It’s Breakup Season—8 Summer Staples That Won’t Make It to Fall (and 8 That Will)

Do you feel that crisp breeze? It’s the first sign that fall is coming. For fashion people, the first few days that temperatures drop can feel like a dream come true. We’ll spend hours daydreaming about (and even shopping for) the coats, boots, and denim we’ll be able to wear at the official start of fall. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new season, we have to acknowledge some realities. Primarily, the hardest part about any seasonal shift (sartorially speaking) is knowing how to transition your wardrobe. It’s a skill to be able to discern which summer items can be styled for a different season.

We may have fallen in love with certain pieces during the summer, but being able to consciously uncouple with seasonal basics is an important part of curating a closet that works for colder climates. But if you struggle with breakups, don’t fret. In an effort to make the process more amicable, we spent hours researching to identify the best summer-to-fall items to keep around. By taking into account recent trends and more timeless staples, we were able to curate a list of eight items to put in storage for now and eight that are worth committing to for the long haul. Not only will these basics make dressing for transitional temps less tricky, but they’ll have you falling in love with this time of year all over again.

Consciously Uncoupling With: Boxy Blazers

Getting Serious With: Trench Coats

Although boxy blazers have long been the light jacket of choice for the summer, it might be time to call it quits. We shouldn’t throw these blazers away—we can stuff them in the back of our closets with all of the letters from our ex-lovers—but rather, we should make space in our daily roster for something else, specifically, trench coats. We saw this timeless staple take over the F/W 24 runway collections of Burberry, Ferragamo, and Bevza, making it the perfect basic to bring back into the fold for fall.

Consciously Uncoupling With: Oversize Shirts

Getting Serious With: Tailored Button-Downs

In the summertime, there’s nothing more insufferable than wearing tight clothing. Therefore, it makes sense that one of the most trusted staples is the oversize shirt because of its pragmatism. But as temperatures begin to drop, it’s worth considering swapping out this style for something a bit more fall-forward: tailored button-down shirts. It’s a simple shift, but by opting for something more formfitting, you’ll be able to show you’re standing on business as you go back to the office (or school). Plus, the more formfitting tops typically make layering a bit easier in the fall.

Consciously Uncoupling With: Linen Trousers

Getting Serious With: Relaxed Jeans

Let us set the record straight: We love linen trousers just as much as the next person. But when temperatures begin to drop, lightweight pants are less pragmatic. Instead of parting ways with these pants, we recommend packing them away for spring so that you can make space for relaxed denim. Before you deem this a hard breakup, hear us out. It won’t be as challenging as you think to make this shift, because baggier jeans styles are just as comfortable as linen trousers, and they’ll give your transitional outfits a more fall-forward look.

Consciously Uncoupling With: Woven Raffia Bags

Getting Serious With: Woven Leather Bags

Certain items scream summer, such as woven raffia handbags. While we think this type of bag is timeless, it’s akin to a summer fling—fun at the time but not a fit for fall. Therefore, we’d recommend storing this style for now to secure something a bit more appropriate for the season. Although there are a number of bag trends to choose from, if you’re sentimental, consider opting for a woven leather bag, as it will have the same feel as your raffia bag but will have a bit more longevity.

Consciously Uncoupling With: Cropped Tops

Getting Serious With: High-Neckline Tops

It’s not summertime if you’re not getting a little risqué with your style choices! However, once temperatures begin to drop, wearing a crop top is less than ideal (especially if you get cold easily). You don’t have to be dramatic and donate this style to your local thrift shop as you did with all of your ex’s belongings, but you can give it a mindful hiatus. While you’re taking a break from cropped shirts, try opting for tops with high necklines. It will make your outfits not only more pragmatic but also more polished.

Consciously Uncoupling With: Short Shorts

Getting Serious With: Capri Pants

Shorts are one of those items that act as a knight in shining armor during summer heat waves. However, as fall begins in northern climates, the shiny allure of this staple dies down a bit, making it safe for you to pack them away in storage. But if you’ve found that you’re not fully ready to commit to denim or trousers yet, consider adding capri pants into the rotation. Unlike shorts, they’re more functional for fall temperatures while still allowing you to hold on to the last remaining bits of summer energy.

Consciously Uncoupling With: Cotton Dresses

Getting Serious With: Knit Dresses

If there were a piece that embodied summertime, it would be the cotton sundress. But as we begin to shift into fall, some of the things we love about this staple start to fade away. However, if you don’t want to ditch dresses outright, then swap this style for knitted versions. By making this small adjustment, you’ll inevitably make the transition from summer to fall as breezy as those cotton frocks you love.

Consciously Uncoupling With: Thong Sandals

Getting Serious With: Ballet Flats

Finally, we need to talk about the most important thing of all: footwear. Often, the shoes you wear during summer are so different from those you wear in the fall. As avid footwear collectors, we won’t ask you part ways with your summer options forever. Instead, we’ll say it’s time to swap out your beloved thong sandals for something that won’t leave your feet exposed to the elements. One option that you likely already have on hand? Ballet flats. Not only do these shoes ensure your feet are covered, but they’ll also make the shift into the next season a walk in the park.