15 transitional outfits you can copy right now

Your summer staples are more versatile than you think

Fall always tries to trick me into thinking I need an entirely new wardrobe. But I really don’t. The pieces I wore to death in July are still going strong; they just look different with a few small swaps.

A lace skirt suddenly feels right with loafers. White jeans make sense again with a sweater. Even boxers somehow work under cashmere.

This in-between stretch is secretly my favorite season for getting dressed, because it feels playful instead of prescriptive. Here are five of my most-worn summer pieces and how I’m nudging them into fall.

White lace skirt
I bought this skirt back in March, convinced it would only work for spring and summer. But it’s turned into one of the pieces I’m most excited to wear through fall and winter (a California perk). I’ve been reaching for it so often that I finally caved and bought the black version, too.

Left: All summer I wore it with an oversized white tee, but a few swaps made it feel instantly autumnal. Loafers instead of sandals, a black cashmere sweater tossed over my shoulders, a statement necklace, and sunglasses.

Center: White lace feels less summery with a colorful sweater vest. The white piping ties it together, and all-black accessories keep it grounded for cooler weather.

Right: I’m really into rugby silhouettes right now, and this one balances the femininity of the skirt perfectly. The chocolate brown in the knit plays off the bag nicely, but the black boots weren’t it. What I really needed was brown, which I hunted for all last year and never found. I finally ordered a pair last night (for $150 here), so I’ll report back once they arrive!