pics by the fabulous maria lloyd photography
august is just awkward. it’s hot, but we are all kinda ready for the PSL’s and the leaves to turn. actually, nothing frustrates me more than when it’s 80 degrees in october. what is one to wear during such a fickle time? [i hate the word fickle as much as you guys do, i am just not sure what other word is quite as adequate for such a weird time]. is today going to be scorching? will we get snow in minnesota? who knows. one of the weirdest things about this season is picking out outfits. i have a few tips for when you are trying to figure out what to wear, without sweating to death or looking like you stepped out of easter service.
tip #1: wear dark colors in light fabrics. this outfit is cotton, with some eyelet lace. the black makes it dark enough for fall, while the eyelet makes it light enough i won’t absolutely sweat to death walking to my car. the skirt can be paired with booties later, and the hunter green tank can be worn under a blazer or a bomber as we get into the real cold months. [check out the white version of the tank layered with a blazer here]
tip #2: go long. take your maxi dresses/skirts and really MAXImize on them [see what i did there? #momjoke]. those midi and maxi dresses that might have looked a little heavy for your fourth of july celebration are perfect for this in-between season. they can be paired with a leather jacket and booties, and boom you have yourself a weather appropriate outfit that isn’t your basic flannel + denim [although i loooove me some flannel, as you’ll come to see]. the jacket can be removed for versatility, but provides the sleeves needed to make sure you aren’t that oddball in a sleeveless shirt at inappropriate times. i am that oddball, by the way, since i run super warm. the jacket is totally just for looks for me, but serves its purpose! it’s also an extra handy set of pockets. who doesn’t love pockets?
tip #3: pair wisely. if you want to wear your chunky sweater, pair it with a skirt that is a little lighter. on the flip side, if you are wearing flannel pants, think about wearing a short sleeve or sleeveless top, to balance it out. not only will you be the appropriate temp all day, but you won’t look like you didn’t check the weather before leaving the house, either.
bonus – pro-tip: culottes i am telling you, these things are the most flattering pant in the world. the cropped length shows ankle, which is extremely slimming, and the flare balances out your mid-section. they’re comfy as all get out, and the perfect length for that awkward summer into fall time, PLUS they look great with pumps or sandals. the best part about culottes is you can find them in nearly any material, so if you want to dress them up, go with a nice black pair. if you’re running around on the weekends, opt for denim or chinos. culottes are one of those things that if you haven’t tried them, they are scary, but i’m telling you once you do, you won’t go back. i have at least four pair i wear on the reg, and they are always the first thing to garner a compliment. also! if you want to draw attention to your fab shoes, these are the way to go, as they highlight your ankle and footwear. the only time i would not wear these would be if i was pregnant, because my feet swelled so bad at the end that they literally looked like hooves [i have pics to prove it!], and nobody wants to see that. nobody.
the last thing i would recommend would be to wear a very light, very flowy dress if you are like me and plan on going to the minnesota state fair. it’s going to be hot, and i plan on eating a food-baby’s worth of sweet martha’s cookies, so i don’t want to be constricted. i need an outfit that is going to let me live my best life, full of chocolate chips