Yesterday when I walked out of my apartment for a morning coffee run, it was a blissful and bright 80-degree day. By the time I returned home later that night, I had acquired two more impromptu layers due to the evening chill—a long-sleeve tee and a leather blazer. If this situation perfectly illustrates what you’re going through right now, you’ll want to bookmark and give this transitional checklist your full attention.
Right now we’re at the crossroads of summer and fall, and besides wondering whether to order a cold brew or cappuccino, the great debate centers around just when is the right time to retire all those linen dresses and finally break out an autumnal knit. It’s a tricky predicament, but it doesn’t have to be so complicated if you have the appropriate pieces at the ready: presenting the transitional wardrobe checklist. From cozy-yet-not-too-warm knit tops to airy maxi dresses, I’ve compiled a list of everything you need to breeze through the late summer/early fall phase effortlessly—all under $40. Keep scrolling to check out everything and for ways how to style them for the season.
Who What Wear Sleeveless Knit Woven Dress ($33)
There comes a point where to get through the day without completely freezing or burning up, a comprise needs to be made between hems and sleeve length. This dress keeps you breezy on top, yet toasty o the bottom.
Who What Wear Sleeveless Knit Woven Dress ($33)
And if you’re all about streamlining your closet, getting it in black is always a wise choice.
Who What Wear Sleeveless Knit Woven Dress ($33)
This toasty caramel color is right on tone with chilly fall days. To keep your legs even warmer, add a pair of knee-high printed boots.
Who What Wear Collared Pullover Sweater ($33)
The type of top that can work with denim shorts or leather pants.
Who What Wear Crewneck Pullover Sweater ($33)
The shoulder design elevates this beyond its $33 price tag. I can already tell this will be a go-to sweater in my lineup.
Who What Wear Raglan Long Sleeve Dress ($40)
I’m already thinking about pairing this with my favorite pair of chunky lug-soled Dr. Marten’s. But until its full-fledged boot weather, minimalist sandals will also do.
Who What Wear Tank Top ($28)
Style-tip: buy this in multiples.
Who What Wear Tank Top ($28)
Including this creamy beige.
Who What Wear Puff Elbow Sleeve T-Shirt ($23)
This isn’t just any t-shirt, it’s a cool t-shirt, complete with a dramatic puff sleeve.
Who What Wear Puff Elbow Sleeve T-Shirt ($23)
This colorway really pops against darker denim washes.
Who What Wear Ankle Length Paper Bag Trousers ($37)
When the temps cool down, a pair of faux-leather trousers are a must.
Who What Wear Crewneck Sweater Vest ($30)
It may feel a little overzealous to dive deep into oversized sweaters in August, so here’s a cute knit cardigan to help you out.
Who What Wear Crewneck Sweater Vest ($30)
Wear this off-white version with cut-off bermuda shorts and boots for a low-key transitional fit.
Who What Wear Crewneck Sweater Vest ($30)
This shade of green is also coincidentally trending right now.
Who What Wear Button Hem Ankle Length Pants ($37)
Since the tailored look is always in, a pair of polished pants like these are a sound investment.
Who What Wear Balloon Long Sleeve Dress ($40)
Another delicate meets grunge dress I’ll be wearing until inifinty.
Who What Wear Button Hem Ankle Length Pants ($37)
If you’re returning to the office this fall, you’ll need a versatile pair of work pants. Yup, these are them.
Who What Wear Long Sleeve Sweater Dress ($40)
Who What Wear Puff Long Sleeve A-Line Dress ($37)
On the topic of compromising hems with sleeve length, it’s still possible to pull off mini dresses in early fall—just stick with long sleeves and darker prints to make it work.
Who What Wear Long Sleeve Top ($33)
How expensive does this top look?!
Next up, Comfortable and Chic Skirt Sets Are the New MVPs in My Closet
This article originally appeared on Who What Wear
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