Fall is here! Can you believe it? The year that we thought would never end is in the final quarter. The fall weather is as predictable as 2020 with record temperatures in the west and early snow in Colorado. This whole year is like playing Bean Buzzled and only getting the yucky jelly beans. I prefer not to play!
Why Dahlia?
But, fall is my favorite season of the year. There is a maturity about the season. Dahlias are an autumn flower that blooms mid-summer to fall when many other flowers have gone dormant. I chose Dahlia for my web site name because women are more Dahlias than Daffodils.
By conventional beauty standards, women are most beautiful when they are young, but the truth is women are more fully alive and more fully themselves and, therefore, far more beautiful as we age. Autumn reminds us that there is beauty in the passage of time.
Fall Transition
Fall fashion is, by far, my favorite. We can finally put away the shorts and summer sandals and return to more fashionable fare. Yet, it is still long before necessity drives many of us to focus on keeping warm and bundling up. Of course, there are a few great pieces from the summer we want to bring along on our journey into fall.
At the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, a Pre-Season sale offering fall fashions, I picked up this fabulous Vince Tie Waist Cotton Dress. The dress is made of thick cotton with a flattering tie waist detail that looks great on everyone. I ordered the medium based on the sizing recommendations, and it fits perfectly. Luckily, it is back on sale now 40%. A great time to pick up this versatile dress.
Autumn weather can be unpredictable: warm to downright hot in some places and at other places & times cold or snowing. A T-shirt dress is a summer staple but can easily be transitioned into fall. Let me show you how.
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T-Shirt Dress Fall Styling
1. T-Shirt Dress + Demin Jacket + Sneakers
While the weather is still relatively warm, you can easily add your favorite denim or lightweight jacket for extra warmth. I am wearing the L’Agence Janelle Jacket. This modern take on a denim jacket has a slimmer fit and super soft denim akin to your favorite sweater. I know it is a splurge, but a denim jacket is a closet staple that you will reach for again and again, justifying the price by a low cost per wear (CPW). I have linked several denim jackets below, including several less expensive options.
Denim Jacket Picks
2. T-Shirt Dress + Oversized Cardigan + Boots
Add a statement cardigan and boots to your favorite T-Shirt dress for warmth as the temperatures start to drop. You could definitely add tights for another layer. I would add some fun tights with a complimentary pattern to your sweater.
When picking a cardigan, look for options that hit below the dress hemline or sweaters that hit just below your hip. Sweaters that hit just above the dress hemline will make look disproportionate. You want the sweater to look oversized or look traditional length.
Another great option is an Open Front Sweater Blazer from J.Crew. The Sweater Blazer is a workhorse of my fall wardrobe. Add it to any outfit for instant warmth. Jeans + tee, Maxi dress, jumpsuit, or sweatshirt + leggings add the sweater blazer to elevate your look. I love the sweater blazer so much; I have it in several colors. I keep them in my car for days when the weather turns chilly unexpectedly. They don’t wrinkle and always look great.
My boots are from Everlane last year. They are not available yet this year, but undoubtedly they will offer a similar style in the next couple of months. I am crushing on cream boots this fall. They add a fresh feeling to all your fall styles.
Cardigan Sweater Picks
3. T-Shirt Dress + Plaid Blazer + Boots
A quick way to dress up your favorite t-shirt dress is to add an oversized or structured blazer. My jacket is the Anine Bing plaid blazer. I have linked a similar AB Blazer available this year. Everlane also makes a fabulous Oversized Blazer in Glen Plaid, which at $180 is an incredible price for a well-constructed blazer. I have in both the Glen Plaid and the Black.
My boots are Frye Billy Tall Boot. Frye boots are by far my favorite boots. The quality is impeccable, and the sizing consistent. I am an 8.5 in every and all Frye Boots. My collection started years ago, and I keep adding to it every year. Of course, I may add trendier options like the Stuart Weitzman Lowland or Tamara Mellon Easy Rider, but I always go back to my Fryes. I know I can walk or stand in them for hours without discomfort.
4. T-Shirt Dress + Hoodie + Sneakers
My favorite way to warm up during the fall is to add a fun graphic sweatshirt over my t-shirt dress. I’ve added sneakers because, in CA, it is still warm until Dec., but you could easily wear with boots or booties. My sweatshirt is the Everlane 100% Human hoodie, which benefits the ACLU. For every sale, Everlane gives 10% to the ACLU, which fights to protect our fundamental freedoms. A cute sweatshirt that gives back – yes, please! I’ve linked some of my other favorite sweatshirts in the widget below.
Graphic Sweatshirt Picks
Hopefully, by the second week of October, we have worked through all the terrible tasting Bean Buzzled beans and can move on to the sweet flavors. We really need a bit of a break. Don’t you agree? It has been a lot! Fashion is my respite from the day to day of everything. Fall fashion is always so exciting, and the return to “real clothes” makes me happy every year.
I am delighting in the little things this year. Focusing on the positive and trying to avoid the sh!t bean!
I would love it if you followed me on Instagram for my everyday outfits or on Pinterest for my fashion inspiration. StyleDahlia is a fashion and lifestyle website with a modern take on midlife. We hope to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and live your life in full bloom.
