How to make getting dressed easier: Cracking the Transitional Dressing code aka: What to Wear Right Now
Simple recipes to crack the "transitional dressing" code, plus a little catch up that no one asked for, but I'm telling you anyway!
Happy Wednesday. Thanks for being here. I intended to send this on Tuesday and I didn’t quite have enough time, and now I’m happy because I didn’t want to compete with this very happy news (fun fact: I had an insane number of incoming texts when the post went live that broke my DND setting on my phone during a leadership team meeting at work & I had to step out to make sure everything was okay. It was a very funny moment to come back and say — don’t worry — all good, just a major current event is all :)). Anyways, happy very very end of August. If you’re new, hi — thank you for being here. If you’ve been here for awhile - also hi - you’re the greatest! If you’re just browsing, consider subscribing!
In Today’s Send:
Summer recap/live-journal diary
Thoughts on the speed of time
How I think about dressing for the upcoming transitional season (aka — summer turning into fall), spoiler alert: The key is matching pieces from the outgoing season with pieces from the incoming season
Specific formulas, collages to inspire you and tips and tricks to get dressed with your own clothes
Five days ago I was rolling my eyes into the back of my head anytime I saw a single share of fall style. To be fair, I feel this way every August — I love being inspired and seeing new things, and I understand the fashion calendar, but MAN, I just can’t help but wish we could just ENJOY THE SEASON THAT WE’RE IN!!! Summer goes until the end of September!!! I feel rushed enough by the normal cadence of my life, I don’t need more external factors rushing us forward, forward, forward.
And then, I spent a few days in San Francisco, where the mornings were cool, and the wind was blowing, and I wore pants with sandals and it actually made sense (functionally!) to have a nice thick sweater layered over my shoulders. Sigh. I came home to a bit of a cold streak here in New England. And while I absolutely will not admit for one single second thank you very much that I’m ready for fall, I did not hate the little nudge to pull out some things in my closet that I haven’t worn in awhile. I said hi to my sweaters, and that I missed them. I wore a sweatshirt to the gym in the morning. I wore a light sweater to stay warm enough in my arctic office and didn’t melt the second I stepped outside to head home. It was…nice.
It reminded me, that I can be in denial about the end of summer, AND love everything about fall. My favorite season. I won’t accept any claims that point to any other conclusion. Despite the temperature superiority of the fall season, I’m still not ready to let go of summer. So much so, that when I started to see sale finds trickle in this week — both in my inbox and from brands, I was not connecting the dots, wondering, why are there so many sales mid-summer? Oh wait…they are Labor Day Sales. Holy Crap! It was a good reminder to actually take stock of the back-to-school checklist (my two year old is starting a few mornings of preschool and her backpack is about as big as her body and I cannot handle it). But otherwise, in my book, we still have trips to the beach, lots of swimming, ice cream, mini golf, summery dresses, linen pants, sandals, tanks, shorts, you name it from summer — I’m holding on to the summertime feeling mentally and physically as long as I can!
This has been, as it always is, a whirlwind of a summer. It’s crazy how a period that causes so much stress over scheduling challenges in January when you’re trying to piece the summertime plan together can go by so fast! By the time the weather was nice and school was out, it felt like it was basically July! We had a wonderful annual trip to Wisconsin - so great, especially for my kids who spent almost nearly every waking moment outside while we were there — either on the beach or in the water, that we are working on figuring out how we might be able to arrange our schedules and childcare to be able to spend more time there next summer.
My oldest went to three different camps — one art, one golf, and one three week stretch at a traditional summer camp — and overall, they were successful. Big camp kid right there. His only gripe was the fact that our trip to the cape in early August interrupted his ability to go to a 4th week of traditional camp, and he did not understand/appreciate the fact that it was impossible for me to get him signed up for another week in the beginning of August. This is the first time I’ve gotten input from him on the summer schedule, and it was certainly an interesting conversation to explain that we have to make plans and get signed up in January, and by the time August rolls around, everything is all filled up. I’m thrilled he wants to have more input in what we sign him up for, and also concerned that despite the fact that we agreed to have a family meeting to look at options in December and then make final plans in January, the time between sign up and participation is just so long!
My middle has firmly planted herself as having absolutely zero interest in attending camp. I learned that I shouldn’t push it, even though I did sign her up for a couple things hoping she might take an interest— and we didn’t. When she didn’t want to go, she didn’t (accomplished by her telling our nanny straight-faced that if she left her at camp she would cry all day long and never forgive her! casual!) That’s only possible because we have a full time nanny who is on the ready. And I get it, that she would prefer to be with someone she knows and is comfortable with (and who plans the most fun days!), over doing something new and being in a situation where she doesn’t feel comfortable. I also worry that she is missing out on exposure to new and fun activities. She’s also four. It’s a constant circle of thought!
Philosophically, I know that each of my kids are different people and have different likes and dislikes. They have been emerging and developing as little people for years now. But man is it amazing to see their full personalities and preferences developing, and learn more and more about who they are everyday. It’s also a challenge — navigating what they each need, want, like, while also trying to explain that fairness means that everyone gets what they need, not that everyone gets the exact same things. I worry a lot about whether or not we’re spending enough time having important conversations with them — in the right way and at the right time — about how the world works, how we navigate the world as individuals, as a family…there must be something in the air that is forcing this existential concern on me at the moment. Or maybe it’s just the natural course of motherhood.
We spent a week on the cape in August and it was glorious. Perfect weather. Perfect beach days. Both in Wisconsin and on the cape, my husband and I both felt, for the first time in several years, like we could actually relax a little at the beach. My kids are seven, four and a half and two, and while they require A TON of supervision, it was definitely less physical this year than it has been in years past. They also play with and keep each other entertained an incredible amount. We had two different (new) babysitters that I hired through a local agency come to hang with them — one for a morning when I needed to get some work done and one for a full afternoon and evening — and we left without a hitch — (not a super easy thing for all three!). We felt like we got more downtime/relaxation time then we every have before, and in turn, that gave us the energy to do really fun things as a family — like skip rest time for a week (even though my older two don’t nap, they have a 1.5 hour rest in their room everyday unless they are at school) and go on long bike rides to get ice cream.
Probably part of the reason that I’m in such a tailspin about it already being fall is that August has been a little insane. I started the month in Toronto for work, went on to the cape for a week with our family, spent a few days in Maine — visiting a friend and then staying for a team offsite. I came home for one night and then my husband and I went to San Francisco for a wedding and long weekend away. Then we picked back up and made our way out to the cape as a family for one last getaway weekend before school starts. Usually I look forward to a fun adventure over Labor Day, but this year I can’t wait to hang tight and savor a family weekend at home.
Like always, time just seems to be moving so fast. I want to stop and soak in the moment and season that we’re in, and, I’m always looking forward to things that are coming. It’s a good place to be — happy where my feet are and excited about what is ahead.
Fall is one of my most favorite shopping seasons, and I cherish my fall wardrobe and look forward to pulling it out every year. It’s not quite time to go full fall, and, I personally have been pulling back on my time on social media / my phone / online browsing (In a controlled way, and it’s definitely not going away! and maybe can be something I talk about here more, but I’m on a mission to keep my screen time down, be a little less connected, and aiming for nearly no time on my phone around my kids, unless it’s for using it as an actual phone. All good things, and important, but it means I have less time to be caught up on all the amazing substack content and all the amazing new arrivals, and so I’m feeling a bit behind on fall!).
The good news is, that the season we are about to be dressing for is really a transitional season. I know I know, even I rolled my eyes when I wrote it! Transitional dressing is just code for when the seasons are changing. I get questions all the time about what to wear this time of year. It’s funny, because I love getting dressed in the in-between times — it comes really naturally for me. But, I also get how it can be confusing and feel complicated!! The key is combining pieces from the outgoing season with pieces from the incoming season. When the weather starts to change, I am equally thrilled to pull open pieces I haven’t worn in awhile — sweaters, jeans, jackets, and, scrambling to get last wears in of my favorite this from the season that is getting ready to wrap up — tank tops, strappy sandals, easy dresses, linen everything.
The combination of the seasons can be as straightforward as combining a top from one season and a bottom from another, or it can be more subtle — just adding flip flops along with jeans and a sweater, or even a brightly colored beaded necklace with a chunky knit or neutral layers/pieces.
Here’s some inspiration to guide your own getting dressed in the weeks (and months — looking of you friends who will have warmer weather all the way through October!) ahead — whether you’re ready for summer to go, or begrudgingly thinking about the season change that’s ahead of us!
Summery pants
Your flowy, linen, poplin pants that you’ve been wearing with bathing suits, or simple (or slinky!) tanks and tees all summer long pair amazingly with a more structured, substantial top. It could be a more polished button down (something with a little starch!), or with a lightweight knit. Wear them into the office with a blazer and loafers or a ladylike ballet flat. I’m dying over this new top from Rue Sophie, and it would look amazing right now with flowy pants.
Shorts with Sweaters
Honestly, a look I am seeking out opportunity to wear all summer long — I LOVE shorts with sweaters. My beloved Marin (of which I have a bit of a collection) is the perfect knit for this, but this one (pictured in collage) is a fraction of the price and equally delicious. Your structured shorts work for this, so do linen shorts, or lacy shorts (we will see a lot of lacy shorts into fall…especially with tall boots and combined with leather), really any pair is fair game. Pair with sweaters, sweatshirts with a collar peeking through, or a simple tee and your fall coat.
Summery Dresses
The throw-on-and-go dresses that you reached for on the regular in the heat don’t need to move to the back of your closet or get packed away just yet. These are some of the best pieces to wear into the fall — last year I paired one of my favorite long summer dresses with a polo sweater for our fall family photos!
The easiest way to “fall” it up is with a coat or jacket — over your shoulders or on. Simple + done. You can wear it with a chunky knit or cardigan buttoned all the way up. Or, go subtle and just add a fall shoe or boot.
Tonal/texture white
I definitely don’t follow the rule of “no white after labor day,” but as we get deeper into fall (and winter) I tend to wear whites a little differently. I prefer ecru almost year-round, and I love to lean in to a texture-heavy, tonal look with multiple layers to lean into the season. I just got these, and they are fab (on sale). I size up in white jeans always (even though these do run a bit big!) These are also great if you like wide-leg. Pair with a pointelle long sleeve, knits of any kid (tan, browns, whites, creams, greys all achieve this tonal/layered look)
Long maxi skirt
Sister of the summery dress — pair it with knits and long sleeves instead of dainty and feminine tanks and carry that effortless vibe with you as long as you can. Add a little edge by pairing with loafers or a sneaker with socks. A fall jacket over a tee, adding a cool belt (maybe something Western-inspired?), or buttoned all the way up looks fabulous as well.
You can shop all pieces highlighted (pictured and linked) here (everything I share is in my ShopMy page). All products highlighted are chosen by me, and some may be affiliate links. Your support is appreciated!
After writing all of thing, maybe I’m feeling a little more optimistic about the changing season — lots of time to squeeze in my summer favorites and start to slowly pull out my fall favorites. To wrap my diary entry (THANK YOU FOR READING I LOVE YOU FOREVER), a few things I’m super into lately…
Everything by Cann. They gifted me their Infused Spritz, and it’s seriously THE BEST. A little service with seltzer is the perfect vibe for a relaxing evening. Can’t recommend enough! I’m also loving the Roadie, which you can travel with/use on the go.
On the other end of the spectrum, Ghia is lovely if you want something, but no substances. I like having the spritzes on stock at home for guests who prefer something N/A (and, although I know totally not the point, they make a great mixer!)
If you’ve been around for awhile, you know I am particular about my underwear (read more here). I was gifted the high-waisted thong by EBY and holy crap it is good. I ordered 3 more pairs. Makes me want to wear a thong (is that a red flag?) Anyways, if you like high waisted underwear or thongs…worth a try!!! You can use my code CHRISTINAT15 for a discount on your order!
Finally got back into a reading groove this summer. When we were on the Cape, I started my Pepper Books box, and I read The Wall of Winnipeg and Me. I liked it — only complaint is that the romance builds for basically the whole book…Could have used something a little earlier on!! I also read The Great Believers (incredible, and with a Wisconsin/Door County story line that I didn’t know going in, but loved!). I read and love Atmostphere, One Golden Summer, Jilted and All the Other Mothers Hate me. All worth adding to your tbr list!
When I’m not reading, I’m currently addicted to TSITP — to the point where I had to literally cut myself off for a few days because I was staying up past ten (LATE for me!) to watch. I’m not caught up, so no spoilers, but I’d say this video sums it up.
Thank you so much for reading today. Happy back to school, back to routine, end of August. Can’t wait to talk again soon because…FALL. Need I say more?
ICYMI
How to Make Sure You’re Going to (Actually) Wear Your Clothes)
From the Archives: What’s a Chaos Dinner and Why You Should Have One
From the Archives: I’m A Better Mom When I Like My Outfit
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So much good inspo! And those blue loafers from Freda? Those are going on my carted wishlist for me to drool over for awhile.
Sweaters and shorts are so underrated. My ideal look always.