We’re at the homestretch of summer and entering into fall bliss. The heatwaves are long gone, but now another issue has risen in regard to getting dressed: The awkward weather makes building outfits a bit difficult. It’s cool during the mornings, warm during the day, and very chilly in the evenings. You can layer, but not too much, and getting dressed feels more like a chore than an adorning ritual.

That’s why I did some digging in search of the best transitional outfits to wear for the in-between season. Each look is chic, elegant, and quite expensive-looking, and very fitting for the weird weather we’re all experiencing until fall hits full force. Think warm tonal outfits, pops of color here and there, and clean lines within each look. Light layers, versatility, and functionality without compromising style is always the goal for my outfit inspiration. So, keep scrolling for pre-Fall transitional outfits and shop each look.

Monochrome Butter Yellow

Butter yellow is a color trend that keeps on giving. It rose in popularity last year as the muted color blends beautifully in outfits for all seasons, but particularly for fall, IMHO. While we’re still in the liminal space in this weather, a full butter yellow outfit is just right. To break up the color, try layering your sweater over a lace-trim top. It’ll add a delicate texture to your monochrome outfit.

a woman wearing a butter yellow sweater, lace-trim top, and butter yellow pants

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

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Dark-Wash Jeans

Now that the weather is finally shifting, it’s totally safe to wear dark-wash jeans with your outfits again. If it’s still warm enough, style a printed sleeveless top or tank top with your jeans, and slip on a pair of flip-flops. To accessorize, add a woven leather bag for some added texture and an eye-catching detail.

a woman wearing a red polka dot tank top, dark wash jeans, and black flip flops

(Image credit: @tylynn)

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Long Shorts + Long Trench

A pair of long shorts is perfect for both summer and fall. It’s just the right length for a casual or dressy outfit. If you’re leaning more dressy-casual like the look below, add a flowy trench coat over your V-neck tank top and long shorts, then add a pair of thong-heeled sandals. Play around with your accessories to zhuzh your look up, like sunglasses or jewelry of your choice. If you’d like to dress your look down, just trade your heels for flats, and ditch the trench coat.

a woman wearing a gray trench coat, V-neck black tank top, gray long shorts, and thong sandals

(Image credit: @deborarosa)

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Crochet Hats + Trousers

Crochet hats have had a big moment this summer, but there are ways to style them to be more fall-friendly. This in-between weather is the perfect time to try out the trend if you haven’t. They look especially chic with a pair of trousers and pointed-toe shoes. If it’s not too cold, a breezy top is highly recommended, but if you’d rather layer up, swap your top for a lightweight sweater.

a woman wearing a black hat, black tank top, black trousers, and black pointed-toe shoes

(Image credit: @lindatol_)

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Warm Tones

As you can see, I’m a big fan of monochrome outfits. This one below incorporates warm tones of tan and brown. Beige shades don’t have to be boring, and this look is proof. Wear a long-sleeve top with a long column skirt in similar colors for this tonal effect. Your flats don’t have to be brown; they can be black to break up the same tones just a bit. Accessorize with a deeper brown bag, and you have yourself the perfect monochrome pre-fall outfit.

a woman wearing a tan top, tan long skirt, black flats, and brown bag

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

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Pop Of Blue

Listen. Fall colors don’t have to be limited to black, white, beige, and burgundy. We can expand as much as we want, which is why the look below resonates so much with me. Oversized button-downs are an essential for fall. Wearing one in a bright blue hue with white pants is still a fall-friendly outfit, trust me. Slip on a pair of red kitten heels for an even more striking detail.

woman wearing a blue button-down shirt, white pants, and two-tone heels

(Image credit: @lizzyhadfield)

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Classic Trench Coat

Last, but not least. It’s never too early to just pull out the trench coat. If it’s really chilly, layer yours over a black sweater of your choice and a pair of black pants. Then slip on a pair of white flats for an interesting touch, rather than a pair of black flats. Add a big slouchy bag if you’d like to accessorize. If it’s not too chilly, but not particularly warm either, swap your sweater for a simple baby tee instead.

a woman wearing a trench coat, white flats, black sweater, black pants, and leather bag

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

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