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For a lot of women, when they think of dressing for fall they think of wearing chunky knits and cozy layers. But if you live in the southern states, then you know that just won’t work! Though I’ve visited the south several times, my reality is very much chunky knits and cozy layers-midwest girl over here. But I’ve been frequently asked for suggestions on how to look classic for fall in a warmer climate, so here they are! Tailor these suggestions as needed for your specific weather and comfort, but most importantly, get inspired.
Why a Capsule Wardrobe?
No matter the season, creating a capsule wardrobe is the trick to streamlining your wardrobe and dressing classic. If you’ve never heard of a capsule wardrobe, it’s a concise collection of timeless pieces consisting of accent colors and neutral colors that can be easily paired together.
So if your closet is overstuffed at the moment and you feel as if you have nothing to wear this autumn, create a fall capsule wardrobe! You may be wondering what wardrobe essentials to invest in for women over 50 and which fall clothing items can work in warm climates. We’ll get to that, but first, let’s go over some quick style tips.
How to Dress for Fall in a Warmer Climate
1. Focus on Fall-Ready Colors
If you can’t manage to wear the usual fall pieces like chunky sweaters and trench coats because of the southern heat, you can dress up in light summer silhouettes instead.
Lightweight sweaters, linen button-downs, and shirt dresses are some examples of pieces to include in your closet. But in order to look appropriate for the season, your summer pieces have to be in fall-ready colors! Think olive green, burnt orange, and black. Focusing on fall colors is one of the easiest ways to dress for fall, no matter what you’re wearing.
2. Opt for Fall Prints
Even a lightweight summer piece can look like a fall item when it’s in a fall print. Choose your breezy summer silhouettes like flowy dresses in prints like moody florals to get you in the fall spirit.
Moody florals aren’t the only fall print to choose. Plaid, stripes, and leopard print can all give a chic fall look too.
3. Choose Materials Wisely
When building your fall capsule wardrobe, focus on the materials. Any heavy fabrics that are too heavy to layer on as outerwear, such as suede or leather, can be used to accessorize.
Suede shoes or a leather tote bag make great accent pieces for your fall wardrobe. Thicker fabrics can also work well for your bottoms when balanced out with lighter pieces.
4. Modify the Classic Fall Pieces
As you know, there are some clothing items that just scream fall, such as a chunky sweater or a ribbed long-sleeve tee. You may not be able to wear that in your climate, but you can wear a ribbed tank or a cashmere cami.
Think of the classic items that are too hot for you to wear and find the version that you can. A thick sweater may be too warm, but take the sleeves off (not literally) and now you have a sweater vest!
5. Create the Fall Look With Your Makeup
Lastly, to complete your fall capsule wardrobe, try to switch up your summer makeup and opt for darker makeup instead. Instead of a pink lip or coral blush, opt for a caramel lip or burgundy cheek color- or the closest shade that flatters your skin tone. Fall makeup will be the perfect finishing touch to your fall looks.
Okay, time to get into the suggested specific pieces you need in your capsule wardrobe.
Tops
Ribbed Tank– Much like a white shirt, this ribbed tank is a fail-proof pick that will form the backbone of your fall capsule wardrobe. It’s made from breathable material that is ideal if you experience fall in warm climates. Plus, the white base color will look exceptionally chic with black pants or when layered with a lightweight jacket.
Basic Tees (similar)– No fall capsule wardrobe is complete without a black tee! Whether that be with tailored shorts or a toffee-hued slip skirt, one of the best things about it is that you can create many different looks. A v-neck or scoop design gives off a relaxing and non-restrictive feel.
Linen Button-Down– If you are ever in doubt, it’s impossible to go wrong with a linen button-down! But instead of going for a button-down in a warm weather color like white, get one in a fall-appropriate color. There is no perfect time to rock a khaki linen button-down than in autumn, right? This wardrobe staple has a lightweight linen fabric that is ideal for warm climates.
Striped Shirt– A striped shirt is an impossibly elegant piece to include in your fall wardrobe. You can team up your long sleeve shirt with tailored shorts and white sneakers for a chic look.
Lightweight Sweater– If you can’t do heavy fall layers because of the warm climate, choose a lightweight sweater in fall-ready colors like black. A simple crewneck has a versatile fit and you can style it by tucking it into tailored shorts.
Outerwear:
Duster Cardigan– One way to balance out your fall dressing in warm climates is to have your outerwear remain lightweight while your bottoms are heavy. For effortless style, pick lightweight layers like this duster cardigan to elevate your fall looks. An alternative to a trench coat, the long silhouette would look chic with tailored shorts and knee-high boots.
Open Knit Sweater Jacket (similar)– If you feel left out of wearing chunky sweaters during fall like your Northern counterparts, throw on this open-knit sweater jacket. It is made from a mesh-like and breathable fabric, which is perfect for warm climates but has the look of a classic fall sweater. Dress it up with tailored shorts and sneakers for a casual yet elegant look.
Lightweight Jacket– Even when fall comes around, it can still feel like summer in the south. But when you want to remain cool and covered, sport this classic fall-looking utility jacket. You can layer it on top of a basic black tee for a classic look.
Bottoms
Midi Slip Skirt– This midi slip skirt lends an easy chicness to any fall look. The camel shade screams fall while the ultra-soft material is the perfect fabric for hotter climates. To make your look proportional, pair your midi skirt with a fitted top like a tank top or a striped tee to see you through autumn.
Wide Leg Pants-Finding flattering wide-leg pants can be a hard task! The good news is that these pants are meant to accentuate the waist and elongate the legs. You can style these ultra-wide fit pants with different pieces, but it would be a great idea to choose a short sleeve top to balance out your outfit. Sturdy cotton is comfortable to wear during fall (and other seasons).
Tailored Shorts (similar)– Anyone who lives in the south knows how humid it gets in the fall. You’d think you’re in the summer months when the calendar says October or September. If you don’t want to sweat profusely in baggy pants, it’s a good idea to add tailored shorts to your capsule wardrobe. To give your shorts a fall touch, pick shorts in an olive green hue.
Linen Pants (similar)– One of the most dependable pieces to have in your fall capsule wardrobe is linen pants. You can style it in different ways to look effortlessly stylish, like a black basic tee or a tank top. To follow the fall color scheme for your outfit, you can go the extra mile and choose darker makeup to complete your look.
Black Jeans– There is a good reason why black jeans are a must-have in a fall capsule wardrobe. You can pair them with virtually anything in your capsule wardrobe, from ankle boots to a lightweight sweater. And if the temperatures have dropped a bit, you can throw on a duster cardigan.
Wide Leg Crop Jeans (similar)- Alongside wide-leg pants, wide-leg crop jeans belong in your fall capsule wardrobe. The cropped length allows for a little airflow and is perfect for showing off your chic fall shoes, while the wide silhouette is not stiff and uncomfortable to wear on humid fall days.
Dresses:
Shirt Dress (similar)– An easy way of creating fashionable and modest looks is with a shirt dress. You can complete the dress with a pair of shoes that give your outfit a fall look, like ankle boots.
Floral Dress (similar)– Welcome in the fall vibes in a fun, floral dress. The moody florals are pretty and the breezy tiered skirt is feminine- the perfect pick for a wedding guest outfit or Thanksgiving look.
Related:
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Shoes:
Ankle Boots (similar)– If your climate allows, don’t forget to add this classic pair of shoes to your fall capsule wardrobe! You can put together several versatile outfits with ankle boots, from a striped shirt with black jeans to a lightweight sweater and tailored shorts.
Knee-High-Boots (similar)– Your fall outfits are guaranteed to look good in these pumpkin-hued knee-high boots during the fall. They are not just for younger women; older women can also rock a pair! You can team them up with a shirt dress and a classy black scarf for a stylish look.
Clogs– Sure, you might feel too hot to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte during your fall, but there are perks of a warm autumn! You can slip on a pair of these cute clogs to accompany your fall looks. The open back allows some airflow and won’t overheat your feet.
Ballet Flats– When it comes to the perfect ballet flats, you can never go wrong with a neutral pair. They will be your best friend in the fall because you can depend on flats to give all your fall outfits a chic flair.
Loafer– Loafers are an easy-to-wear shoe that will be your favorite choice for making a fall outfit look smart. Accompany them with wide-leg pants and an open-knit sweater for a polished fall outfit.
Sneakers– Sneakers are a key part of your capsule wardrobe come fall because every outfit needs a few casual chic pieces. But instead of going for all-white, get in the fall spirit and choose one with some earthy accents!
Mule (similar)– You don’t need statement necklaces to create an eye-catching fall look. Add a pop of color and a bold touch by accessorizing with leopard print mules. You can use these mules to add some interest to your black jeans and black tee outfit combo.
Accessories
Brown Belt– Tie together your look with a cognac belt. Use it with your jeans or accessorize it with your floral dress.
Lightweight Scarf (similar)– Autumn is the time people start to break out their go-to chunky scarves, but if you live in the south, chunky scarves are big no. So if you don’t want to get heat exhaustion, opt for a lightweight scarf instead!
Suede or Leather Tote Bag– Even though you can’t rock heavy fabrics for layering, you sure can wear thicker fabrics for your tote bags. Invest in a suede or leather tote bag to rock with all your pieces of clothing from your capsule wardrobe.
Crossbody– You’re going to need a reliable crossbody bag that can take you from day to night and this leather option is a great pick.
Dressing up for fall when you experience hot days can be tricky, but with this fall capsule wardrobe for warm climates, finding classy wardrobe essentials that are warm weather-friendly and chic will be a breeze.
If you need more fall fashion advice for women over 50, follow this guide: How To Master Fall Fashion for Women Over 50
