Early Fall Style: Lightweight Layers in Rich Autumn Colors
Though the calendar may say that fall is almost here, the weather says, “eh, not so fast!” Transitional days can be tricky to dress for, when mornings hint at autumn but afternoons still feel like summer. This is when lightweight pieces in rich fall colors really shine. They let you embrace the season’s mood without overheating, and they’re perfect for layering once cooler temperatures finally arrive.
Early Fall Outfit Idea
My sizes: Shirt – XS, Cardigan – Small, Jeans – 8 Petite
This time of year, I try to have some early fall outfits at the ready, in colors and styles that feel seasonal, but will still be comfortable on warm days. Lightweight layers in rich fall colors help me make the shift. (For those of you with cool palettes, think shades of Burgundy, Emerald, Pine, Aubergine. See my picks from fall color 2025 trends here.)
I love cropped cotton shirts, which are a boon to those of us who are petite, or who just prefer not to tuck. This “Dijon” color I’m wearing is close to Honey in the Spring palette, and Old Gold in the Autumn palette. (For a regular length option, check out this one.) And these:
A lightweight cardigan tied over the shoulders adds “third piece” interest, and comes in handy when the weather cools. And open weave or slingback shoes in darker colors keep feet comfortable with more of a fall vibe.
As we ride out these in-between weeks, I find that a few lightweight pieces in fall colors make getting dressed so much easier and more fun. They let you enjoy the richness of autumn without overheating, and they’ll layer effortlessly once cooler days arrive. Have you started working fall hues into your warm-weather outfits yet? I’d love to hear what’s making your early-fall style feel fresh.
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Bottom row: CHORE JACKET | BROWN LOAFERS | PATENT LOAFERS | CASHMERE CREWNECK
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I love this mustard yellow top, but am either a winter or a summer(how’s that for vague) is there any way for me to wear this color?
Hi Sharon, thanks! I don’t think this color would be best for a cool palette (Winter, Summer). However there’s a burgundy stripe in this style that would probably be great for you. https://bit.ly/46sKYdy
Doing my best with fall clothes. Usually in the Netherlands we go from warm to cold weather quite quickly. And I find I experience dropping temperatures as colder than the cold in winter.
Greetje
I also feel temperature fluctuations more than when the temperatures are just steady.
Lol burgundy, pine, aubergine are in my wardrobe year round! ;). With crisp bright white in summer. Now loving with dark denim. So excited for dark denim to be “in” because it’s my best color for denim!
Susan, I owe you a belated thank you! A while back I’d asked you for shopping recommendations/areas in the Los Angeles area (other than The Grove), since my son is in college in the area. While visiting him last month, we visited the Westfield Century City shopping center. Wow! It was quite impressive—and huge. I loved the open space/outdoor spaces. It’s so different from malls in my part of the country. My son had never even heard of it, so it was fun to check it out with him. He loves Uniqlo (I do too!), so anytime we’re in a large city that has one, it’s our “thing” to check it out. We’d been to the one in DTLA several times but enjoyed a new place. Thanks for steering me that way. We’ll have to try another spot next time.
Hi Michelle, I’m glad it was helpful!
Where I live, it’s going to be 90° this afternoon (“feels like” 97°). This time of year has always been difficult, fashion-wise. Even in lightweight fabrics, the darker colors just feel too hot! I’ve retired the white linen for the season, but otherwise it’s still summer clothes for me. Maybe by November…..
Susan I just love your style and have purchased items off your links. I’ve been admiring your bracelets, do you have a link for those?
Hi Antonia, thanks! The bracelets are from Roxanne Assoulin, from a few seasons back. Here’s a similar set from RA: Bead bracelet set, striped bracelet