Summer-to-Fall Wardrobe Essentials: 9 Styles to Rent NOW

See what I’ve been wearing

Jen Mastrud

Late fall/early summer is THEE most difficult time of the year to get dressed. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly evenings make it nearly impossible to remain comfortable while also looking seasonably appropriate. What does “seasonably appropriate” even mean this time of year? If you’ve ever arrived “too fall” when everyone else was dressed more summery, you know the struggle. With help from Armoire’s professional stylists, we’re here with nine styles to rent to ace your pre-fall look. These summer-to-fall wardrobe essentials will bridge your favorite summer items into autumn at just the right pace.

But First, Accessories to the Rescue

How you style your wares this time of year is as important as the styles you wear. Bring in the right accessories. Flip-flops, especially those made from rubber or other flimsy materials, are typically too casual and summery for fall. Trade them for sturdier footwear options. Ankle boots are perfect for fall and can be worn with dresses, skirts, or jeans. Look for neutral colors like black, brown, or tan. Pair knee-high boots with short summer dresses or skirts to keep your legs warm while still showing off your favorite pieces. Wear tights under dresses and skirts to add warmth. You can choose classic black or experiment with textured or patterned tights for added interest. This combination is both stylish and practical for cooler weather.

A scarf can instantly make an outfit feel more autumnal. Opt for knitted scarves in fall colors like pumpkin, mustard, and olive green, or a classic fall pattern like plaid in a warm flannel. A wide-brimmed hat or a beret can add a touch of fall to any outfit while also providing warmth. Choose materials like wool or felt for a seasonal feel.

9 Summer-to-Fall Wardrobe Essentials You Need for Pre-Fall

Where I live in Minnesota, the shift from summer to fall can happen quickly, leaving little time to adjust. If your climate is like mine, plan ahead. Armoire offers seasonal capsules for these circumstances. A seasonal capsule allows you to rent four essentials to keep for the season while still receiving your regular cases. Now is the time to order a capsule of summer-to-fall wardrobe essentials so you have what you need for the transition whenever it strikes. These essentials will allow you to creatively layer and make use of your favorite summer rentals.

1. Denim Jacket: A classic denim jacket is perfect for layering over summer dresses, tank tops, camis, or tees. It adds just the right amount of warmth without looking or feeling too heavy. Armoire stylists love the denim-on-denim look this year, so go ahead and double down.
2. The Librarian Cardigan: Our stylists are telling us the librarian look is very much on trend this year. Throw a lightweight cardigan over a sundress or pair with wear-to-work shorts and a blouse. Opt for neutral colors like beige, gray, or olive green for pre-fall.
3. Silk Cami: The MVP for the summer-to-fall transition, according to our stylists, is a quality silk cami like this one from Equipment. It’s the ultimate layering essential under lightweight jackets, blazers, and cardigans and looks equally great with casual denim or professional looks.
4. Trench Coat: A lightweight trench coat is ideal for fall. It can be worn over summer outfits to provide warmth and a polished look. Choose classic colors like camel or navy.
5. Layering Tees: Long-sleeve tees are great for layering under summer tops or wearing on their own with shorts or skirts. They add warmth without bulk and can be mixed and matched with different outfits.
6. Chunky Knit Sweater: A chunky knit sweater can be worn over summer dresses, paired with jeans, shorts, or layered over a button-down shirt. It adds texture and warmth, two key ingredients for fall.
7. Faux Leather Jacket: A faux leather jacket instantly transitions a summer outfit into fall. Wear it over a floral dress, with jeans and a tee, or with a skirt and tights for an edgy, fall-appropriate look.
8. Cropped Wide-Leg Pants: Wide-leg pants, particularly a cropped style or culotte, is just the garment to carry you into fall. On warmer days, let your ankles catch a breeze by wearing them with a flat mule or sneaker. As the weather becomes cooler, switch to ankle boots or even a knee-high boot worn under the pants’ flare. As the season progresses, look for heavier fabrics like wool or corduroy. Pair them with a tucked-in blouse or sweater.
9. Light cashmere sweater: Cashmere is breathable and wicks moisture away from the body, helping to regulate body temperature. This makes it suitable for a range of temperatures and ensures you stay comfortable.

Pack or Adapt?

Transitioning to a summer-to-fall wardrobe is all about layering and incorporating warmer tones and textures. To pull off the transition, know which summer styles can be extended to pre-fall and which items should probably be packed up and sent back to Armoire. 

What to Adapt

Crop Tops: Crop tops may not provide enough coverage for cooler fall temperatures. If you still want to rent them, consider layering them under jackets or over high-waisted pants.

Sundresses: Sundresses made from lightweight, breezy fabrics have summer written all over them, but before you send them packing, see how they look layered with tights, boots, and light jackets. This creates a boho-chic look that’s perfect for fall.

Sheer or Thin Blouses: Blouses that are sheer or made from very thin materials can feel too summery for fall, but can still look great layered under sweaters and jackets.

Midi or Maxi Skirts: Summer maxi skirts transition stylishly into fall by pairing them with ankle boots and a fitted sweater. Midi skirts can also be worn with tights or knee-high boots for added warmth.

Slip Dresses: Slip skirts and dresses, once reserved for warm summer days, can make a seamless transition into autumn wardrobes. Their versatility, comfort, and simplicity make them ideal for entering the cooler months. Here are five ways to wear them in pre-fall.

Tailored Vests: You’ve been wearing them as a flattering summer top, and you’ll love them just as much under or over a layer in the pre-season. When we introduced tailored vests as one of the top trends this summer, we promised you’d be able to take them into fall.

What to Pack

Summer Fabrics: Garments made from very summer fabrics, like linen or gauzy cotton, may not provide enough warmth for fall and look out of season. Send these back and rent heavier materials like denim, knits, or wool.

Bright Neon Colors: While bright and neon colors are great for summer, fall usually calls for more muted, earthy tones. Spoiler alert: this season we will see a khaki comeback.

Short Shorts: Very short shorts, especially those made of lightweight materials, are less practical as the weather cools and can look out of place in pre-fall. Swap them for longer shorts, pants, or skirts with tights.

Inspo: 10 Looks for Your Summer-to-Fall Wardrobe Playbook

Moving from a summer wardrobe to a fall one requires rethinking outfit combinations. These outfit formulas from our stylists blend summer styles with our pre-fall essentials, offering a playbook for getting dressed in the coming weeks. 

1. Summer Dress + Denim Jacket + Ankle Boots. The denim jacket adds warmth and a casual fall vibe, while ankle boots make the dress suitable for cooler temperatures.

2. High-Waisted Shorts + Cashmere Sweater + Tall Boots. The cashmere sweater keeps you warm, and the tall boots transition the shorts from summer to fall, making the outfit both cozy and chic. Pictured: Derek Lam 10 Crosby Dax Pleated High-Rise Bermuda Shorts and Lilla P Shawl Collar Cotton Cashmere Blend Pullover Sweater

3. Midi Skirt + Long-Sleeve Tee + Trench Coat + Loafers. A trench coat adds a layer of warmth and sophistication, while loafers provide a polished finish to this transitional look.

4. Silk Cami + Chunky Knit Sweater + Wide-Leg Pants + Heeled Mules. Layering a chunky sweater over a silk cami keeps the outfit warm without being too bulky, and wide-leg pants are a perfect fall alternative to summer trousers. Pictured: French Connection Babysoft Relaxed Cable Knit Cardigan and Equipment Layla Spaghetti Strap Silk Cami and Paige Carly Wide Leg High-Rise Cargo Pants.

5. Floral Maxi Dress + Faux Leather Jacket + Ankle Boots. The leather jacket adds an edgy contrast to the feminine floral dress, while ankle boots ground the look for fall.

6. Silk Cami + Blazer + Dark-Wash Jeans + Ankle Boots. A blazer instantly transitions a silk cami into fall, and dark-wash jeans provide a seasonal base for the outfit.

7. Sundress + Lightweight Scarf + Librarian Cardigan + Ballet Flats. A cardigan and scarf add warmth and fall colors to a summery sundress, while ballet flats keep the outfit light and comfortable.

8. Wide-Leg Culottes + Long-Sleeve Blouse + Ankle Boots + Statement Belt. Culottes, when paired with a long-sleeve blouse and ankle boots, become a chic fall outfit, and a statement belt adds definition and style.

9. Crop Top + High-Waisted Maxi Skirt + Oversized Cardigan + Sneakers. An oversized cardigan adds warmth to the crop top, and the maxi skirt keeps the look balanced and fall-appropriate, especially when paired with casual sneakers.

10. Button-Down Shirt + Tailored Vest + Skinny Jeans + Loafers. Layering a vest over a button-down shirt is a classic fall look, and skinny jeans with loafers create a streamlined, stylish outfit. Pictured: Steve Madden Maribel Sleeveless Button Front Vest and Sarah Alexandra Shapeable Collar Button Up Signature Shirt and M.M.LaFleur The Sammataro High-Rise Skinny Jeans.

As the season progresses, your summer-to-fall wardrobe will start becoming more fallish and less summery with heavier fabrics like corduroy, wool, and flannel. For now, it’s safe to start integrating fall colors into your wardrobe, such as mustard, oranges, and earthy tones. These pair best in fall with dark-wash jeans or black denim versus the lighter summer shades. In the coming weeks, get into your favorite suede boots before impending wet weather has you packing them up. Finally, accessorize with a pumpkin spice latte, of course.

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