Growing up, shopping in August was the best. Catalogs filled with crisp fall images, store windows stocked with cable knits and corduroy—all of it heralded the start of another school year and the alluringly blank slate such a new beginning brings. This was your year, and you had the new wardrobe to prove it.
As an adult, late summer style isn’t quite as exhilarating. Realistically, “sweater weather” is several months away for most of us—and the only fresh start fall brings is the end of Summer Fridays. (Boo!) At the same time, you’ve likely worn your sundresses and sandals into the ground and are ready for something new to spice up your style.
That’s where these pieces from Veronica Beard come in. Each and every one will not only prove a welcome addition to your late summer style repertoire—they’ll also transition seamlessly into fall.
1. A Long-Sleeved Floral Top
The sweetness of this flowery top plays well with light-wash denim now, and will provide a perfect dash of contrast under a suede moto jacket come fall. Worth noting: the pictured shorts could also prove a surprisingly useful transitional piece. Just throw on a cream-colored sweater and sneakers when that first hint of autumn chilliness arrives.
2. Wide-Leg Denim in an Unexpected Color
We love these super high-rise pants—not only are they super flattering, but the olive green color makes them just what we didn’t realize our closets were missing. For late summer, pair with a breezy blouse (or even a white tee) and espadrilles or block-heeled sandals. One fall arrives, swap those lightweight tops for cozy knits and your sandals for heeled booties.
3. A Tailored Jumpsuit in a Light Fabric
We get it. This summer got so hot, it started to feel like the ultimate goal when getting dressed was to find an outfit than barely skims your skin. However, a sharp jumpsuit can help you (grudgingly) transition away from those breezy maxi dresses and billowy pants. Because it’s one piece, it has all of the ease of a dress when it comes to pulling together an outfit—and we love that a linen blend keeps this one breathable. Wear now as-is, then toss a blazer or leather jacket on top come fall to keep your look seasonally appropriate.
4. A Summery Sweater with Eye-Catching Details
Is “summer sweater” a style category? If not, we’d like to make it one. Lightweight, light-colored, and boasting just the right hint of nautical flair, this knit was practically made for transitional dressing. We’d pair this one with crisp white denim for summer and fall—just make a footwear adjustment and toss a camel coat on top once temps get chilly. There’s something so appealingly put-together about all-over neutrals, no? (Of course, as illustrated, a plaid skirt makes an equally perfect autumnal pairing—similar here.)
5. A Patterned Dress in Versatile Shades
Thought your days of shopping sundresses were over? Think again. The key to making this late summer style work for fall is to pay attention to the color palette. In this case, dusty blue and deep navy against a cream background certainly work for warm weather—without screaming “summer” in the way, say, bright pinks and oranges might. Wear now with sneakers for a casual look, then update for fall with suede over-the-knee boots.