The First Fall Pieces to Add to Your Closet (Yes, Even in Summer)
Is it too soon to talk about fall? Not if you ask your closet. While it’s still warm outside, now is the perfect time to start sprinkling in a few fall-ready pieces.
Think of it like dipping your toe into the season—without diving headfirst into cable knits and pumpkin spice everything. Whether you’re craving a little change or just tired of your summer staples, these early fall finds are the perfect way to transition your wardrobe without breaking a sweat.
Shopping for more fall fashion finds? Head over to these posts next:
The First Fall Pieces to Add to Your Closet
Tan, chocolate, ivory and shades of cognac, mixed in with a touch of dusty pink and good old-fashioned medium -wash denim are perfect to infuse into your wardrobe as you step from summer into early fall!
suede loafers
Suede Espadrille Loafers
One of the first things I think about when I’m starting my fall transition is shoes. Away go the sandals and out come some cute loafers. These tan Suede Espadrille Loafers from Talbots are a super easy way to lean into fall without giving up summer comfort. The suede makes them feel seasonal, but the woven espadrille sole keeps them light and breezy. And don’t you love that chic chain detail? Great with ankle pants, cropped denim, or even a casual dress.
poncho
Open Neck Slit Neck Poncho
Here’s a gorgeous piece that makes the idea of easing into Fall, not bad at all! I call this open-neck split-neck poncho a transitional hero. The open-knit design keeps it breathable for now, while the warm, burnt sienna hue exudes all the fall vibes. Toss it over a tank and jeans now for an effortless layered look you can wear right now, and then over a long-sleeved v-neck when the weather cools off.
leopard belt
Reversible Leather Belt
Something as simple as a belt can signal that your wardrobe is headed towards Fall. With one sleek black side and one fun leopard side, this Reversible Leopard belt gives you two looks in one. Use it to add shape to a plplain-coloredress ( tis green one is fab), or to punch up a simple tee and jeans. A little leopard goes a long way!
crewneck sweater
Chocolate Brown Crewneck Sweater
Last week it was in the high 80s, and yesterday it was cool. September is still a few weeks away, and already the weather is playing tricks on us. To the rescue comes this juicy chocolate brown Ribbed Crew neck sweater. It’s lightweight but cozy, making it perfect for those early fall mornings when the air just starts to turn. The ribbed texture adds interest without bulk, and the cut is easy to style with skirts or denim.
striped midi dress
Striped Midi Dress
When you don’t want a breezy sundress but you’re not ready for tweed, this Sierra Btown striped Midi dress works overtime as a summer-to-fall staple. ( I just ordered it!) The stripes keep it playful, but the longer length and side tie give it polish. Wear it now with sandals, then add a denim jacket, booties, and a great fall bag when the temps drop.
wide leg pants
Wit and Wisdom Sky High Wide-Leg Pants
Wit and Wisdom, one of my favorite brands due to their fabulous tummy-flattening fit and reasonable prices, has totally nailed it with these early fall pants. These are Sky High Wide leg pants in a chic herringbone weave. I love the “peanut butter” color, which is perfect to wear with summer and fall colors.
These pant are great when you want to make your legs look like they go on for miles. Pair with a stretchy top or short-sleeved blouse in summer or long-sleeved blouse or a cropped sweater as the cooler weather arrives.
chore jacket
Studio Chore Jacket
Meet your new go-to layer. This Studio chore jacket is similar to a denim jacket but with a little more pizazz. It has just the right amount of structure to polish up your outfit, but still feels relaxed. It’s perfect over everything from a tee and jeans to a midi dress. And that soft white is a natural way to bridge the gap between bright summer white and darker fall colors.
wedge sandal
Wedge Sandals
I thought these chic shoes were a cool way to have one foot in summer and the other in Fall. Talbot’s Royce Nappa Wedge Sandals are ideal when your feet aren’t quite ready to be covered up but airy, strappy sandals feel off. This medium wedge adds a few inches, but because a wedge, it’s easy to walk in. I adore that rich Havana tan-colored leather. It’s very earthy and warm, making the transitional shoes feel rich and elevated.
leopard shirt
Leopard Shirt
This elbow sleeve leopard shirt is the kind of top you’ll reach for all year long. The delicate leopard print adds just the right amount of personality without going overboard, and the elbow sleeves make it breathable enough for warmer days. When the weather cools down, it will layer beautifully under a blazer, cardigan, or denim jacket.
belted dress
Belted Shirtdress
A great back-to-work dress comes in handy in late summer and early Fall. This Devon Circle Print Shirtdress checks all the boxes: a flattering shape, a wearable print, and long sleeves that make it feel a little more fall-like. Add tall boots or ankle booties, and you’re good to go!
Shop More Fall Pieces to Add to Your Closet:
Have you started shopping for fall yet? What pieces have you added to your closet? What are you on the lookout for?
Hi Deborah, what great ideas! For the first time in years, I am over the moon excited to transition to fall pieces in my wardrobe. Living in a very warm climate, it’s about changing to those autumn colors and adding some texture to the short sleeve and sleeveless tops as fall approaches. :) And since you asked (in response to a comment I made on another post) if I had any topics I’d like you to cover, I do have one. How to wear a standard button cardigan in a modern and chic way. Not a long cardigan, or an open cardigan, but a regular cardigan, without looking frumpy or “twin set” like. That would be helpful.
Hi Carolyn! I’m in Toronto in the and it’s still very hot until the end of October. (The weather has shifted over the years and it’s more like late summer in early fall) Anyway, I’m always dying to get in to knits and suede etc but it often feels early so I’ve been assembling a transitional wardrobe over the last few years which I add to every fall. It’s light pieces in fall colors and more texture, just as you say. I’ll be pulling some out in Sept. to show you. One of those items I just ordered happens to be a cardigan so when I back from my holiday at the end of August I take a look and come up with some fresh ideas. Thanks for dropping by and stay tuned for my Fall Colors and Styles posts coming out soon. Cheers, Deb!