Here in Atlanta, I think our string of hot days is over and cooler fall weather is here to stay. This has prompted me to get busy and complete my summer to fall closet transition.
Every year as I begin to remove the summer items from my closet, I challenge myself to think about ways I might we able to wear each piece of clothing into the new season so I can maximize my investment. There are some pieces of clothing where the fabric, pattern or color just won’t work in cooler weather but for others there is hope.
One of my favorite clothing items to wear during the summer is a maxi dress. I love the ease of a maxi and the ability to wear it causally or dress it up with an outer layer and jewelry. As I began to pull my maxi dresses from the closet this weekend, I looked at each dress and decided that a majority of my maxi’s could be fall appropriate with the right add-on pieces.
Since I’m guessing that many of you have had the same thoughts about your summer maxi’s I decided to share a few tips and ideas of how I’ll be transitioning my dresses from summer to fall.
Layering is key when it comes to wearing a maxi in the fall. Since many maxi dresses have ‘skimpier’ tops, it is easy to layer a piece of clothing over the top or even wear a long sleeve tee under the dress.
Denim jackets are easy to pair with anything and are the perfect causal layer for a maxi. I also love the idea of wearing a scarf to keep my neck area warm and to give the entire look a fall feel.
Another look I will definitely be wearing is a cardigan and scarf layered over a maxi. And I think belting the cardigan makes the outfit look more streamlined and polished.
Belting the maxi and leaving the cardigan open will work for me when I want to be more casual and relaxed.
For those occasions where I need to be a bit more dressed up, I’ll pair my solid black maxi with a more formal blazer and statement jewelry. This combo will also require a dressier ankle boot.
Chunky sweaters are a favorite during fall and winter and I love this look of a sweater layered over a maxi.
A long car coat is another layering option over a maxi and even though it might not be practical to wear throughout the day, this look might work if I have to go to a meeting or meet with a client.
I just happen to have a handful of long cardigans (they make me look taller) and I will definitely be wearing this look. Several of my maxi dresses are transitional patterns and colors and the solid cardigan is the ideal way to play down the pattern a bit.
A few other ideas for transitioning your maxi dress into fall…
* Layer a long sleeve shirt over the maxi and leave the shirt open
* Wear tights underneath to keep your legs warm
* Wear ankle boots instead of flats to keep the look seasonally appropriate (p.s. ankle boots are another hot trend for fall)
* Pair your maxi dress with leather to give the outfit a more rugged and seasonal look
Just because the season is changing doesn’t mean you have to hang all of your summer clothes in the back of the closet!
Some great ideas for stretching the season for the maxi dresses!
Love these ideas!! I hadn’t thought of trying to transition maxi dresses into fall, but for our weather here in GA, it makes perfect sense. It’s too hot to wear maxis most of the summer during the day, so I am happy to get more mileage out of them later in the year!