How to Dress for Fall When It Still Feels Like Summer By Ainsly Griggs

By Ainsly Griggs

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons, and after taking a color analysis, I learned that autumn is also one of my most flattering color palettes. Naturally, I look forward to dressing for the season every year. There’s just one problem: after moving from Portland, Oregon, to Southern California, I quickly realized that my idea of fall and California’s idea of fall are two very different things.

I mean, a few weeks ago I dragged my mother all the way out to the countryside to go apple picking, only to find ourselves sweating in temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. So much for cozy sweaters, crisp mornings, and all the quintessential fall activities I had romanticized.

We are not exactly living in sweater weather.

But that doesn't mean we have to abandon our favorite fall looks altogether. If anything, dressing for autumn in a warmer climate is an opportunity to get a little more creative. It's all about finding ways to capture the feeling of the season without overheating in the process. So, let me share a few ways to stay cool while still looking the part.

Eg: Me at the apple orchard sporting my fall colors and flops.

1. Embrace Your City's Aesthetic

Just because the calendar says fall doesn't mean you have to retire your sandals, open-toed shoes, or lighter pieces. Sometimes, all it takes is a little seasonal color to make an outfit feel appropriate for the time of year. Keep your sandals, but perhaps swap your usual pedicure for a rich burgundy, deep chocolate, or burnt terracotta. It's a small detail, but it can make all the difference.

One of the easiest ways to make seasonal dressing feel more natural is to work with your surroundings rather than against them. Southern California has its own distinct style, and there's no reason you can't incorporate a little of that into your fall wardrobe. For me, that might mean adding a touch of California western flair with a pair of cowboy boots Of course, it depends on the day, but mixing seasonal elements with the aesthetic of where you live makes getting dressed feel a lot more authentic.

2. Color Is Everything

The same goes for your wardrobe. You don't necessarily need heavier fabrics or oversized sweaters to achieve an autumnal look. Google some color palettes that align with the season and see what you can do. Incorporating fall's signature colors into lighter silhouettes can give you that seasonal feeling without the added layers. Think chocolate brown, olive green, rust, caramel, and warm cream. After all, color is one of the most powerful tools we have when it comes to personal style.

3. Get Creative With Your Layers

Layering might seem counterintuitive when it's still warm enough to break a sweat, but hear me out: layering doesn't have to mean piling on chunky knits and heavy jackets.

One thing I learned while spending the summer in Japan is that layering can be surprisingly lightweight. Try wearing a T-shirt over a fitted tank top, or adding a lightweight scarf in satin, cotton, or another breathable fabric. You can also experiment with sheer tops, lightweight button-downs, and thin cardigans that can easily be taken off throughout the day.

It's less about bundling up and more about adding dimension to an outfit. You get the visual interest of a layered look without feeling like you're dressed for a completely different climate.

4. Don't Underestimate the Thrift Store

Finding fall-inspired pieces that are actually comfortable in warmer weather can be a little more challenging, especially when most seasonal collections seem to revolve around wool coats, chunky sweaters, and heavy knits. But that doesn't mean the options aren't there.

Thrifting is a great way to find unique, lightweight pieces that fit the season without necessarily following the typical fall formula. Look for breathable fabrics, interesting textures, vintage accessories, and classic silhouettes in warmer autumn shades. You might be surprised by what you can find.

And if thrifting isn't your thing, a little online research can go a long way. Start with timeless wardrobe staples in fall-friendly colors, like a chocolate brown tank, a lightweight linen button-down, or a pair of warm-toned trousers. You don't need an entirely new wardrobe; sometimes, a few thoughtful additions are enough.

At the end of the day, seasonal dressing should be fun, not restrictive. You don't need falling leaves, chilly mornings, or an excuse to pull out your heaviest sweater to participate in the magic of fall. Whether you're wearing cowboy boots with a sundress, sandals with a burgundy pedicure, or a lightweight scarf over your favorite tank, there are plenty of ways to embrace the season on your own terms.

Because sometimes, fall isn't about what you're wearing as much as the colors you're wearing. And if Southern California insists on giving me 90-degree autumns, I'll just have to make my own version of sweater weather.