Extend The Life Of Your Summer Dress
How to extend the life of your summer dress? So, you bought yourself a gorgeous summer dress, wore it all summer and now you are experiencing difficulties parting with it?
No worries, your personal stylist is here to help. I really want you to keep on wearing it until the first snowfall or torrential autumn storm for sustainability’s sake and because we just love summer style.
As usual, also my transitional style tips are always easy to implement, low-commitment and low-maintenance. When going back to work after the summer the last thing you want is to faff around with your style.
I am here to help you dress with ease and confidence, where ever you may be going. Here comes my complete guide on how to extend the life of your summer dress in style!
Summer To Autumn Transitional Style Tips
1. Wear Your Summer Dress With Opaque Tights
Legs getting covered around town is the first sign of autumn. This look will make hemlines even on the shorter side appropriate for work and give you an instant leg-lift.
I like the low commitment of this styling idea. Go for a full-cover tight or spice up your style with a patterned tight. This styling tip is flattering, cheap and practical.
2. Team Your Summer Dress With Chunky Knitwear
Nothing says autumn better than a cozy knit in an earthly color. Chunky knitwear combines well with florals, polkadots and flowy summer fabrics and anchors your look into the new season.
The mornings can suddenly feel chilly but you’ll be quaranteed to stay warm. Knitted ponchos and capes look really stylish too. Wrap up and feel as cozy as you look.
3. Wear Your Summer Dress With Boots
A pair of leather boots will add edge to romantic and carefree summer styles. This look is always cool and it’s admittedly very handy in rain, which we will be undoubtedly getting plenty of here in The Netherlands.
Choose a tall boot if you are more of a dress person or go for an ankle boot if you wear mostly trousers. Some tall boots of course work with skinny trousers too but with an ankle boot you’ll have more styling options.
4. Layer A Short Sleeve T-Shirt Under Your Summer Dress
Transition your summer dress from summer to autumn by wearing a T-shirt under it. Strappy sundresses have a seemingly short life span but I like to challenge that by wearing a simple fitted T-shirt under them.
This 90’s inspired look is very now and it gives you more coverage for an work-appropriate attire. This way you can rethink your necklines and re-purpose fashion that you normally saved for going out.
5. Layer A Long Sleeve Top Under Your Summer Dress
Wear along sleeve top under your summer dress. This look has the same 90’s inspired effect as above but with a longer sleeve.
It’s a bit warmer look, especially if you choose thin and fitted merino or cashmere knits. Proportion-wise this way of styling allows a shorter hemline.
6. Layer A Turtleneck Under It
Polo necks and turtle necks under flimsy dresses has got to be the coolest style invention. This look has the same effect as above but with even more coverage for your neck on chilly autumn days.
This look works well with sheath dresses, pinafore dresses and short-sleeved dresses. The high neckline allows you to go for deeper necklines and styles that would otherwise feel too sexy for daytime use.
See, there is no reason to pack away something that you love so much and that looks so great on you. You can just keep on wearing your favorite summer dress until late in the autumn. When you see snow it’s time to pack it away though.
Get more seasonal style inspiration in I on Image’s blog:
I am also curious to hear your transitional style ideas. What are your favorite style tips for making the shift from summer to autumn? Share your best fashion ideas in the comments below.
Prefer to shop your summer to fall style with a pro? I shop with all sizes, styles and budgets in Amsterdam and online. Book your personal shopping appointment with me today!
DISCLAIMER: This blog was originally published on 23rd August 2018 and updated on 14th September 2021 with fabulous new fall looks for you to shop.
Wishing you an amazing new season in style!
Always happy to help with style matters Isabelle! I am very happy to hear that you found my post relevant xx
This is so helpful! I LOVE my summer dresses and wish I could wear them during spring and fall too.
Thank you so much for sharing your style inspiration with us! Keep up looking super stylish all fall long nxxx
Thank you so much for your sweet comment Charity xx
The summer look made into fall, I like knitwear on top and long boots below. Very good suggestions and a different post I’ve read lately. Xx
Isa A. Blogger
These are such great tips for extending the life of your summer dresses. Thanks so much for sharing!
Fantastic summer to autumn styling tips! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas with us xx
These are great tips! Most of my clothing is versatile and can be worn throughout the year and I love to pair a summer dress or skirt with opaque tights, a wool cardigan and boots in the winter!
Thank you so much for your comment Kelly Diane! I love that look too xx
Thank you Jenni x
These are great tips. I love the dress and chunky knit cardigan look. It gives me all of the autumn vibes.
You are very welcome Eleanor! I am always happy to share fashion inspiration with my readers. Enjoy the autumn in style xx
I love this post, and I love to make my summer dresses last as long as possible before turning to proper winter clothes. Thanks for sharing these suggestions!