3 Summer-to-Fall Outfit Ideas: Versatile Trousers for Effortless Style
I’ll probably never stop yammering on about building a wardrobe around versatile basics. Season-spanning pieces that can be worn multiple ways are the backbone of a cohesive wardrobe. When the items in your closet can be mixed and matched in various combinations, it not only helps you do more with less, but makes getting dressed so much easier. Today I’m sharing 3 summer-to-fall outfit ideas, all with one pair of relaxed trousers.
Lately when it comes to my own style, I’ve been All About Ease. Ease in fit, ease in styling, and ease in attitude. But at 5’1″ I have to avoid going too oversized, lest I look swallowed up by my clothing. Perpetually on my wish list are trousers that aren’t too…corporate, and can be worn either casually or a little dressed up.
Summer-to-fall outfit ideas with relaxed trousers
End-of-summer casual
This new style from Madewell ticks all of the boxes! These are the Slouchy Straight Pants in Dark Carob. (And yes, I’m snapping up basics in brown while it’s on-trend!) They’re a bit slouchy, but nowhere near as voluminous as the Harlow style, which I wanted to love, but were just too much fabric for me. Above, I’ve styled in a late summer casual look. I’d wear this out to run errands or meet up with a friend for coffee or lunch (would add a sweater for indoor a/c).
I was so happy to see these pants offered in Petite, Plus and Tall sizes as well as Standard. Five colors available. (Winters, check out the Claret red!)
Yes, there are pleats, but not deep ones, and the fabric is fluid enough so there’s no “pouf” effect. Fabric is a Tencel/cotton/linen blend, comfortable to wear now and well into fall. And they’re machine washable according to the care tag.
I think these would travel well, and am considering including them in my London/Paris travel wardrobe next month.
Polished casual for fall
My sizes: sweater – Medium, pants – Petite 6
Butter yellow is another of this season’s color trends that I’ve gone all-in for. The warmer versions of this color are good for most Springs and Autumns. Summers, look for cooler, more greyed-out versions. It’s a color that plays surprisingly well with others.
(Look for a post soon on fall color trends…there’s something good for all seasonal palettes!)
A tonal going-out look
My sizes: tank – Small, pants – 6 Petite
Dark brown is my black. I love the elegance and richness of a tonal look like this one. Mixing textures is key to keeping it from looking flat. Every seasonal palette has its own version of dark brown, but as with navy, I think you can “cheat” a little bit, as long as you’re wearing your best colors near your face. The wool jacket is from Joseph, purchased last year in London, and no longer available. I’ve linked to two similar ones.
I couldn’t resist throwing a little leopard print in there… 🐆 😉
Early fall can be one of the best times to find versatile season-spanning basics. I’ll be keeping my eyes open and sharing my top finds and tips for daily wear & travel. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for updates and follow me on the LTK app for more fresh finds!
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Gosh, although I appreciate every outfit, my mind is still on summer. I am so pleased we finally have sun and warmth that I am postponing thinking about fall. LOL
Greetje
Wow! Your tonal look is absolutely stunning!
I agree!!
Thank you!
Thanks so much, Kathy!
You show some great pieces here. As an Autumn, I always look forward to the end of August, the only time of year I can find a generous amount of choices for clothing that suits my coloring. Thank you for starting off the season with some lovely chocolates!
Thanks, Marcie! This has been a really good year for warmer neutrals.
Those are great looks! As a light spring, I really struggle with moving my colors into fall and winter – they just seem too, well, light and it’s like I need a whole new wardrobe, not much can be used 4 season. (In northern climate) Any tips would be appreciated in a future blog if you are looking for ideas.. Thanks.
Hi Karie, you might want to try some of the chocolate brown shades that are a bit lighter, but still great for fall and winter outfits.
Susan,
You look great in each of the outfits. Thank you for sharing such useful content.
Thanks so much!
Hi, Susan, off topic, I know, but … in one of your posts before a trip abroad, you mentioned a By Brian skincare product that ‘did it all.’ I think you asked him if there was just one product to take, which one would it be? I’d like to start somewhere with his products and hoped to try what he recommended to you.
Thank you!
BTW, it is almost 80 and humid here in New England, so I’m still in shorts and tees. But you do look stunning in your fall suggestions. I’m a winter and am thinking burgundy and berry shades for any fall purchases.
Hi Maeve, yes, the product I mentioned is the Complete Skin Renewal Serum.
And yes, Burgundy and berries are an excellent choice for Winter palettes! You’ll have a great selection this season.
Do the Madewell pants wrinkle easily? And you are right there is a shade of brown and actually yellow for everyone. Many years ago espresso brown was big and as I winter I really enjoyed this color. This fall I’ll continue to look for that perfect shade of brown. In the meantime I’ll enjoy burgundy and berry colors. Where I live we really don’t have fall weather until the end of October but I like to have some fall looking clothes just to get in the fall mood.
Hi Robyn, I’d characterize the wrinkle factor as low-to-medium. Any creases do tend to smooth out once hung, though.
You look stunning in those browns. It’s a stellar combination.
Thank you!
These outfits are all lovely – from casual to dressy. I would love to try the Quince silk tanks, but am never sure about the accuracy of the colors. I’m a winter and would love to hear your advice, or any of the other ladies who may read this, on color selection for my season.
The 50’s, and 60’s style is incredible!
I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in in post-Olympics Paris. What an amazing show they put on.
Hi MJ, yes, I’m really excited to see some of the finished public works that were under construction when I was there in the spring.
I just love your style Susan! And I do love your styling ideas for all of us at home whether we work, stay at home or travel the world. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Paulette!
Versatile trousers are a wardrobe must-have when transitioning from summer to fall. They offer endless styling options, whether paired with a light blouse for warm days or a cozy sweater when the temperature drops