Ok I have to admit, fall is definitely my favourite season of the year.

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE summer. But, towards the end I’m always ready for the nights to get cooler, more backyard fires, soup, hot tea by the fireplace and evening walks inhaling that crisp autumn air.

Probably my most favourite part of fall though, is fall fashion. I find summer and winter pretty basic when it comes to fashion. You wear things that keep you cool and wear things that keep you warm, haha. It’s more functional.  I love transitioning my outfits from summer to fall, I actually put some thought into what I’m wearing and I just find it a bit more creative and fun.

So, I thought I would share with you my tips for transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall, my favourite versatile pieces and some of my favourite local shops here.

First let’s talk budget

Because let’s be honest, who isn’t on a budget?  Prices are going up and up on everything, and I don’t know about you; but the money I have to spend on things like clothing, shoes, and accessories is going down like everything else.

Unpopular opinion – fast fashion can really help here with a few trending transition pieces. I know there’s a lot of controversy surrounding some of these businesses and understandably so. But it’s ok to be realistic about what you can and cannot afford.

And if you’re worried about contributing to the growing environmental problems, I get it. My solution; always pass along my clothes to others, whether it’s friends, family or donating to others. There’s always ways to reuse these items over and over.

Some of my favourite places:
– Winners
– Joe Fresh
– Old Navy
– H&M

Another way (and one of my favourites) to save money on your fall fashion items  – thrifting. There are so many awesome second hand stores in Calgary and surrounding areas, so don’t be afraid to spend a day searching. You might be surprised at how many great items you can get for cheap!

If you’re in the need for less expensive but still want quality clothing, look at department stores like Simon’s and The Bay; they often have big sales – like Bay Days where you can save a good amount of money on some great brands!

My last tip on the budget piece – save your big spends for more versatile pieces that don’t go out of style after a season. Things like jackets, a good pair of shoes/boots and a bag will last through changing trends.

My favourite pieces to transition your fashion from summer to fall

SWEATERS
Play a big role moving from summer to fall fashion. My top three:

A big oversized sweater you can pair with jeans, over a long dress, with leather tights and so much more.

A 3/4 length cardigan that you can throw on whenever you’re feeling chilly.

A thin sweater you can wear as your shirt on cooler days.

JEANS
You always need a couple good pairs of jeans. I suggest:

A good pair of lighter wash jeans, the dark jeans have kinded of faded out of style.

A good pair of faded black jeans. Levi’s has some great options and a good sale right now too!

PANTS
That are great to go from summer to fall:

Vegan leather tights, just a good pair of vegan black leather tights. There are so many places to get them and you don’t need to go to Aritzia and spend $150. H&M usually has a good version every year. You can usually find some great ones at Winners too.

A pair of mens style trousers. You want to find a pair that’s fitting around your waste and butt, but then kind of just goes with the flow on the bottom. For colour, you can’t go wrong with black or a neutral. But, if you love color and can pull it off a mustard yellow, burnt orange, bright blue or hot pink are all in style this fall.

High rise, straight leg pant, in any material. I love these faux leather ones from Zara below. You can dress them or down and they go with pretty much anything.

JACKETS/BLAZERS
There are four items that are a must for that fall fashion transition:

A good blazer, this year that longer looser feel is in style and I’m loving it!

A jean jacket, again that oversized feel is in style, and there are a ton of great ones out there right now.

A shacket, yep these are still around, albeit a bit more neutral when it comes to prints and colors. Look for something that is one color or a neutral plaid. That way it will go with anything.

A leather jacket or shearskin, lets go vegan if we can. There are tons of styles out there right now, but think bikers style with big zippers or a loser more casual fit.

DRESSES
There are a few more pieces I deem worthwhile for this switch from summer. to fall fashion:

Midi dresses, think of that flowy relaxed fit, little house on the prairie styles. It took me awhile to get into this because I always thought I was too short to pull it off. But I was wrong, and now I’m loving it!

Mini dresses, floral prints are big in style but so are patchwork and western style prints. They are super cute with a leather or jean jacket, and boots or white sneakers.

Knit dresses, long or short, form fitting or baggy – they all work. Just grab yourself one that you love and feel cozy in and where it all fall and winter long.

SHOES AND BOOTS
Ok anyone that knew me in a past life before kids and with disposable income knows I had a shoe problem. Well I wouldn’t call it a problem per se; but my bank account might. Here are my faves for transitioning to fall:

A good pair of loafers, find a comfy, neutral pair that goes with everything.  This is where you can spend some money, it’s worth it.

An awesome pair of sneakers, there’s a ton of fun fashionable styles right now. You can’t go wrong with cute pair of white sneakers. But truthfully, I’m a converse and vans kind of girl myself. I always have a couple pairs of each (shush don’t tell my fiancé).

Ankle boots, this is a trend that seems here to stay, it’s just the style of toe/heel that is ever changing. But right now, I’m loving the rounded toe with a chunky heel – but not too chunky. I don’t care what the trends say – I’m a hard NO on the platform style. Doc Martins are a great boot for the more casual look. I also love my pointed toe boots with a chunky heel, plus that almost cowboy boot style is in fashion this year, so it’s a win win

ACCESSORIES
I feel like accessories are the fun part. It’s a place to really let your personality shine. From your jewelry to your bag and everything in between, this is the place to get creative:

Hats, I don’t know what you want to call it, but the rancher style, wide-brim felt hats are an awesome transition item. Plus they actually keep some heat in on those cold evenings. Also don’t forget about a tuque, I have tons of them and it’s worth it. They’re so comfy and are a great addition to any casual outfit.

Bags, there is of course the belt bag – which I took awhile to jump on, but honestly they’re super convenient. I also love a good cross body bag.

Summer items to continue wearing

It may feel like it’s time to totally put away all your summer clothes; but, there are a few things that you should keep out to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall.

Tanktops/Bodysuits, who knew but white tank tops are totally in style this season. They work perfect paired up with a jean jacket, blazer or cardigan, jeans, your rancher hat and a pair of sneakers or loafers.

Skirts, if you love skirts and aren’t quite ready to put them away – you’re in luck; they are an awesome transition item. Pair them up with sneakers,  boots, a leather jacket, jean jacket, or my favourite oversized sweater and you have yourself a perfect fall outfit.

My favourite local shops

There are so many great shops in Calgary, but also in the surrounding areas. Here are a few of mine and my top 5 picks from each:

Blush & Love Boutique in Airdrie is a great place for everyday pieces. They do not have a brick and mortar location, but you can find them at various pop up markets and online.

Sweet Jolie Boutique in Nisku Alberta (close to the Edmonton airport) is another great place for everyday pieces and accessories.  Don’t worry if they are a bit of a drive, you can get everything online.

The Livery in Calgary, in one of my favourite neighborhoods – Inglewood. It is a great spot for casual local brands like Camp Brand Goods and accessories.

Luna Blue in Calgary is just up from 17th Ave on 14th St SW. It is awesome for everyday wear, seasonal trends and shoes.

All of these local shops carry unique versatile pieces. You are sure to find something that suits you that you can wear a handful of different ways all while supporting local small businesses.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post, if you enjoyed it, found it helpful, etc. so please comment below.

Till the next post,

Kristen xo