“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Signs of the changing season surround us. The days are stretching just a bit longer, while here in the Tri-State region, the air is turning cooler. Children are back in their classrooms, and just the other night, the western part of my state even had a frost advisory—unusual this early in autumn! Everywhere you look, people are reaching for pumpkin lattes, apple crisp, and hearty soups instead of summer salads. Even our wardrobes are preparing for the shift.

Retailers push their Fall lines as early as July, and many continue well into September. For many of us, this brings back the memory of new school wardrobes—the excitement of fresh clothes that marked the passage of time. That ritual wasn’t just practical (thanks to growth spurts and school dress codes); it was emotional. The smell of new fabric or a pair of leather shoes carried magic. A single outfit could spark confidence, joy, and a new season of possibility.

Today, however, most of us don’t need an entirely new wardrobe every Fall. Last year’s clothes often still fit and serve us well. Buying a full wardrobe season after season isn’t just expensive—it’s damaging to the environment, too.

So, before you run to grab the “latest and greatest” Fall fashions, try something different this year:

Step One: Take Inventory

Go through your closet with intention.

If you haven’t worn a piece in the past season—or it doesn’t fit, flatter, or function—it’s time to let it go. Keep the staples you love and note only the true gaps that need filling. Shop slowly for investment pieces instead of impulse buys.

Step Two: Fall-ify Your Wardrobe

Here’s where the fun begins. The key to extending your summer pieces into Fall is layering.

Layer Over: Transition your summer dresses by pairing them with cardigans, cropped sweaters, denim jackets, or blazers. Even a simple tied button-down at the waist can create a chic Fall look.

Layer Underneath: Slip long-sleeved tops—like turtlenecks, blouses, or button-downs—under sleeveless dresses and tops. Choose thinner fabrics that won’t add bulk.

Accessories Make the Season

Fall Colors: When in doubt, look to nature. Think of autumn leaves, pumpkins, and gourds: forest green, chestnut brown, burgundy, pumpkin orange, caramel, ochre, taupe, and deep plum.

Footwear: While sandals work for warm days, Fall weather often calls for closed-toe shoes, boots, or booties. I’ve been living in my Viavia Water Repellent Sneaker Bottom Boots (in khaki and black)—no break-in needed, comfortable for miles, and they go with nearly everything.

Hats & Scarves: Switch from lightweight summer fabrics to wool, felt, corduroy, or suede. Add rich-colored scarves in cashmere or heavy wool for instant Fall texture.

Bags: Replace straw and canvas summer bags with sturdier options in leather, suede, or heavy canvas. I love carrying my printed denim bag with a muted grapevine print—it reminds me of harvest season (and a little grape stomping adventure this summer!).

My Personal Challenge

Yes, I’m practicing what I preach. This Fall, I’m taking my sustainable style journey further: I’ll be wearing one of my natural fiber dresses for the next 30 days straight (washing during those days, of course!). This experiment is all about proving that with a little layering and creativity, one piece can easily carry you from late summer into deep Fall.

How do you transition your Summer wardrobe into Fall?