There’s this weird time in August when the sun is still blazing, but mentally you’re kind of… over it. You’re not ready for full-on fall layers, but you also can’t look at another bright sundress. Sound familiar?
Late summer outfits are tricky. You’re still sweating, but you also want to wear loafers. The stores are already full of knits and boots, but it’s 85 degrees outside. So what do you do?
Here’s how I’m dressing right now — when it’s technically still summer, but emotionally, I’m halfway to fall.
The Colors Start to Shift First
In early summer, I’m all about white, sky blue, and anything citrusy. But by mid-August, I start craving softer tones. Maybe it’s the light changing. Maybe I’m just tired of looking like a beach ball.
Lately I’ve been reaching for:
- Beige instead of white
- Navy instead of baby blue
- Olive green, dusty rose, soft camel
The late summer outfits still feel light, but not bright. The colors feel a little calmer, a little more like “let’s sit in the shade and sip something cold.”
Still Wearing Dresses? Same. Just Styling Them a Bit Smarter.
You don’t need to stop wearing dresses — just switch up the vibe.
I’m still living in my usual cotton midi dress, but now I wear it with flats or loafers instead of strappy sandals. Sometimes I’ll throw on a sweater — not because it’s cold, but just to make it feel a little more September than July.
Add a crossbody bag, maybe a low bun, and suddenly that same dress feels a little more early fall.
If you want to elevate it a bit more, try adding old money accessories — they do the heavy lifting.
Your Shoes Can Do the Work for You
Honestly? The fastest way to make your outfit feel more “late summer” is to change your shoes.
Here’s what I’ve been doing:
- Swapping sandals for ballet flats or loafers
- Wearing canvas sneakers with linen pants
- Digging out the leather mules I forgot I owned
- Avoiding anything too strappy or beachy
Even if you’re still wearing shorts, a closed-toe shoe suddenly makes it feel like you’ve moved on from vacation mode.
Layer… Lightly
We’re not doing coats yet — I mean, unless you live somewhere very dramatic — but adding one little structured piece helps ease the look into fall.
A few easy things:
- Button-down shirts (oversized, always)
- Vests over tanks or tees
- A long-sleeved tee tied around your shoulders
- Linen blazer if you’re feeling brave and not sweaty
It’s more about balance than warmth. Think breezy up top, grounded on the bottom. That’s the sweet spot.
Give Your Summer Stuff a Fall Spin
One of my favorite little outfit games? Take something very summery and pair it with something fall-ish.
Examples:
- That same slip dress you wore with sandals? Try it with a soft cardigan and your everyday bag.
- Shorts still work, just pair them with a long-sleeved tee or even a button-down.
- A tank and trousers is still my go-to — now I just wear them with flats instead of flip-flops.
You’re not doing full autumn yet — just hinting at it. Like a whisper of September in your outfit.
Need help building go-to looks like this? This fall capsule wardrobe is a solid place to start.
Bags, Scarves, and Tiny Tweaks
It’s wild how the little things shift a whole outfit’s vibe.
- Raffia bags → canvas or leather crossbody
- Shell earrings → gold hoops
- Colorful bracelets → one leather watch
- Beachy hair → low bun or barrette
- Bright mani → something a little moodier (dark red or even navy)
Tiny swaps. Big impact. You’re not overhauling anything — just softening the edges.
Neutrals and Texture Are Your Best Friends
Right now, I’m reaching for things that have a bit of weight — not in warmth, but in texture.
Things like:
- Waffle cotton shirts
- Ribbed tanks
- A canvas tote instead of a straw one
- Denim in a medium wash
It makes you feel a little more polished, a little less like you’re still at the beach. Even if you kind of are.
Let It Be Easy
By this point in summer, I’m just trying to keep things simple. I’ll throw on something that feels good and get on with the day.
Late summer outfits I’ve been living in:
- Tank + wide-leg trousers + one good piece of jewelry
- T-shirt dress + flats + hair in a clip
- Linen shirt + denim shorts + everyday leather bag
That’s it. I’m not reinventing anything. I just want to walk out the door feeling like I look decent, even if I hit snooze three times.
That Weird Time Between Seasons
You know the one — when it’s still hot, but everything feels like it’s winding down a little. Summer’s not quite over, but you’re kind of ready to move on.
The trick with late summer outfits is not rushing into boots and coats, but also not pretending it’s still beach season. It’s this gentle middle ground — a moment to wear the pieces you forgot you loved, in a slightly new way.
Final Thoughts
If summer dressing is all about play and fall is about polish, then late summer outfits is where they meet for coffee.
You don’t need new clothes. You just need fresh pairings. Something a little softer, a little quieter. The fashion version of slowing down.
So wear the dress — but add the flats. Keep the shorts — but try a navy tee instead of bright pink. You’ll feel the shift, and that’s all you need.
