Even though fall doesn't technically begin until September 22nd, Labor Day weekend puts most people in an autumn state of mind, and this includes with what they wear. Growing up in New Jersey, I vividly remember wearing my new fall clothes on the first day of school, which was always after Labor Day, and sweating profusely because it was still pretty hot out. It would be a long while until I could break out the tights and sweaters.
Yet, despite the fact that the weather will likely remain hot for quite some time where you live, you still want to embrace the new season. Below I have put together some early fall work looks that you can consider. All of them have a fall feel without being too hot. Plus, as the weather gets milder you can tweak them to work with true autumn season.
Early Fall Work Looks
Outfit #1
I happen to love this early fall work look because it says autumn without being too hot. This is done by the earthier colors of the outfit. The Elie Tahari windowpane pants also have an autumnal feel but are cropped which makes them more wear now, especially when styled with these burgundy ballerina flats from Corso Como. As the weather gets cooler, you can consider swapping out the flats for a pair of oxfords. Unfortunately, these pants may be too cropped for booties, but you can definitely give it a test and see for yourself.
With the pants, I added this knot detail blouse from Reiss that offers great shape at the waist without needing to be tucked. Over it, I added this black shrug that doesn't overpower the blouse but adds some coverage as needed. Finishing the ensemble, I used drop earrings from Aqua, bracelet from Banana Republic and grey handbag from Vince Camuto.
Outfit #2
What I like about this dress from L.K. Bennett is how many directions it can go because of the colors in the print. In the early fall you might want to play up the brights while styling it with nude or soft colored shoes, like I did here using this teal tote from Tory Burch and blush pumps from Athena Alexander. The dress has sleeves so it doesn't necessarily require a layering piece making it perfect early fall work look.
Once the weather gets colder, this dress transitions well. You can play down the colors by pairing it with black or deeper shades, add some tights and boots and, voila, it's ready for the colder season. Being seasonless, the accessories I used above, the layering necklace from LOFT and the stud earrings from Eddie Borgo, can be used all year long.
Outfit #3
Skirts can often be relatively seasonless. You can wear them with bare legs in the summer and tights in the autumn and winter. I quite liked this camel and black style from White House|Black Market that is novel enough to stand on its own but basic enough to be versatile. To it I simply added this button down bodysuit from Theory. The shirt isn't cheap, so if you are looking for some bodysuit alternatives, Tuxe Bodywear makes some similar styles. Once the weather gets cold, a chic black turtleneck sweater would look great with this skirt.
For early fall, I added these peep toe booties from Vince Camuto. Booties like this have an autumn feel while still being summery. Once the weather cools off you can swap them out for tights and a true pair of boots or whatever cold weather shoes you prefer. Finishing the outfit, I used this cognac bag and statement necklace from Nakamol Design.
Early fall work looks can embrace the upcoming season while still being cool enough for the warm weather that's surely going to linger for a while. You don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe for this small sliver of time. Just look for styles that have the versatility to go from warm to cold with just a few tweaks.