Wear Now, Wear Later: How To Transition Your Dresses Into Fall

Transitioning dressing is something that is so simple to do, and yet so few of us actually do it.

It’s like we have it in our head that a specific dress is ONLY for spring or summer.
You stare at it in the closet and think, I can’t possibly wear that now.
Well, I am really excited to share some of my favorite “Wear Now, Wear Later” styling hacks… that will easily extend the life of your wardrobe.

And, make you see those dresses in a whole new light.
…Cue ray of sunshine through parting clouds.

These pictures (below) are shot in Mountain Village, Colorado…the place I now call home.
The views are so stunning it’s hard to believe they are real! I hope you enjoy them…

Wear Now, Wear Later #1 | Little Black Dress

Wear Now

SANDALS  |  DRESS   |  SUNGLASSES |  CHOKER  |  SIMILAR GOLD NECKLACE

Little Black Dress

First let me start by saying if you don’t have a black dress that you enjoy wearing, and feel really confident in…
This should be a HIGH priority on your shopping list!

Eliza J

This little black dress by Eliza J will work beautifully on women who are triangle or pear-shaped.
The flared skirt will mask bigger hips and thighs.
In contrast, if you do not have curves, the fuller skirt with create them.

If you are not familiar with the line, Eliza J…
They make WONDERFUL dresses for women of all shapes, sizes and ages.
The dresses often come in petite, and are always figure flattering.
These incredibly feminine dresses are also timeless, but with modern design elements.
Not to mention affordable.

Shop All Eliza J Dresses Here

Eliza J Dresses Under $100 Here

Shoes

Quick note about these Dolce Vita shoes…
They are awesome.
That is all. Told you it was quick!

Shop All Dolce Vita Shoes Here

Shop the Look

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Wear Later

BOOTIES  |  BELT  |  MOTO JACKET  | MOTO FOR LESS |   SUNGLASSES |  BELT   |  CHOKER  |  SIMILAR GOLD NECKLACE | DRESS

Transition to Fall

To transition this LBD into fall…
All you need to do is add a jacket. I layered my black leather moto jacket over it…
Annnddd… swap the sandals for booties.

(These booties fit very tightly to the ankle so they feel dressier).

You can also add a printed or patterned pair of black tights to keep your line looking longer and leaner.
I meant to wear my cute polka dot tights, and they have somehow disappeared into my tiny, 4-foot Manhattan-sized closet.

I also added a waist belt to create even more waist definition.

STYLE TIP: Cap sleeves are wonderful if you want to soften broad shoulders.

Shop More Black Dresses Here

Black Dresses Under $100 Here

Belt

 This Salvatore Ferragamo belt is reversible, so you basically have both brown and black in one belt.
It’s pricey, but so worth it when you consider how versatile it is. I wear mine ALL the time.

You could also go with something trendier, like a Gucci belt, which is very on trend.

Shop the Look

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Wear Now, Wear Later #2 | Gray Dress

Wear Now

MULES  |  DRESS   |  SUNGLASSES |  CHOKER  |  SIMILAR GOLD NECKLACE

Gray Dress

I really love this midi dress by Adrianna Papell because I think:

1) It’s super sexy!
2) It has SLEEVES…covering up your arms, while still showing off some leg.
3) Midi length is always great and flattering for more mature women
4) I love that it’s shorter in the front and longer in the back
5) And, lastly, it’s REALLY lightweight and perfect for layering

The Adrianna Papell dresses runs large. I would size down. (I’m wearing XS).

If you are looking for mother-of-the-bride or groom dresses, this should be a go-to brand!

Shop All Adrianna Papell Dresses Here

Mules

Mules and peep toe mules are still going strong.
You can definitely plan on wearing these now and keeping them around for spring.

Shop the Look

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Wear Later

BOOTIES  |  DRESS   |  SUNGLASSES |  CHOKER  |  SIMILAR GOLD NECKLACE  | MOTO JACKET  |  FOR LESS |  LEGGINGS

Layering

The key to transitioning your dresses to the next season…layering.
And, this dress was meant to be layered.
It is so lightweight so you can easily add a jacket or blazer over it…
And you can also wear jeans or leggings under it!

These leggings, btw, are faux leather by Spanx.
It might take you a minute to get them on, but holy hell do they suck everything in!!

STYLE TIP: DO consider pairing your dresses with skinny jeans or leggings for a modern, fall look.

Shop All Long Sleeve Dresses Here

Dresses Under $100 Here

Shop the Look

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Wear Now, Wear Later #2 | Red Jumpsuit

Wear Now

JUMPSUIT  |  SUNGLASSES  |  SANDALS  |  CHOKER  |  SIMILAR GOLD NECKLACE

Red Jumpsuit

A go-to color and look for me when I really want to make a statement… a fabulous red jumpsuit!
This one by Vince Camuto also comes in petite.
I ordered regular (even though it’s too long for me) so I have the option of REALLY high wedges or heels..
When I find a tailor here, I will have the inseam taken up about an inch and a half.

This jumpsuit runs a little small. I’m wearing a size 4.

Shop All Vince Camuto Dresses & Jumpsuits Here

All Red Jumpsuits Here

All Red Dresses Here

Sizing

Shop the Look

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Wear Later

JUMPSUIT | BLAZER | PUMPS | SUNGLASSES | WHITE TOP

Layering Under Dresses & Jumpsuits

Here is one of my absolute FAVORITE ways to transition dresses and jumpsuits…
Wear a thin, and interesting blouse or tee underneath!
Think about the sleeves, and the neckline…

This Halogen blouse has a dramatic high neck that is ruched, and super elegant.
It reminds me of something that Lady Di wore.
(She’s on the brain because of the 20th anniversary of her death. 20 years? Can you believe it??
I covered her death for the local news, and went to Canada to chat with mourners.)

STYLE TIP: Think outside the style box, layer pieces UNDER and OVER your dresses and jumpsuits.

Shop All White Blouses Here

Pumps

These Jimmy Choo pumps were such a smart investment.
And, not only do they look fabulous with this jumpsuit… They are killer with jeans!

Shop All Pumps Here

Shop the Look

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Remember Nordstrom has free shipping and returns.
Often what I do with jeans is order TWO sizes, and then send one size back.

Other Posts

You may also like this post featuring some of my favorite jeans.
My July Favorites video here is one of my most popular series.
Or a quick tutorial here on how to use the “LikeToKnow.It” app…
And don’t miss my 5-minute makeup routine post here.

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And, thank you SO much for stopping by!

*Huge thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. All products were picked out and purchased by me.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Erin xo