The Art of Transitional Dressing

I am not sure what the weather is like right now in your neck of the woods, but here in the beautiful state of Maine it has been simply perfect! Fall typically is the season that every Mainer seems to favor. You've gotta love those cool mornings with temps down in the 40's sometimes in the 30's and then the gradual warm up to the perfect temp in the mid 60's or 70's. It is just so comfortable for us human beings! However, for us fashionista's these temps can be challenging when it's time to figure out what to wear. Everyone tells you to wear layers. Layers are good, but it can be challenging to make the right layering decisions when getting dressed. You still want to look pretty! 

Here are some of my tips on how to layer and still maintain that great look you are trying to achieve: 

Layer on a stunning scarf. This will keep you warm in the am and pm. You may have to remove the scarf during the day due to hot flashes, so don't concentrate too much on making this part of your overall look. You want your outfit to still be interesting without the scarf, so make sure to wear a cool statement necklace and/or earrings so that when you remove the scarf you still look put together. I am loving this Safari Vacation Leopard print scarf from Francesca's. The perfect neutral pattern that you can mix and match with fall's brights!

Cashmere can be WARM, so make sure you choose an extremely lightweight and breathable version, preferably with a 3/4 sleeve and a non turtleneck style. This Audrey cashmere sweater from Talbots just happens to be my pick. It really is the perfect cashmere sweater and it comes in so many pretty colors. You will want more than one!

Leggings are amazing for this time of year. They look cool but they keep you warm. But not too warm. And you can find any legging imaginable at The World Of Leggings! Leggings look great with a long cardigan, cape or tunic style top. I prefer to wear my leggings with an over sized belted collared white blouse layered under a cool cape. This way, if I get too hot and have to shed the cape, the belted blouse looks just as super cool and I don't lose my fabulous look. I prefer to wear a ballet flat with this look in the early fall. A boot can be too warm depending how high the temp gets during the day. Save your boots for when the weather is cold all day. Trust me, colder weather is coming.

A cape is a great item to have in your wardrobe for this time of year when it is too warm for an actual coat. This one by Sessun is available at ASOS and is one of my favorites. I love this rusty brown color because it not only looks perfect with dark denim for fall, but it also looks fabulous with a pencil skirt or trousers. 

A great blazer is always necessary at this time of year for layering. I prefer a riding jacket style like this one by Alexander McQueen. This style blazer is not a trend. The riding jacket is a classic so you will want to invest in a marvelous one!

And last, but certainly not least, a lightweight quilted vest like this amazing one by Belstaff is just the perfect weight. You can wear it outdoors and keep it on indoors. A vest is like a jacket. It will finish off your look and make you look completely put together. Oh, and add a scarf to this for a little extra style and warmth :)

Later in fall and winter (I would say when the temps go below 40 degrees) you will want to dig out your wools, such as wool sweaters, jackets and pants. Wool can be very warm, and from my experience, wool isn't really necessary until the weather gets super chilly. Depending on how wimpy you are of course ;) I tend to get hot flashes if I wear wool when the temp is 50 degrees or above. I can't help that I am a thick blooded Mainer! Everyone is different though. You just have to experiment. Happy fall dressing!