Summer to Fall Transitional Outfit Ideas

Brighton Butler transitional look, Levi's ribcage denim wide leg, mules, cream sweater, simple transitional outfit

Outfit Details: sweater (wearing size XS) // jeans (had them hemmed, fit is tts) // mules (fit is tts) // crossbody bag

Today’s post is very “style blogger” of me, but transitional style really is something I get asked about a lot, and to be honest, I enjoy it, so here’s a post about it! The weather can just be tricky this time of year and throughout the next few months where it might be cold in the morning but much warmer in the afternoon. So to give y’all some ideas, I’ve found a handful of outfit ideas from the last few years that I think tackle this problem really well.

I also have a few key formulas for helping put together these transitional looks:

Ok, so number one is probably the most obvious – dress in layers. This way once the temperatures start creeping up you can peel back some layers and you don’t have to boil all day in a sweater.

Number two is to dress warmer up top and cooler down below. I have a few examples of this style below but basically a skirt or shorts paired with a sweater or top and cardigan. This allows you some breathing room if temps clumb while also keeping you warm if necessary.

And my third tip for transitional outfits is to dress in lighter materials – think sheer layers or flowy tops and skirts. This makes it easier to catch a breeze and just stay cooler in general throughout the later parts of the day. And if it does get chilly you can always add a moto or jean jacket!

Transitional Outfit Ideas:

Now you know my secret formulas lol but in case you still need visuals, like I said, I have some transitional outfit ideas for y’all below!

1. Midi Skirt + Sweater + Booties

I love a midi skirt moment and think they’re such a great transitional staple! Style yours with a tee and sneakers or dress it up with heels and a tank. I love it here too with a sweater and booties!

Brighton Butler wearing a midi skirt and black long sleeve top

2. Skirt + Sweater + Booties

A perfect example of the warmer up top and cooler down below concept. I love doing shorter skirts and a sweater this time of year, especially paired with booties. It’s got fall vibes but you won’t get too hot with your legs out.

Fall Bucket List Madewell Skirt Sweater Booties

3. Lightweight Blouse + Jeans + Booties

A long sleeve top and denim might feel a bit risky but this top is very flowy and the material is extremely light so it works great when it’s 60 in the morning but 75 by the afternoon time. You could easily throw on a moto jacket with this too!

transitional fall outfit on brighton keller star print top with black jeans, white booties

4. Belted Maxi Dress + Mules

Flowy midi dresses for the win!! I need to wear more looks like this, this year – really loving the belt + flowy dress combo. I also did a mule with this look to keep things a bit cooler temperate-wise since most of my body is covered. Shoes definitely play an important piece of the puzzle too!

brighton keller wearing animal print dress with mules and belt on white wall

5. Black jeans + sandals + poncho

Speaking of shoes playing an important piece of the puzzle! This look reads classic fall until you get to the shoes, which is exactly why I pulled this outfit from the BTD archives. The open-toe vibe paired with a cardigan adds a transitional twist that combines both summer and fall.

brightontheday wearing black and brown combination for transitional fall outfit

6. Midi Tee Dress + Sneakers

The most classic transitional style look in my opinion. I LOVE a casual midi dress with a jacket or cardigan tied around my waist with sneakers. Could easily live in this outfit for the next few months!

7. Midi Dress + Cardigan + Loafers

Another fantastic midi dress option with more of a duster-style cardigan, which is something everyone should have in their closet if you ask me. If you work in a casual office this would be a great option, especially with those animal print loafers!

brighton keller wearing fall basics black dress leopard loafers tan cardigan

8. Midi Skirt + Tank + Moto Jacket

First, I have to call out the monotone color palette because I’m obsessed. This picture is from 3-4 years ago and I would easily wear this outfit again – love it!! the flowy skirt and layered knit and moto is such a great option for this time of year.

suede jacket, silk skirt, sweater tank, gucci bag, and suede pumps // monochromatic fall outfit // mixing textures for fall

9. Leather Shorts + Blazer + Booties

Another warm up top and cool on the bottom example that I love. You can never go wrong with paper bag shorts layered with a blazer. If it’s a bit cooler you could even put tights on under the shorts if you’re into that look.

Fall Trends I'm Excited About Plaid Blazer Leather Shorts Booties

10. Belted Sweater Dress + Suede Jacket + Booties

When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a good jacket! Denim is great and works with almost all outfits but I think the brown suede here is a nice twist! Whoever said brown and black don’t work together clearly didn’t know what they were talking about!!

Brighton Butler wearing a black sweater dress, white belt, brown jacket and white booties

11. Jumpsuit + Light Jacket

I’ve been VERY into utility jackets this year so I wanted to be sure to include a utility jacket-inspired look! Also, notice the shoe situation again here! Long pants and a jacket, so open-toe to bring in a bit of the summer vibes.

12. Layered Shirt + Tank + Jeans + Mules

Shackets are back! They’re a fall staple and if you didn’t hop on the trend last year, now is the time! Shop the look here.

2021 - brighton butler transitional fall look agolde jeans gucci mules plaid shacket leatherology bag

13. Lightweight Sweater + Mom Jeans + Slides

Brown tones are always an easy way to transition into fall. Also CLOGS! Do we love or hate them? I just bought a new pair and I’m obsessed. Shop the look here.

Brighton Butler transitional look, Levi's ribcage denim wide leg, mules, cream sweater, simple transitional outfit

 

Hopefully these ideas give you some inspiration for what to wear during this tricky time with the weather! Do you have a go-to transitional style outfit?!