How to Make Your Summer Style Work for Fall

It seems last week marked the official arrival of fall, as dropping temperatures and drizzly days prompted everyone to break out their long-dormant collections of knitwear and boots. While there's still a chance another heatwave will roll through before it gets truly chilly (#climatechange), it appears we're finally headed for crisp air and plenty of hygge, which, although long-anticipated, can be a jarring change in an era of Indian summers. For both sustainability and simplicity's sake, perhaps the way to go is revamping your favorite summer looks via layered pieces. Aside from saving money and reducing waste, curating your fall wardrobe in this way can be a fun challenge to exercise your creativity and bring a renewed aesthetic to those warm-weather pieces you aren't quite ready to retire for the year. As they say, layering is key, and whether you simplify your life with a capsule wardrobe or are just aiming for a bit of eco-friendly versatility, these nine techniques have the potential to create a truly eye-catching aesthetic.

You don’t have to say goodbye to t-shirts, tube tops, and the like once fall rolls around. Throwing a long sleeve shirt underneath is a classic move, as it’s easy and creates an instant outfit. Today's street style stars exhibit options far beyond layering t-shirts with two different sleeve lengths, wearing pieces like turtlenecks and mesh tops as underlayers. Brands like Marine Serre know the power of this as well, and Kendall Jenner reinvented a Richard Quinn mermaid gown at the Emmys by wearing a latex bodysuit by Vex Clothing underneath. This Topshop sweater would make a great layering piece, as the knit material provides plenty of warmth and the neutral color makes it go with anything.

Just like you can layer under your summer clothes, you can also layer over them. If some of your dresses feature open backs, exposed shoulders, or any other details that might be impractical for the cold, know you have more options than simply wearing a jacket all day. Pop a t-shirt or sweater over it and you’re good to go (and you just got a brand new skirt!). A cropped sweater or shirt is ideal so it falls at the waistline, but you also can tie your t-shirt into a knot for a similar effect. This RED Valentino sweater would go perfectly over a floral pattern (which, by the way, is trending for fall), and the pastel shade will stand out in a sea of black, brown, and burgundy, making it a subtle statement piece.

I can’t explain why, but I want to start wearing tights again, and I think I’m not the only one. A pair of sheer black tights under a skirt is a classic combination that never fails, and a pair of thick, colorful tights makes for a great pop of color when the chill gets more serious. But for those who want to make more of an impression, take some inspiration from the decade we all miss, the 2000s. Lean into that nostalgia and try pairing some shorts with tights—after all, short shorts were all over the Spring 2020 runways, and Gigi Hadid rocked a pairing just like this at Chanel, so you'll be in great company while staying ahead of the curve. Look for a nude tight with a pattern or embroidery if you want to keep the illusion of exposed legs but still want to add a playful touch, just like these Fendi socks covered in "Karligraphy," a print which made its appearance in various forms under neutral tailoring and mesmerizing sheer pieces in Karl Lagerfeld's final collection for the house this past February. Perhaps beyond the sentimental elements, that show was touching upon one of the coolest looks to try out for this season.

Incorporate a comfortable jacket, like a blazer or cardigan, that you can wear indoors as a way to turn your favorite bralette or crop top into something a bit more sophisticated and ready for fall. Cardigans provide exciting versatility, as their basic knit construction makes them easy to dress up or down or wear buttoned or open—truly anything goes. This Acne Studios cardigan is oversized, so it can worn open and slouchy, or can be belted to create a waist.

Have a cute pair of open-toed shoes you can’t bear to part with for a few months? Don’t worry, because pairing socks with sandals are acceptable, and it actually looks really cute—gone are the days of its endless association with dad core (though even that aesthetic has its place in the world of streetwear, especially following the wave of ugly sneakers and Balenciaga crocs). I like to contrast my pink velvet strappy heels with a pair of Nike compression socks. These Marc Jacobs socks provide a high-end version of that athletic look, which makes a cheeky complement to more elevated pieces.

Dressing up a sweatshirt is one of the best ways to get excited about leaving the house without sacrificing comfort. Pair a sweatshirt with nice jewelry and a pair of jeans and tuck it in to define the waist, and you’ve got a cozy-chic outfit. This sweatshirt from Everlane is made from 100% recycled polyester, and each one uses 35 renewed plastic bottles, so you can feel as good as you look.

Silky scarves have a timeless air of chic, and it's possible to wear them in seemingly infinite ways. A lightweight option is a perfect transition piece for fall, as it's an easy addition to a warmer-weather look but can be just as effective providing a bit of warmth. Tying it around your neck is chic and French, and a larger silk scarf can also make a long skirt more interesting: knotting two adjacent corners around your waist creates a cool layered look that elevates any outfit. This Off-White scarf has a beautiful floral pattern, and its understated color palette makes for a great transition piece.

For those suspiciously warm days in the fall, a pair of tall or chunky boots can be the perfect way to give your favorite summer dresses a distinctly autumnal look. A midi-length skirt looks great when paired with a chunky black boot or a pair of knee-high (or over-the-knee) boots. Follow the Western trend and wear these Paris Texas boots while taking your horse down to Old Town Road (or walking down Fifth Avenue or Rue Saint-Honoré. Really, it's whatever suits your fancy).