How Accessories take summer clothes into Fall

At this time of year, I never want to rush into full fall/autumn dressing. Summer clothes still have plenty of life left in them and, very often, the weather is far too mild for heavy fabrics, boots and dark layers.

Yet there does come a point, usually towards the end of August/early September, when our outfits begin to feel a little too light, a little too bare and somehow not quite in tune with the season ahead.

This is where accessories come into their own.

You don't need a whole new wardrobe to make the shift into Fall/Autumn. A few thoughtful changes in your accessories can alter the mood of your clothes beautifully. The same dress, trousers or top can suddenly feel more polished, more grounded and more appropriate for early autumn, simply by the addition of a different shoe, bag, scarf or piece of jewellery.

Change the Shoes

If you do nothing else, change the shoes.

Shoes have a remarkable effect on the overall feel of an outfit. The lightness of sandals, espadrilles and open toes is lovely in high summer but, as the season begins to turn, they can make an outfit look a little left behind.

Simply swapping them for a more substantial shoe can transform your look. Think of loafers, ballet flats, elegant trainers in a soft neutral or, later on, ankle boots.

A summer dress worn with sandals looks quite different when paired with loafers and a structured handbag. Linen trousers with ballet flats look immediately more settled and autumn-ready than the same trousers with strappy sandals.

Similar: Loafers and Ankle boots from Talbots

and Change the Bag

Handbags quietly speak of the season.

In summer we naturally lean towards lighter textures and materials. Straw, raffia and pale canvas feel entirely right. But once late summer arrives they begin to look slightly out of step, even if the outfit itself still works perfectly well.

Time to bring in a bag with a little more depth. Good choices for early autumn are tan leather, cognac, taupe, olive, burgundy or navy. Soft suede can work beautifully too, if the weather allows.

You don't need a large collection; just one or two bags in a richer texture or more grounded tone can help move many of your summer clothes into the next season.

Add a Scarf

A scarf is one of the easiest and most elegant ways to bridge the gap between seasons.

Early autumn rarely calls for anything heavy, but a lightweight scarf can add exactly the right note of softness and seasonal interest. It also gives that little touch of polish which so often makes an outfit feel finished.

Look for scarves in autumn-leaning neutrals, muted florals, navy and cream, olive and gold, or perhaps a soft animal print. Rust, berry and teal can also work beautifully at this time of year.

You might wear one loosely at the neck, drape it over the shoulders on a cooler morning or even tie it to your handbag. Even when the clothing beneath remains summery, a scarf can make the whole look feel more considered and more in tune with September than August.

Similar scarf from House of Bruar

Deepen the Jewelry

Jewelry may be a small detail, but it can help shift the tone of an outfit in a subtle and stylish way.

In high summer, our jewelry is usually lighter and sometimes more fun! As autumn approaches, however, I find myself wanting something a little more classic. Nothing dramatic it may simply be warmer gold tones, pearls, tortoiseshell details, a bolder bracelet or a more noticeable earring.

These small changes can make a plain summer top or dress feel more finished and less holiday-like. Pearls, in particular, have that wonderful ability to add polish without becoming formal, while gold jewellery sits beautifully with the richer accessory colors of early autumn

Tortoiseshell necklace

Add a belt

Belts are often overlooked, but they can be very useful at this point in the year. 

Some summer outfits begin to feel a little loose or shapeless by late August; adding a belt can instantly make them feel more intentional. It works especially well with shirt dresses, linen trousers, longer tops and simple cotton dresses.

A belt in tan, navy or dark brown can ground an outfit, add definition and begin to bring in that autumn feeling without requiring heavier clothes.

Replacing a fabric belt sharpens the whole outfit. 

Navy dress | brown belt 

Bring in Texture and Color

Texture is one of the quietest but most effective ways to suggest a new season.

Summer textures tend to be crisp, airy and light. As we move into autumn, even before we change our clothes, we can begin to add a little more texture through accessories.

Think of leather, suede, silk, brushed metal, tortoiseshell or even a soft knit worn lightly over the shoulders. These details create depth and interest; they make an outfit feel less high summer and more ready for the months ahead.

Alongside texture it's color that works the transition!

Accessories are the perfect place to introduce the new season; a bag, scarf, shoe or belt in a richer shade can gently nudge a summer outfit into autumn territory.

Luscious colors for this time of year include tan, cognac, olive, rust, berry, chocolate and navy. Soft leopard print can work beautifully too. These all blend well with the summer basics of white, cream, denim, blush and soft blue.

Even a very simple outfit can look quite different once you add a bag, shoe or scarf in one of these richer colors. 

Ladies Accessories from Scottish House of Bruar

A Gentle move into Autumn

One of the nicest things about early autumn dressing is that it needn't be abrupt. We don't have to pack summer away overnight or suddenly step into heavy layers before the weather is ready for them.

Very often it is the accessories that do the quiet work.

A different shoe, a richer bag, a scarf with a little depth, a piece of jewellery with more presence - these are the details that make summer clothes feel right for the changing season.

And they do so with ease, elegance and very little effort at all.