It’s that time of year again. The days may appear to be cooling - if only a little - but temperatures at night are certainly colder. We have arrived in that seasonal transition period between fall and summer.
With the weather and its unpredictability at this point in the year, your wardrobe choices will have to become much more versatile, allowing for quick adjustments here and there, and flexible, allowing you to go with the flow from day to day.
If you are not in a climate that holds onto summer’s heat a little while longer, then there are certain clothing choices you likely can store away for the year. That would include sandals, lighter-weight t-shirts and, yes, the swimwear.
However, there are some clothes that you will find yourself wearing in early autumn that you also favored toward the end of summer. Here is a primer on what some of those clothes include and how you can transition your clothing style from summer to fall wear.
Add more oxford shirts to your wardrobe
When it comes to seasonal transitions, consider adding more clothing to your wardrobe that fits multiple seasons. This includes the incredibly versatile oxford shirt. These shirts can be worn at any time during the transition from a cool summer evening to a fall day with a little chill in the air.
Oxford shirts are known for their soft finish. Every man should have a few on hand no matter the season. Many quality clothing brands carry classic oxford-style shirts thanks to their incredible comfort that comes with dependable durability.
You can also layer oxford cloth shirts over or under a long-sleeve shirt.
Long-sleeve shirts protect from that cool bite in the air
Speaking of long-sleeve shirts, there is no better go-to when you want something that can help take a little edge off that extra bite in the air that signals autumn’s approach.
How should you wear a long-sleeve shirt? They are best for leisure time, not for business. Try pairing them with jeans for a more casual look, or with khakis for a slightly more business-casual look.
You can also quickly adjust a long-sleeve shirt to whatever the temperature dictates. If temperatures begin to rise, then simply roll up your sleeves to cool off a little. Should temperatures drop, just keep the shirt sleeves down to protect your arms.
Find flannel and twill plaid button-down shirts
Fall is the perfect season for flannel. Plaid is in-style all year, but the larger checks and patterns come into play as summer fades. You may not yet need a coat, so you can really let your color choices stand out when it comes to your button-down shirts.
The best fall button-down fabrics include flannel, twill and poplin, which can help retain heat on chilly nights, but won’t be too hot on days that are somewhat warm. If you go with a lighter cotton button-down, then layering will be essential.
Layers are sensible and easy to manage
Temperatures can change drastically and with little notice when summer begins to fade and fall weather creeps in. This is when layers become lifesavers - you just have to know how to layer clothing.
The first step to creating a layered look is to know that your layers need to be easily removed and added as needed. Go with lighter jackets, cardigans or zip-up overshirts. As for material, you want your outer layer to be made of something lightweight and breathable since you’ll be wearing other layers underneath. Aim for natural fabrics, including cotton and wool.
The other layers should also be light. Remember: You’re not looking for warmth from a single layer. All the layers together will provide warmth. When temperatures increase, that’s when you will start to discard layers to stay comfortable.
Know what colors are in season
Time to tone things down a bit in the color department. The brights and bolds of spring and summer should be traded out for richer and deeper colors. Fashionbeans.com recommends colors such as burnt orange, burgundy, mustard and bottle green. Darker fabrics are also recommended, including indigo denim and dark leathers.
Once fall draws even closer, consider adding emerald, olive green, brown, camel, navy blue, dark turquoise and gray colors to your wardrobe. That should leave you with plenty of options for nearly every situation.
And do not be afraid to get creative with how you select the colors of your layers. Colors are the best way to add some appeal to summer-fall transition outfits.
Consider heavier cotton or cotton twill pants
Keep your lower half comfortable in later summer and early fall with a slightly heavier pair of pants. Consider going with a heavier blend of cotton or cotton twill pants.
If the air is chilly, these fabrics will keep you warm. But if temperatures are on the warmer side, then any good pair of pants made of these fabrics will breathe, too.
Not sure where to start? Think “khakis” and you can’t go wrong.
Bring back the boots
Remember when you turned in your sandals for the season? Swap them out for a couple pairs of boots.
Boots are perfect fall-weather footwear thanks to how well they can retain some heat (but not too much) and keep your feet dry. Those qualities are absolutely crucial when fall weather can turn on a dime.
You can dress up a nice pair of boots with either jeans or chinos. There are even dressier boots that could be appropriate for your workplace.
If boots aren’t your style, then consider adding more leather shoes to your favorite looks. They carry many of the same qualities as boots and are a great fall choice.
Find your summer-to-fall transition style
Whatever your style preferences, Hansen’s Clothing has the high-quality men’s clothing choices you are looking for. Each of the brands carried here takes very seriously the commitment to meeting the demands of discerning gentlemen who know what it takes to make good impressions with their style choices.
Browse our updated selection of featured and new items to find your style.