The calendar may say Labor Day is around the corner, but it’s hard to believe summer is already coming to an end. If you love the warm sunshine as much as I do, you might feel tempted to take a spontaneous road trip to Southern California, splurge on a new wardrobe, or indulge in a little retail therapy to cope with the seasonal shift. No judgment here! But there are smarter, more budget-friendly ways to transition into fall—both mentally and style-wise. Here are seven simple steps to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
First things first: clean out your closet. I know, it’s not as fun as shopping, but taking inventory of what you already own can save you money. If you live in a place with distinct seasons, chances are you haven’t worn your cardigans or ankle boots in months. Before you start shopping, go through your wardrobe and rediscover those forgotten pieces. Skipping this step could lead to unnecessary purchases—I’ve been there myself (hello, two identical maroon cardigans).
Sort through your clothes and set aside anything you no longer wear to donate, sell, or swap. Make a note—mental or written—of the fall-friendly pieces you already have, like leggings, light sweaters, jackets, long-sleeved tops, tights, and scarves. It also helps to separate summer clothes into two categories: items that can transition into fall with layering and those that need to be packed away. For example, summer dresses can still work with a denim jacket, but short shorts? Not so much.
Color plays a big role in seasonal dressing. Spring and summer wardrobes are often filled with bright yellows, oranges, soft blues, greens, and pinks. As fall arrives, deeper jewel tones like burgundy, olive, navy, and purple take over. Take a look at your wardrobe and see if you’re missing any fall colors. The good news? This year, shades of orange and red are still in style, along with bright yellow, blue, and green. Classic fall hues like navy, olive green, cream, and gray are also trending.
Leggings and tights are an easy way to transition dresses and skirts into cooler weather without spending a fortune on new pants. Plus, leggings double as loungewear, which is a major win. Make sure you have a few pairs of black tights and some black or gray leggings—they’re versatile and likely already in your closet. If not, stores like Target, Old Navy, and Walmart offer affordable options.
Layering is key to making your summer wardrobe last into fall. A few stylish outerwear pieces can help extend the life of your t-shirts, tanks, jeans, and dresses. Cardigans work well with dresses, while bomber jackets and blazers pair effortlessly with jeans and t-shirts. A well-fitted moto jacket is a great option that goes with everything from cropped pants to skirts. You can also layer long-sleeved button-down shirts over dresses or skirts—just tie a knot in the front for a polished look.
Don’t forget about a waterproof jacket! Hopefully, you already have one in your closet, but if not, consider investing in a stylish, functional option.
When it comes to footwear, you don’t need a massive collection. The essentials? Ankle boots, rain boots, and sneakers. If you want to add a little extra style, a pair of loafers is a great choice. For budget-friendly options, check out Sam’s Club or DSW for rain boots, Target and Old Navy for affordable sneakers, and Amazon, DSW, or ASOS for trendy yet reasonably priced ankle boots.
Accessories like hats and scarves are perfect for adding warmth and seasonal flair to your outfits. Even if it’s not quite cold enough for a knit beanie, a wool boater hat can elevate a simple jeans-and-sweater look, while a newsboy cap pairs well with a long-sleeved dress. On casual days, a bucket hat adds a fun touch. Scarves are another great way to incorporate fall colors into your wardrobe. Beyond wearing them around your neck, try tying one in your hair, looping it through your belt loops, or draping it over your shoulders for a stylish twist.
At some point, you’ll need to swap out your summer shorts for pants. The right mix depends on your lifestyle and how often you do laundry, but having at least four reliable pairs is a good rule of thumb. For me, that means a mix of joggers and jeans, but you might prefer dressier trousers, cropped pants, or wide-leg styles.
If you’re only buying one new piece this season, make it something that fills a gap in your wardrobe. That’s why taking stock of what you already own is so important. With a little planning and creativity, you can refresh your fall wardrobe without overspending.