Cute Late Summer Outfit Ideas + How to Dress for Early Fall

Image of clothing hung on a rack, a mirror and a chair with a yellow jacket; a brown banner that reads summer to fall fashion outfit ideas.

Choosing what to wear in August and September can be hard. Here are some ideas on what to wear to work and play using the latest fashions of the season.

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This post is all about what to wear to work and to play during late summer, August and September, using current fashion trends.

The months of August and September can be difficult fashion-wise. We’re in-between seasons and the weather can be chilly one moment and blazing hot the next.

Although it may seem counter intuitive, a limited wardrobe—such as a capsule wardrobe for each season of the year—can make it easier to decide what to wear and how to wear it. When your closet is filled with great basics that you love, then you will almost always have something to wear.

In This Post

The Basics: Clothing to Wear for Summer-to-Fall

Here are a few basic items that are great to have in the closet during the transition period from summer to fall.

  • White t-shirt
  • Sleeveless blouse
  • Maxi dress
  • Denim jeans
  • Colorful blazer
  • Denim jacket
  • Structured handbag
  • A pair of mules or slide sandals
  • A pair of booties

Here are some ideas for late summer outfits to wear to work and to play.

Outfit #1–Work Casual

  • Colorful blazer
  • White t-shirt
  • Denim jeans
  • Black handbag
  • Black booties
  • Leopard mules

Why It Works

A white t-shirt and denim outfit will always be a classic look. Chances are that you have a nice, white t-shirt in your summer wardrobe basics—if you don’t, now is the time to get one because classic white T-shirts are versatile and always in style.

Blazers have been “in” since spring, and the trend is a good one for fall. Look for bright jewel tones that suggest optimism.

Structured handbags are “in” for fall, and so this look can carry you into the next season. Booties are a classic shoe for fall, and a versatile shoe that you can still for almost any occasion—from date night to a rustic wedding guest outfit. If it is still too hot for wearing booties, then this outfit also looks great with mules or slides.

This is a great outfit if you work from home or work for a more casual organization. The blazer dresses up the outfit, and the booties give it a polished look.

Outfit #2–Walking the Dog / Spending Time with Friends

  • Ruffled sleeve tank top / blouse
  • Denim jeans
  • Two-strap sandals

Why It Works

This top touches on the “big shoulders” trend that has been popular this season, with a feminine twist, and it comes in colors that transition well into fall.

Light wash denim is always great for summer, and it gives an outfit an easy breezy look and feel.

Two-strap sandals are one of the “in” sandals for summer.

Outfit #3–A Day at the Office

  • Short-sleeved blouse
  • Brown belt
  • Black pants
  • Denim jacket
  • Structured tote bag
  • Brown mules / sandals

Why It Works

A short-sleeve blouse is always a great choice for summer office wear. Pair it with black pants and you have a classic look.

Brown accessories provide contrast, and they also look good with other summer essentials, like denim shorts and maxi dresses. Brown mules or dressy sandals add a classic touch that elevates the look.

A denim jacket can keep your arms warm if it gets too cold in the office. This outfit also looks great with a scarf.

Outfit #4–Casual Day / Brunch with Friends

  • Maxi dress
  • Denim jacket
  • Woven handbag
  • Two-strap sandals

Why It Works

This simple outfit is a great look for summer. Pair your favorite denim jacket with a denim jacket and dressy sandals. Add a woven handbag for a put-together look.

Outfit #5–Day at the Office / Date Night

  • Jewel-tone t-shirt or blouse
  • Black denim jeans or pants
  • Blazer or jacket
  • Structured tote or handbag
  • Brown belt
  • Mule sandals or black sneakers

Why It Works

This outfit gives a nod to more autumnal colors, while being the sort of outfit that you could wear for an evening out with friends or for date night.

Pair of jewel tone t-shirt or blouse with black pants or jeans. Mule sandals go great with this look, as does a blazer or jacket.

Choose a structured tote bag for day and a smaller handbag for night. A pair of statement earrings dresses this outfit up for evening.

Outfit #6–Easy Breezy Summer

  • Spaghetti-strap blouse
  • Light denim jeans
  • Denim jacket
  • Sandals

Why It Works

A spaghetti-strap blouse is a classic look for summer, and it helps you to stay cool when the temperatures are warm. Light wash denim is always a great look for summer, as are straps sandals.

Denim-on-denim is a big trend right now, and this outfit touches on that. As the weather cools down in the evening, wear a denim jacket to warm up.

This is a great look for summer parties or hanging out with friends.

Outfit #7–Fall Wedding

Late summer and early fall is a popular time for weddings, so it helps to have a great outfit to wear.

  • Long dress
  • Shawl
  • Statement earrings
  • Clutch handbag
  • Denim jacket
  • Flat sandals

Why It Works

A simple long dress works great for a semi-formal wedding, a beach wedding, or a casual rustic wedding, plus the length can help to lengthen your silhouette and keep you warm. Use accessories to dress the look up or down.

By keeping things simple, you can also wear a late summer-early fall wedding guest dress for other occasions.

This post was about easy late summer outfits to wear to work or to play.

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credits
  • Photos by Karolina Grabowska / Pexels
  • Photos are used for illustrative purposes only.

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