Reader Question: Tips for Transition

Christine writes:

I hate jeans, mostly because I can never find a flattering comfy pair. I think I finally did, but after a few days of wearing them I’m feeling kind of dull. I’m a skirt and dress wearer but sometimes it’s hard to transition, from summer to fall for example. Some days bare legs and sandals feel too bare but it’s not time to drag out the tights and boots.

I also look dreadful in black so that cuts down a lot of skirt and dress options that make the transition easier. Suggestions anyone?

Although I am not a skirt and dress person everyday, because of what I wear to church I can still relate. Transitional seasons are certainly challenging.

Here are some ideas. Readers please add your suggestions in comments!

  • Nicole’s suggestion: lightweight tights and peep-toe shoes to make a summer skirt transition into early fall.
  • Similarly, I have been thinking about adding footless tights to my summer skirts with sandals. Here’s my trouble: my summer skirts (all pictured here) are unlined. Unlined skirts stick to tights. But, Christine, perhaps you have some that would work or, alternatively, don’t mind wearing a slip.
  • Another thing I have done, tell me if you think this is weird, is to wear my summer skirts, bare-legged, with knee-high boots. On second thought, don’t tell me if you think it’s weird. It just works for me.

What works for you in this time of transition?

8 thoughts on “Reader Question: Tips for Transition”

  1. One of my favorite outfits is when I pair my (Cole Haan) cowgirl boots with a skirt or dress (with bare legs). It’s a fall outfit, and great for transitioning. So I don’t think you’re weird.

    8)

  2. The first thing I do is put away straw or linen purses and I begin the switch to wearing closed shoes. I picked up 2 pair of the more oval sort of ballet flats at a local low end chain store. They are closer to slippers in fabrication – very light and flexible. One is a ginger palette animal print and the other is a bronze metallic. The bronze is my brown shoe. I got a third pair, another animal print but a more neutral color and a larger size print, at Walmart. I wear these bare-legged.

    Other than that, the transition is more in concept. I start to choose same-weight fabrics but in darker colors. Many of the things I bought for summer I also had fall in mind when I chose them: 2 yellow ochre purses, 3 lightweight unlined cotton jackets: leaf green, persimmon, black.

    I also put away a couple of straw hats. As it is still warm, I might like a casual hat but haven’t found anything between the straws and my winter headgear. I think that is a tough category.

    I have 2 new end-of-season dress purchases: identical cotton gauze sundresses in strong yellow and orange and I want to try them under the cotton casual jackets or with a lightweight bargello pattern shawl. Boots would be good here but the only ones I have are black lace ups with white saddle stitch trim. Am looking now for flattish suede boots.

  3. I love the skirt/ knee length boots look. I’m looking for some brown suede boots right now so that I can go for this look. I think they look good with almost anything.

  4. Layers and tights.

    I have a couple sleeveless turtlenecks that I wear then I add a cartigan. When I get warmer in the afternoon, I just slip the sweater off and go my merry way.

    I also start wearing my microfiber tights. I have organic cotton ones that I wear in the winter when I’m going to be around the house or if I’m wearing a textured something or other.

  5. Well, Jenn, the worst thing that could happen if you put leggings under your (longer) skirts is that they wouldn’t show. At least you’d be warmer. 🙂 I’m not sure how long your skirts are, but I’ve been noticing for quite some time hems coming down, other than the micro-minis (which most of us aren’t going to wear anyway). I have the opposite problem: because I shop thrift most of the time my skirts all end up being just a hair shorter than I would like.

  6. Thanks Rebecca, for posting my dilemma. Other than leggings, which give me back flashbacks to the ’80s (bad ones) the suggestions are great. I mean, the legging suggestion is great but just not for me

    I think colour is something I should work more with…my summery clothes are light in colour generally but I do have some more neutral, or fall toned, outfits that would work with boots. I have a feeling there is a whole world of tights and hosiery that I have not yet explored.

    I have the same problem with hats, Vildy. I mostly wear mine for sun protection (skin cancer) and fall is always a problem. I do use a hat from a company called Sun Protections which is a neutral beige, not the most stylish but a necessity for me.

    Thanks everyone!

  7. I start wearing closed-toe shoes with summer skirts. I have a great pair of wedge pumps, sort of, I mean, they’re not pumps, but closed all around on a wedge heel. LOL. They’re cute with skirts and pants. Not too clunky. ortunately my summer church skirts all have some brown in them, so they’re working okay into fall. I put a jean jacket on over my sleeveless sweater, and I’m good to go! Tha’ts church (or skirts in general if you’re inclined to wear them.)

    As far as running around with the kids, I just bought some cute khaki pants with a wide leg (they told me they’re all the rage.) I can wear them with the wedge shoes or boots even if it’s not too warm. Or they work with my summer wedge sandals if it’s warm out, I don’t mind still wearing them. They’re black.

    I put away all white shoes. I still wear my brown flip-flops though.

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