How to dress for fall in summer heat
Fall is coming up, and that means the return of all our fashion favorites. Coats, scarves and long pants may be appropriate for later in the season, but what if you want to dress in fall regalia while the summer heat remains? Read on for some tips and tricks.
Fall colors
Making use of fall-associated colors is probably the easiest way to seasonally enhance your wardrobe without sacrificing lightweight nature of summer clothes. The most common shades include those found within the autumn landscape, such as warm browns, burgundies, saffron, mustard yellow and dark green. Jewel tones such as emerald, ruby, amethyst and jade also add a tone as cool as the temperatures should be.
Materials and fabric
In addition to colors, certain materials are often associated with fall. These materials are often related to academia-style clothing, but they don’t have to be styled in a formal manner. Consider tweed, corduroy, leather, suede and faux furs. Skirts and light jackets are a great option for using these fabrics with increased breathability.
Layering
Any Bay Area resident knows the importance of layering. Light layers can enhance an ensemble without adding too much weight. Clothing items such as vests are often associated with an autumn aesthetic, and wearing white button ups underneath dresses or overalls can add an academic, preppy air. Get creative!
Accessorizing
Accessories can make or break an outfit! To add a hint of metaphorical pumpkin spice into your looks, try experimenting with academia or fall-related items. These include glasses — especially those round rimless ones — leather bags, satin scrunchies, thigh high socks, gold jewelry and brown leather belts or gloves. Opt for newsboy caps, hair ribbons, lightweight beanies and thin headbands to truly feel the spirit of the season.
Light academia
Most people with an interest in fashion will definitely know of the “dark academia” aesthetic. But what about its paler cousin, light academia? According to the Aesthetics Wiki page, while dark academia generally involves intense negative subjects, light academia embraces more lighthearted sectors of student life, with themes of “optimism, sensitivity, joy, gratitude, friendship, motivation, and happy endings.” The color palette of the fashion includes white, tan, cream, gold and pastels, with gingham and tweed galore. Using this aesthetic as inspiration can allow one to study in style while staying a little more cool.
Dressing for the school year always helps me stay motivated to actually complete school work. Hopefully the weather will soon reach the classic Bay Area mid-60’s temperatures, but until then, we’ve just got to improvise. Play around with the preceding advice and you’re sure to feel yourself fall into the spirit of the season.
Contact Lauren von Aspen at lvonaspen@dailycal.org.