The Season Between Sandals and Sweaters

Every year around this time, I find myself standing in front of my closet asking the same question: What exactly am I supposed to wear today?

The calendar says summer, the stores say fall, and the weather seems to change its mind by lunchtime.

The morning may feel cool enough for a sweater, but by afternoon, I am wondering why I did not wear a sleeveless top. It is that funny little season between sandals and ankle boots, when getting dressed requires just a bit more thought.

You Do Not Have to Rush Fall

I love fall clothes. The sweaters, jackets, deeper colors and beautiful textures are some of my favorite things to wear. But I am also not quite ready to pack away everything from summer.

Thankfully, we do not have to choose one season or the other just yet.

This is the perfect time to start mixing the two. Wear your favorite summer dress with a soft cardigan. Add a lightweight jacket to a simple tank and jeans. Trade bright summer accessories for a richer brown, navy, olive or burgundy bag.

Sometimes one small change is all it takes to make an outfit feel right for the season.

Start With What You Already Love

I have reached the point where I do not want clothes in my closet that only work one way or for one brief moment of the year. I want pieces I can actually wear, restyle and enjoy.

Before putting away your summer clothes, take another look at them. That sleeveless dress may look completely different with ankle boots and a denim jacket. Your favorite white top can move into fall with dark denim and a beautiful scarf. Even a relaxed pair of summer pants can work with a lightweight sweater when the temperatures begin to drop.

The best wardrobe is not always the biggest one. It is the one that gives you plenty of ways to get dressed.

Let Fall Arrive a Little at a Time

You do not need to change your entire closet in one afternoon. Begin with the pieces you are excited to wear and slowly bring them forward.

Keep a few sandals nearby for warm afternoons. Pull out one or two lightweight sweaters for cool mornings. Add a jacket to the back of your car, because we all know that is often where it ends up anyway.

This in between season can be frustrating, but it can also be one of the most creative times to get dressed. Summer pieces feel new again, fall favorites begin making their return, and we get to enjoy a little bit of both.

At Edge & Ivory, the fall collection is beginning to take its place alongside the pieces we have loved all summer. I am looking forward to sharing more ways to wear them as the season changes.

For now, I will be the woman wearing sandals in the afternoon and carrying a sweater just in case.

— Joanna, Edge & Ivory Boutique