How To Wear Summer Dresses In Fall

How to Wear Summer Dresses in Fall

Blazer: Nordstrom (old-from the Atlantic-Pacific collection), similar here & here
Dress: Companys (store in Copenhagen), similar here & here
Tall Boots: Nordstrom (old), similar here & here
Belt: Asos, also similar here & here

Did you know that it is possible to wear summer dresses in Fall? It wasn’t until a few years ago that I thought it was possible. Usually, I tuck away my summer dresses and bring out my Fall dresses. The sad thing about my summer dresses is that they barely get worn. I live in Chicago and summer only exists for 3 months and the rest of the year is layers…. BULKY layers. But I’m all about making the most of my closet and getting creative. And guess what?! I’ve found ways to make my dresses more appropriate in the Fall without freezing my butt off!

4 Ways to Wear Summer Dresses In Fall

The Dress

So in order for this to work, pick out a dress (or dresses) that you already have in mind that you want to wear or extend beyond the warmer months. I usually like to pick out dresses with long sleeves but if you don’t have one with long sleeves, that is totally okay. Trust me, this will still work. I am wearing a dress I bought from Copenhagen from a fashion retailer called Companys. Unfortunately, they don’t ship to the U.S. and their online inventory is not great. They’re definitely a more brick & mortar retailer. I’ve actually noticed that the inventory in European stores is way better. To me, it makes the shopping experience so much better!

Anways, I love that this dress is smocked style. It replicates the smocked tops I love! Below are some fun dress options.

Tall Boots

Now it is time to cover up those bare legs. My go-to are tall boots. In this case, I went for my brown suede boots. I got these boots a couple years ago from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Another reason why I love that sale. Everything I buy is timeless & classic and I use it for years without paying full price! If you have a mini dress, it would also be cute to wear them with tights! I also love wearing boots with maxi dresses as well.

Here are some tall boot options.

The Layer

If there is anything to take away from this post it is that layering is the key! I especially love layering with blazers. Wearing blazers adds a level of sophistication / chicness to any outfit. Plus, it helps keep you warm. I paired my dress with a checked blazer. Unfortunately, my exact blazer doesn’t exist. I got it last year when Blair (from Atlantic-Pacific) had a collection with Nordstrom. Blair is the queen of layering and her collection was amazing! She recently announced she will have another this October! Can’t wait for it! Recently, I wrote a post about the 9 best blazers to buy this Fall.

Below are also a few checked blazer options.

The Accessory

Whenever I use accessories, I like them to help tie my outfit together. Basically complete them. When it comes to Fall layering, sometimes it can look bulky. In this outfit, I was wearing a flowy dress with an oversized blazer. It was an overkill. So I grabbed my favorite brown belt and tied everything together. It gave my outfit more shape. I really love the double ring buckle. It’s a nice change from the typical belt buckle.