With the blissful weather we're experiencing right now (it's 28 degrees in London as I write this), it's hard to believe autumn is just around the corner. An Indian summer would be a welcome treat, but there's only so long we can hold on to our warm-weather clothing—right?
Well, not necessarily. Many of the summer items you've been preparing to shove to the back of your wardrobe can, in fact, be carried into the colder season. All it takes is some smart styling. We're not talking about barely-there sandals and bikinis, but crop tops, cotton shirts and mini skirts are easy to incorporate into autumn outfits. By adding in a few extra layers, using accessories to beat the chill and adjusting the colour palette—think more warm neutrals than striking brights—you can keep wearing your ride-or-die staples for the next couple of months.
But I'm not one to dole out advice without leading by example, so below, you'll find a collection of outfits I've assembled around five popular summer buys. I've also linked all of the items featured, so you can easily pick up the pieces you need to re-create these chic summer-to-autumn looks.
6 Ways to Restyle Summer Pieces for Autumn:
1. THE WHITE SHIRT
Style Notes: Our Instagram feeds have been filled with breezy cotton shirts for the past few months, tossed on nonchalantly over bikinis and strappy camis. As the temperature cools, use your shirt as the base layer rather than the cover-up, adding a knitted vest on top for added warmth.
Shop the Look:
I've owned several COS shirts, and they always last an impressively long time.
This one is sitting in my basket as we speak.
Premium-looking jewellery doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Wear-everyday denim.
Zara's current handbag selection is one of the best on the high street.
I'm a sucker for an almond toe.
2. THE COTTON MIDI DRESS
Style Notes: Think you need to say goodbye to your flowy midi dresses? Think again. Swap your sandals for sneakers and give the look an autumn spin with a suede bomber. Simple.
Shop the Look:
Nothing says 'autumn' more than suede.
You could also dress this up with heels and red lipstick and wear it to an autumn wedding.
Every fashion is person raving about this bag at the moment.
It's all in the details.
This brand is a long-time favourite of the fashion set.
3. THE MINI SKIRT
Style Notes: Mini skirts made something of a comeback over summer; all you need to do to carry them into autumn is add thick tights and a cosy knit. In my opinion, short skirts and knee-high boots were made to be worn together, so consider this the perfect opportunity.
Shop the Look:
This is at the top of my autumn wishlist.
So cute!
I've spotted this exact bag on some of my favourite influencers.
Reformation always delivers on the boot front.
I own these and wear them daily.
4. THE CROP TOP
Style Notes: Tank tops are truly a year-round staple. Not only do they allow you to tailor your outfit to the weather (you can strip off your knitwear on milder days), but the more basic iterations can be inserted into any kind of outfit.
Shop the look:
This sell-out high-street cardigan is back again, and we couldn't be happier.
This would also go well with high-rise tailored trousers.
Another summer staple we'll be wearing into autumn.
This looks far more expensive than it is, don't you think?
Simply add cream socks on cooler days.
5. THE WIDE-LEG TROUSERS
Style Notes: Wide-leg trousers proved their versatility over the warmer months, paired with everything from linen shirts to one-piece swimsuits. For seasonal shift, switch into cosy mode and style yours with smart layering pieces in a sophisticated autumn palette.
Shop the Look:
I love using colours like this to add extra interest to a look.
This khaki shade is incredibly chic.
Arket is constantly restocking this designer-looking belt.
I'm calling it: H&M is the frontrunner for budget-friendly trousers.
This will never date.
A love-forever boot.
6. Bermuda Shorts
Style Notes: Long short styles dominated summer 2024, but you don't have to pack them away next season For autumn swap out your linen shirt for a jumper and boxy blazer for a more tailored look that will also keep you warm on those chillier days.
Shop the Look:
The perfect boxy fit.
This affordable jumper has such good reviews.
The knee-length gives this pair such a polished edge.
The woven leather is instantly recognisable.
These will also go well with your mini skirts and dresses.
Wear them separately or layer them for a chic mixed-metal look.
