Transitional dressing is the simple habit of getting dressed for an in-between season. What is an in-between season? It's that time, usually from late August to November, when mornings can feel like early spring and afternoons still feel like peak summer. At Bleusalt, our focus has always been on high-quality pieces that transition naturally, which is why we truly believe you don’t need to do a full wardrobe overhaul to make it work.
What Is Transitional Dressing?
There are other transitions, like from winter to spring, but the issue is the same: you’re dealing with transitional weather, so every outfit has to be planned around the weather. We like to think about breathable base layers for the warm midday sun with easy add-ons that bring warmth when you need it.
A good transitional outfit should also keep you comfortable without being overbuilt. The lines should stay clean. You should be able to roll up your sleeves, slip on a wrap, or shrug into a jacket without much trouble.
The point is to select a few pieces that can adapt. That’s how you really make your wardrobe work across the seasons.
The Importance Of Layers In Between Seasons
Layering is the single idea that ties our whole summer-to-fall transition plan together.
We like to start with a base that handles heat. A tank top or short sleeves in a breathable knit sets you up for the noon warmth, which is perfect for some of the breezy afternoons we’ve had lately.
If you're searching for a base layer that handles heat and cold alike, try The Perfect T. It pairs perfectly with shorts or a skirt for your hot summer days. Then, it sits smoothly under your fall jacket without bunching!
The Classic Crew is another one of our layering favorites, since it has that same great material with a touch more structure. Both tops help keep you ready for a patio lunch in summer and a gallery night in fall. But remember, it’s all in the layering…
As the afternoon fades, we recommend picking a favorite layer you can throw in your tote bag. We love having the 1 Yard Wrap (in Camel, for those fall tones). Whenever the air moves, you’re totally covered.
Outer layers like the wrap do the heavy lifting at dawn and after dark. A denim jacket over a soft long-sleeved shirt keeps heat close without feeling bulky. A leather jacket changes the mood in one move and handles late-night cool. None of this should feel complex. You’re building small adjustments into the outfit so you can address the weather without starting over.
Our Favorite Summer To Fall Transition Outfit Tips
You still get plenty of warm afternoons in early fall, so keep summer dresses in play. Balance a breezy dress with a wrap and closed-toe shoes. When the day starts to cool, swap out your base for long sleeves. Bare legs still work in September, but tights or tall boots can step in as evenings get cooler.
Warm bottoms carry the season. Your bottoms should easily pair with soft layers on top and work with everything from sandals to booties. Denim in a mid wash reads relaxed on warm days, then sharp under a blazer at night. If you like a mini skirt for late summer, keep it going with a cozy layer and a closed-toe shoe. A chunky sweater can wait for November. For now, reach for knits that read light and smooth against the skin.
If you want a simple dress that works great across seasons, the Long Sleeve Crew Dress is one of our favorites. We'll wear it with sandals in the summer and switch over to booties when we need to. The fabric keeps our dress looking smooth all day, and the silhouette stays graceful as temperatures drop.
The Cindy Pants are one of our go-to bottoms. They pair with tees, a V-neck, a blazer, or even with a bomber jacket when the night cools off. The Tube Skirt gives that slim profile that loves an oversized top and the structure of a classic jacket. Both pieces play well with sandals while summer hangs on, then switch to boots when fall settles in.
How We Find Our Fall Colors
Your fall color palette does half the styling for you. Deep navy, Bordeaux, stone, and black make a strong base, which is part of the reason we selected these tones for our signature collections. Beige adds quiet warmth and it’s a great accessory color, just like we saw back in 2019 Vogue articles. We’ve been loving shoes or bags in suede or faux leather as a way to fold in more texture with that beige.
When To Wear Long Sleeves?
Long sleeves are the best protection from the fall breeze that normally would chill your shoulders and elbows. They’re also helpful on long travel days. But we think long sleeves help most when you love the look of a summer-to-fall skirt but want more warmth up top.
Finding The Best Cozy Knit Cardigan
Everyone says to find a cozy knit cardigan for fall. If you’re anything like us, you probably want the comfort without the bulk.It should move with you, fold easily into a tote, and never feel scratchy on sun-warmed skin.
We'd recommend our Oversized V-Neck or our Long Sleeve Crew Pullover. Both of these drape perfectly and bring the warmth you need without adding a ton of weight. They sit neatly over a tank top or short sleeves when the sun is still strong. They also slide under a heavier outer layer when temps drop! And of course, you can pull them on over a dress or skirt when your morning plans run late.
You can also treat a generous wrap as your light cardigan. It dresses up a tee and smooths over a dress at dinner. It gives warmth on a patio when the temperature drops. It’s the small piece that makes a transitional outfit feel finished.
Layering The Perfect Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is the classic late summer to fall move. It's a decently warm outer layer, yes, but the structure at the shoulders and the clean collar keep your look casual and sharp at the same time.
A trench coat can play the same role when rain threatens or wind picks up. Choose the weight based on the forecast and your plans. The result stays stylish because the base is simple.
Find Your Fall Transition Outfits At Bleusalt
Bleusalt lives at the center of this season. Our 2 Yard Wrap can live in your tote bag and save you on a breezy beach walk. We love to fold the wrap as a scarf on a cool morning and drape it over our bare shoulders at night to stay warm in the chilly air.
If your days start late, you ought to plan for that temperature dip later on. And remember, it actually matters less which jacket or wrap you choose when your base and the mid layers are dialed in.
We designed our full lineup to be color-compatible, too. Try navy with stone. Bordeaux with black. The combinations feel modern and calm. They let you pair any top with any bottom and keep the entire look consistent. That’s helpful when you’re tired of guessing at the weather. If you want more ideas on light layers and how to travel with less, our earlier summer layering guide pairs well with this one!
FAQs
What are the key principles of creating summer to fall transition outfits according to Bleusalt?
Bleusalt emphasizes selecting high-quality, breathable base layers paired with easy add-ons like wraps or jackets to handle fluctuating temperatures without a full wardrobe overhaul, focusing on clean lines and adaptable pieces suitable for in-between seasons from late August to November.
How does Bleusalt suggest using layering to maintain comfort during transitional weather from summer to fall?
Layering starts with a breathable base like The Perfect T or The Classic Crew, paired with outer layers such as wraps or denim and leather jackets that can be added or removed easily to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day and evening.
What specific clothing items and colors does Bleusalt recommend for an effective summer to fall wardrobe transition?
Bleusalt recommends items like the Long Sleeve Crew Dress, Cindy Pants, Tube Skirt, Oversized V-Neck cardigan, and the 1 Yard Wrap in fall tones like Camel, along with a color palette including deep navy, Bordeaux, stone, black, and beige to create versatile, layerable outfits.