe but still breathable).
I’m definitely bookmarking this look for a casual evening out in September.
9. Wardrobe Classics + Suede Loafers
Transitional outfits are all about versatility. You want to focus on pieces that can easily be mixed and matched. A quintessential example is a crisp white button-down, and it’s likely a staple already hanging in your closet.
Pair it with jeans and loafers for an early fall ensemble. The mix of black and brown hues in this outfit above are perfect for the season: a camel leather watch pairs beautifully with suede loafers in a similar shade. Add black wayfarer sunglasses and a matching shoulder bag et voilà.
10. Mini Dress + Bomber Jacket
Photo credit: @annelauremais
Even in the fall, some days can still be quite warm. If you’re wondering what to wear on a hot fall day, consider a mini dress paired with a leather bomber jacket. If leather feels too much, switch it out for a denim jacket or a button-down shirt left undone.
This autumn, I’m loving the gray and brown color combo, and the outfit above does it perfectly. The LGD (little gray dress) with the brown leather jacket is great for warmer temperatures without screaming summer.
Complete the outfit with Mary Janes or loafers and a matching bag for a simple summer-to-fall look. When evening rolls around, you can easily dress up this ensemble with your favorite pair of heels.
11. Cream Jacket + Bordeaux Heels
Photo credit: @sofiagrainge
Early autumn outfits are all about mixing your favorite summer pieces with fresh fall staples. During this transitional time, find new ways to style your warm-weather wardrobe.
Sofia Richie Grainge does this effortlessly with a cream jacket from summer and a basic tee styled with light-wash denim. Add a pair of fall-ready red heels, and you’re set for an evening out. A taupe top handle completes her summer-to-fall outfit perfectly.
And for a day of errands or casual outings, simply swap the heels for a fall flat.
12. Knit Pullover + White Skirt
Photo credit: @marvaldel
Midi or maxi, long skirts were made for this time of year. If you love the cotton poplin styles that were incredibly trendy this summer, good news: they can easily be worn into early fall.
For warm days, wear it with a tucked-in blouse and sandals. As temperatures dip, layer it with a knit pullover. Obsessed with chocolate brown this season? Style this combo with suede ballet flats in a rich brown hue and a matching handbag.
I can see myself in this look for a day at the office or even a casual weekend.
13. Trench Coat + Sneakers
When the sun is still shining but it’s a bit breezy out, it's time to revisit your favorite spring outfits. My mind immediately goes to all my trench coat looks. With a few tweaks, these spring staples can easily work for fall.
To get the look above, start with the basics. A white tee and jeans make the perfect base on those in-between days. Then, layer on your trench coat. Beige, khaki, and other neutrals are timeless, but don’t hesitate to try darker hues like navy, olive green, and maroon for fall.
Complete the look with sneakers and a suede tote bag (everyone is currently talking about this one from Gap). Darker shades will instantly give your outfit a fall feel.
14. Knit Vest + Trousers
When September rolls around, but you aren’t ready for turtlenecks and boots quite yet, this quiet luxury outfit is one to turn to. A sleeveless turtleneck in a creamy neutral plays perfectly against tailored white trousers.
To complete the look, add a structured top-handle bag and oversized sunnies, then ground it all with chic cap-toe flats.
Whether you’re heading to a brunch date or a casual day at the office, this look is effortlessly sophisticated with just enough cozy to carry you stylishly into autumn.
15. Mini Skirt + Trench Coat
Layering is your secret weapon for mastering the summer-to-fall transition. Start with a lightweight, summer-friendly base and gradually build up as the temperatures drop.
To copy this French girl fit, pair a simple white tee with a mini skirt, then top it off with a sleek trench coat for a mix of casual and polished. As the weather cools, swap the T-shirt for a sweater and the mini skirt for a midi or maxi style.
Finish off the look with open-toe mules or knee-high boots. Don’t forget stylish sunnies and a shoulder bag to complete this early fall ensemble that’s also incredibly adaptable.
16. Crewneck Knit + Mini Skirt
Don't retire your favorite mini skirt just yet; you can easily style it into the fall months.
Pair yours with a lightweight crewneck sweater and trendy sneakers in late summer. As cooler days arrive, I would style it with knee-high boots and wool coat to cozy it up for fall.
The simplest of accessories really round out this summer-to-fall fit. Add a classic handbag, cat-eye sunnies and a dainty watch to make it feel elevated.
This is exactly what I would wear for a day in the city or really any occasion when I’m doing a lot of walking. You could also bookmark this look for an early fall trip to Paris!
17. Tank + White Denim Skirt
Give your white denim skirt a fresh fall twist by pairing it with an elevated tank top. This combination effortlessly bridges the gap between seasons.
To elevate the outfit even more, all you need are slingback heels, a minimalist leather belt, and a matching suede handbag.
Heading to the office or happy hour? This makes the perfect day-to-night uniform when the temperatures are all over the place.
18. Linen Pants + Leather Jacket
Linen gets a lot of love (and wear) during the summer, but you can certainly style it into September. The easiest way is by pairing fall pieces with a pair of linen pants.
Take inspiration from this look above that features striped linen trousers, worn with an oversized leather jacket and basic ballerinas. Depending on the day's temperature, layer with a tee or a soft cashmere sweater underneath.
I personally love the contrast of floaty summer pieces with edgier fall staples.
Which of these fall transition outfits is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.
