The Beach or Boots?

I feel you girl. That dilemma. Its 80 degrees so you feel like you should be at the beach, but those fall vibes are settling in and your piggies are ready for boots. Dressing for this transitional time can be a challenge, but I’m here to tell you that in the fight between the beach or boots, I say BOTH! When it comes to transitional styling, I’ve got a tip and a fool-proof formula that will have you navigating this pre-fall season.

My one tip for you is to style a garment from past season with all items that are true to the current season. For example, if you’re styling your denim shorts (the summer item), pair them with all fall items such as a flannel, sneakers and a hat. That brings me to this master formula for you to use when getting dressed.

I put this equation to the test and raided my closet to bring you a bunch of examples to use as inspiration during this transitional season! Items to note, there should only be ONE summer item in your look and paired with everything else from the current season with one or multiple accessories. When I did this exercise, often my fall ‘accessory’ was my footwear but could also be a hat or a darker pair of sunglasses.

Keep in mind, these items are from my own personal wardrobe. That means this is MY personal style. The garments specifically may not speak to you, but take each look as inspiration. Maybe you don’t particularly care for the printed shorts I have shown, but can you recreate the look with a pair from your own wardrobe?

Printed Short + Cropped Sweatshirt + Boot

Watch your proportions here, I styled this look with a cropped sweatshirt in order to not overwhelm the shorts. Also, be mindful of the material of your shorts and make sure it is a fabric that can transition into fall.

Maxi + Sweater + Sneaker

Here I am layering a sweater over a maxi and have added a belt. You could also achieve this look by knotting up a thinner sweater. This look would also be great with a slouchy lightweight sweatshirt that fell off the shoulder.

Denim Shorts + Blouse + Sneaker

A good white button up is so versatile! The key to not looking like your ready for the office is to size up so it is slouchy, and also leave a bunch of buttons in the front open. If you’re worried about coverage, pair with your favorite bralette.

Denim Shorts + Blouse + Boots

Same look just with boots! This look is for my edgy girls out there! You could also tie a flannel around your waist here as another fall accessory.

Denim Shorts + Long Cardigan + Flats

I LOVE this look! Pair all your neutrals together to achieve this look with your own garments!

Graphic Tee + Suede Skirt + Sneaker

Think outside the box with this one… don’t have a suede skirt? Swap it with a plaid one! Or even a denim one! You can absolutely pair a graphic tee and a printed skirt, make sure they have some common colors within them.

Floral Skirt + Tee + Boot

I had so much fun with this skirt (spoiler alert: you’re gonna see it again on another blog coming up). Pair your favorite skirt and add a simple tee and accessories to pull this off! Look for moody florals to make this look a success.

Floral Skirt + Denim Jacket + Boots

I could have also swapped out these boots for a pair of sneakers or even nude colored mules/flats. Tie the jacket around your waist or drape it over your shoulders if it gets too warm to wear it.

Knit Maxi + Flannel + Sneaker

Everyone reading this can recreate this look… even if you have to use one of your husband’s shirts!

Printed Tank + Jogger + Mule

I would have loved this look with a pair of flat mules too (but they don’t personally resonate with me so I actually don’t own a pair). Layer this look with a blazer for morning chilly temps and leave it in the car as it heats up throughout the day. For a more casual take on this, pair joggers with a knotted tank and sneakers.

Which look is your favorite??!! I’d love to hear in the comments below! If you recreate any of these looks post and tag me @styledbyschafer!

xo, Ashley

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