Alas, the most wonderful time of the year has arrived. It’s fall! We’re all so ready for tasty autumnal drinks, artsy scenic photo-ops, and of course sweater weather and all that comes with fall fashion.
Somebody please tell the weather.
Edit: alas, the most confusing time of the year has arrived. It’s the season between summer and fall. Perhaps the truest struggle of this fifth season is figuring out what to wear for the day, when the weather varies from the chilly low 50s in the mornings to the toasty high 70s in the afternoons.
Obvs you’re going to have to plan for something that will accommodate both if you don’t want to (a) die of heatstroke, (b) die of frostbite, or (b) just look outright weather-confused. Here are some outfit suggestions for this time of year:
1. Denim jeans and a light tee.
Jeans are always a safe style — great in all seasons. Of course, to avoid overheating, you’ll want to pair that with something lighter on top. If your jeans are on the tighter side, a loose-fitting top will probably be a safer option, so at least you’ll have some outlet to breathe. Vice-versa, if you’re going with a tighter top, looser jeans may be a better go-to. God forbid you’re caught in the heat and your over-insulated with constricted breathing.
2. Sundress with denim jacket.
Also a safe bet. Since this is a transitional period from summer to fall, summer-toned dresses can still be made to work without looking like you’re trying too hard if you pair it with something casual, like a simple denim jacket. Major pro about this outfit: when it gets outlandishly hot around 2pm, you can just take that jacket off. You’ll look like you’re still living that summer dream and you’ll make the most of those last few days of tanning-rays (but don’t forget about that SPF tho).
3. Light sweater and shorts.
If you’re feeling a little more summery than fall, shorts can work. A light, loosely-knit sweater, especially one in autumnal colors, could be an excellent top selection to go with basic denim shorts. But be warned, the AC may still kick in inside classrooms, and you’ll only have yourself to blame when the goosebumps become visible and unsightly on your legs.
Additionally, you may still be wondering about the social-acceptability of wearing some other closet staples, questioning:
4. Can I still wear white?
Although it’s technically post-Labor Day, the weather doesn’t seem to fully understand that. There are actually quite a few ways to style white in fall fashion — with a nice warm-colored top, like a deep maroon or olive, white pants could easily be fall-themed. And since we’re in this weird transitional period, I’m just gonna go out on a limb and say all’s fair in this SumFall season.
5. When is it appropriate to break out the riding boots?
Ah, the greatest fall staple. Yes, we’re itching to break those babies out, but the afternoon heat can make leather boots feel like tall buckets of steam. A great alternative? Booties! They’re so in right now and give your legs potentially-needed ventilation. (Also, could be super cute with those white pants!)
6. And the hard-hitting question: Leggings. Are they pants yet?
I’m going to do something dangerous and just say that leggings are a year-long staple. Who doesn’t want to be comfy in all seasons? Depending on the material, they could be insulating or aerating. As for their regard as pants, I’m going to leave that up to you. Life can be rough. You do what you got to do, Sistafrand.
Now, let us all say a prayer to the weather gods and hope they make up their minds to stop punishing us with this wishy-washy temperature range. Dear Lords, we beg you, please just make it fall.
