Beauty

13 Genius Ways to Dress Like It’s Fall When it’s Still Totally Hot Outside

By Jenn Rose Smith

In Dallas there’s an old urban myth that we love: supposedly the ac bills go up every year in the fall because the ladies are that dedicated to wearing fall fashions as soon as they hit the racks at Neimans. All joking aside, it’s an annual fashion crisis in Texas. The weather in September (and even October) is still just too sweltering to wear the fall looks we’re so, so excited about. In Austin we have what I like to call a “faux fall” — a quality of light and even some foliage that looks like fall, but that crisp cool air is typically nowhere to be found. Over the years I’ve gotten pretty creative about how to incorporate my excitement for the season into looks that are actually wearable (without the astronomical electric bill). Read on for my 13 tricks for incorporating fall themes into your wardrobe when it’s still muggy outside and remember: stay cool, y’all.

featured image from vogue

1. Pair a burgundy felt hat with your favorite black cotton dress.

Elements of Fall Hat from Fiore Boutique

2. Slip into silk separates in a rich hue.

Leoda Blouse and Leonora Skirt in Goldenrod from Ulla Johnson 

3. Trade in your straw tote for a duffel in rich vegan leather.

Mason Satchel by Sole Society

4. Rock a pair of green wellies with your favorite cut offs.

Hunter Women’s Original Tall Wellies

5. Add a velvet choker to your favorite tank top.

Georgine Velvet Choker by Moorea Seal

6. Tie a black ribbon around the collar of your favorite summer blouse.

Toledo Silk Blouse from Joie

7. Go for dark florals in a light fabric.

Dolce Vita Dress by Sole Society

8. Rock a pair of black mary janes with bare legs.

Tartt Velvet Mary Jane Pumps from SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker

9. Add a dash of black-and-white gingham.

Central Shirt in Gingham Check from Madewell

10. Cut the sleeves off last year’s cotton turtleneck.

Brunello Cucinelli knit sweater

11. Add a suede tassel to your favorite handbag.

Fringe Bag Tag in Dark Cabernet from Madewell

12. Trade in your denim mini for a corduroy one.

Tilda Corduroy Skirt by Joie

13. Wear a silk scarf around your neck with your favorite white tee.

Bengali Indigo Squares Bandana from Madewell