Transitioning From A Summer Wardrobe To Fall – Dressbarn
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Transitioning From A Summer Wardrobe To Fall

Transitioning From A Summer Wardrobe To Fall - Dressbarn

Transitioning From A Summer Wardrobe To Fall

It is a known fact that September is the time for a fashion refresh. If you’ve been thinking about trying something new or switching up your style altogether, now is the best time to make that happen. After all, we’re embarking on a new chapter with the upcoming holiday season so it’s only right to revitalize our closets for all the festivities. 

This is also a chance to curate a capsule wardrobe that you can turn to during the colder months. Look for outerwear, knits, and other layerables that can be worn together but also look good without relying on other items. In short, it’s time to hang up your sundresses and put the focus on evergreen pieces. Here are a few tips to ace your summer-fall wardrobe transition. 

Embrace Layers

Plaid Long Shacket With Self Tie Belt

This is the #1 trick to utilize in the fall. Not only will it give it enough warmth, it’s also going to let you be creative with your style. Play with shapes, textures, and lengths to add personality to a layered outfit—with every layer having intention. When you peel one off, the ensemble still works together instead of looking like a mish-mash of pieces. 


  • For in-between weather, a knit mini like the Extended Shoulder Turtleneck Dress will pair well with a long trench coat and work solo when the temperature warms with knee-high boots. 
  • Experiment with lengths by layering a sweater vest over a cropped sweater like the Marina Top for an all-knit outfit.
  • Elevate an all-black palette with flared trousers paired with the Kaii Draped Collar Trench Coat Jacket’s waterfall lapels.  
  • Try suiting for the office and black-tie events with the Beaded Tuxedo Jacket matched with a pussybow blouse and black tailored trousers.
  • Play with a combination of knitwear and a printed jumpsuit. Dr2’s Polka Dot Jumpsuit Romper would look chic with a white close-fit turtleneck for a vintage feel. 

Change Up Your Color Palette

Hazel Wide Leg Linen Jumpsuit

Brights had their moment and now it’s time to switch it up to moody tones. This doesn’t mean you need to dress up in strictly dark hues—you can mix them with lighter colors with an autumnal touch or create a jewel-toned palette. Show off your artistic side by colorblocking in your outfits.



Invest in Outerwear


Trench Coat Multi Stripe Long Line Belted Jacket

First order for business when fall arrives—start shopping for outerwear. Buy pieces you can wear for in between weather and layer all the way to winter. A casual trench coat would look great worn open with your favorite jeans and knitwear or a textured puffer jacket as the months get colder.  


  • Try the monochromatic styling trick using the same color in different shades. Use the Adrienne Vittadini Long Sleeve Ribbed Sweater Dress as a base to an oversized blazer or long coat in beige or buttercream. 
  • Take coziness to all your off-duty activities with the One Button Sherpa, cuffed jeans, and high ankle boots. 
  • For warmer days, pair your button-downs with the Westport Trucker Denim Jacket and some straight-leg trousers in a classic heritage print like plaid or pinstripe. 
  • Add character to an outfit with a timeless animal print. The Leopard Patterned Long Duster makes a statement even when paired with your most minimal basics. 
  • Who says you should stop wearing florals? Trade your sun dresses and bloom in the fall for jackets like the Ribbed Trim Floral Bomber Jacket.

Buy Forever Pieces

Westport Signature Straight Leg Jeans With Destruction

An essential thing to note when building a capsule closet is to buy evergreen pieces. Buying based off of trendy silhouettes or patterns can result in a dated wardrobe fairly quickly. Consider the fact that you’re investing in a lot of layering items. It would be wise to prioritize quality outerwear and basics first before focusing on statements—which can be second on the list, of course. The key is to create balance and evaluate how your wardrobe will age overtime. 


  • There’s nothing like a perfectly-fitted pair of work pants to make everyday dressing easier. Try a paperbag style like the Bahagia Zoe Pants to flatter your waist in contrast to its wide-legged shape.
  • Make a poplin shirt like the Oversized Long Sleeve Shirt your best friend whether for work days or weekends. The styling possibilities are endless!
  • Look no further than the Jess Button Up Shirt Dress to get ready (and chic) in a flash during busy mornings. 
  • Silk is a sure-fire way to look polished. Wear the ​​KAII 100% Silk Ruffled Shirt with your favorite work trousers and some chunky ear-hugging hoops.

Don’t Restrict Yourself With Rules

Dr2 Floral Kimono Cardigan

Tips are different from rules. One is a set of pointers to remember while the other tends to be more rigid. Feel free to explore new shapes, prints, and colors to try without overthinking on being correct and exactly in tune with fall. Bridge the seasonal gap by wearing your summer brights and mix them with darker hues in your layers for a pop of color. 


  • Play with color in a timeless halter silhouette like the Wild Orchid Pleat Jumpsuit. It’s vibrant for spring-summer and a mood lifter for the fall-winter. 
  • Turn up the volume in the Merci Balloon Sleeve Shirt to sprinkle some character into your look via its oversized sleeves and detachable satin tie. 
  • These Black Leopard Leggings will instantly upgrade an off-duty outfit with a white tee or complement a leather blazer for special occasions. 
  • Try a lighter shade of emerald like the minty Juliette Long Sleeve Midi Dress which you can layer with a trench coat in the colder evenings. 

Enjoy the Fun of Dressing Up

Despite the seasons changing, don’t worry about strict rules when shopping for your new wardrobe. The best approach is to think about your style and each piece’s wearability from here to the next. Invest in what you can wear for a long time instead of relying on trends. This way, it will be easier to update and build upon an already solid assemblage of clothes as time goes on. 



Begin your fall wardrobe update.

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