Summer in Fall: What to wear when the calendar says “Autumn” but the weather says “Summer”

~ jillontoast
Nothing says Autumn like a spiced apple cider with a side of apple fritter.
Nothing says Autumn like a spiced apple cider with a side of apple fritter.

For some reason, as the autumn wind gracefully escorts the salty scent of summer into the horizon, two things have been on my mind. 1. If I could bring anyone back from the dead, this week it would be Michael Jackson (I mean his music is just really universally good. I’m curious what else he would compose). 2. How the heck do you dress for these first month of “fall” in LA?

Orange County/Lantern Bay Park in the Autumn. Its hard to find those beautiful fall colors in LA, but they are in the sunsets year-round.
Orange County/Lantern Bay Park in the Autumn. Its hard to find those beautiful fall colors in LA, but they are in the sunsets year-round.

The vibe of the whole city is definitely Autumn. The Santa Ana Winds bring with them that je nais se quoi that is Fall. School busses lace the early morning freeways and one can sense the days shortening. The smell of Halloween is just around the corner. There’s just one problem. Its 102 degrees in the Valley and 97 at the Beach. Every year this confuses me.

In the Northern hemisphere the hottest months are supposed to occur during the Summer- late June-August, cooling off with the Autumnal Equinox (late September). So WHY is it so hot NOW instead of then?? OR, if the hottest months are actually supposed to be Sept through November then WHY is fall fashion full of hot boots, cashmere sweaters, and layers?? Are we supposed to wear shorts, tanks, rompers, and sundresses well into November here? I mean believe me, I am NOT complaining. I absolutely adore summer and the clothing that comes with it. But when I smell cinnamon in the air and the nights descend upon us at 5pm, my biological clock is telling me a. to eat apple fritters, and b. to pull out my favorite sweater. When does fall fashion really start to get its moment in Los Angeles?? I’m totally confused. Its technically fall, but the weather is screaming for summer clothes.  Whats appropriate?

Danielle says that in these situations its best to wear the summer outfits with booties and maybe a thin sweater for nighttime, in case the air gets a bit chilly. Also trading in some  pastel items for jewel tones or autumn tones if you can pull off burnt orange and khaki (not everyone can). Light weight midi skirts can work wonders in the heat.

Here are some examples I found on Pinterest:

Even though this outfit is all white, paired with the grey booties brings a little fall into the mix. The sweater is so light weight, its probably fine in the heat and still helps in the overly air-conditioned office.
Even though an all white outfit usually screams “summer”, pairing it with these little grey booties  brings “fall” into the mix. The sweater is so light weight, its probably fine in the heat and still helps in the overly air-conditioned office.
Opposing the all white ensemble above, this all black ensemble is the perfect combo for Summer in Fall. Its a perfect example. Love.
Opposing the all white ensemble above, this all black ensemble is the perfect combo for “Summer in Fall” Short sleeved top and light weight midi skirt. Its an excellent example. Love.
Here Vanessa Hudgens dones and impeccable
Here Vanessa Hudgens dones an impeccable “Summer in Fall” outfit. The cool and breezy lace top paired with an autumn colored skirt and black booties- Tres Bien. 
Another great example of a lightweight midi skirt with a loosely fit short sleeved top.
Another great example of a lightweight midi skirt with a loosely fit short sleeved top. I love how her shoes are almost boots. Enough open space for air flow in this heat, but still look perfectly autumn. 
Maybe this outfit that I wore in France last year could work great as a potential
Maybe this outfit that I wore in France last year could work great as a potential “summer in fall” ensemble? Sans jacket its just a comfy crisp white T with a lightweight midi skirt and sandals. I’m starting to catch on.

If anyone out there is reading this, what are your thoughts on this subject?

xoxo

QJ

QJ

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