Thinking About Fall - Transitional Style - Tank Top

Before I get into the Pantone color series for Autumn/Winter 2021, I wanted to look at a few options for taking your summer pieces into fall. It seems like common sense to add layers as the weather begins to cool, at least for those of us in the northern part of the country. Even in warmer states, and countries, there are always those rainy days, or cooler evenings where having a layer or two makes a person more comfortable. The question I have to ask myself is why bother transitioning? Why not just change out our summer wardrobes for those fall pieces in deep burgundies and rusty oranges?

I think there are several reasons we need to transition from summer into fall. First of all, even those of us who love fall and enjoy the cooler weather, hate to see summer come to an end. The end of summer means shorter days, and the loss of the freedom and fun we associate with summer. Being able to run around without heavy coats, mittens and scarves is something most of us love being able to do. Summer also means vacations and beach days for many. It is hard to say goodbye to these wonderfully long, lazy days.

Another reason is that transitioning our wardrobes to fall slowly, allows us to extend the life of those summer pieces we love. The tank tops, shorts, light weight dresses and kimonos are still usable as the weather cools if we remember how much fun layering can be. I have already seen many bloggers and Instagram gals showing off these types of outfits.

Today’s focus is on tank tops. This could be a simple ribbed tank, or something like this thrifted Christopher & Banks shell, that is more structured and workwear appropriate. Since I am not working, I am showing you a casual look that can easily be taken from summer into fall with three simple changes.

My daughter hired an assistant and has started training her behind the camera. They asked if we could do pictures in the studio, to give her some practice, not only with outfit photos, but with indoor shots. I love outdoor photos because there are so many possibilities, but there is something to be said for studio photos, especially when the weather is hot, humid and buggy! We just used the wall as a backdrop, but it you follow Rebecca Trumbull Photography, you know she has all sorts of backdrop colors for headshots and puppy pictures.

This outfit is easy, peasy. A pair of thrifted Merona boyfriend ankle jeans, a tank top, shoes, bag and a little jewelry. Except for the bag and jewelry, everything in this outfit is thrifted.

I chose this tank top for a few reasons. The first is, I have been trying to use pieces that I haven’t used in a while in my closet. I actually started keeping track of what I have worn. For my hanging pieces, I turn the hangers backwards after I wash and hang them back up. For my tees, I have started turning the ones I used neck line out, rather than fold out. It might seem silly, but it does help to see what I have been wearing and encourages me to choose other pieces.

For this easy summer look, I kept my jewelry light and simple.

I wanted to chose a bag that could make the transition to fall, so this bright yellow tote was perfect.

My sneakers are thrifted Converse. I washed them in the washer, but they need a little TLC to make them look pristine, which I haven’t done yet.

In order to make an outfit like this ready for the cooler weather and changes that fall bring with it, you only need to do three simple things.

1 - Swap out light, breezy jewelry for jewelry that is bold and chunky.

2 - Add a jacket, sweater or other topper.

Utility jackets are often my fall and spring go to’s for light layers. This Sonoma piece with its beautiful embroidered embellishments goes perfectly with the leafy print of the tank. Being that it is tan, rather than a darker olive or brown, also gives me that slow transition into the darker, richer colors of fall.

3 - Swap out sneakers for ankle boots.

These are my Sonoma suede heeled booties. They are a regular part of my fall, winter and spring wardrobe.

Let’s take a look at the outfits side by side.

You can see that in the summer look I rolled the pants up and in the fall look I left them full length. I love ankle pants for this transition time, because they allow me to show off the ankle boots, and they are still not as warm as full length pants.

The other detail I changed was doing the front tuck on the top, to show off the belt and give the outfit a less casual vibe.

How would you transition a tank top into fall? Do you have tank tops that you love to wear all year round? What do you think of this outfits?

I’ve included a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links and are brought to you at no extra cost. If you click on a shopping link, I get a few cents. I appreciate all your clicks and all your comments.

Have a great Wednesday!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Pantone Fall 2018 - Limelight, Mellow Rose and Meerkat

Of all the colors on the Pantone Fall 2018 palette, I felt Limelight and Mellow Rose were the least fall-like colors. Once again, I had to think outside the box when pairing these two light pastels together, to make the outfit seem more in keeping with a fall theme. In order to do this, I thought it would be best to pair them with Pantone’s classic color, Meerkat. Meerkat is a warm, orange brown and while it could be used in any season, It makes me think of fall leaves, bonfires and warm apple cider.

Mellow Rose is actually one of two colors that is only found on the London Palette. I am not sure why they added this and Crocus Petal, the two extra colors on their palette, but they are light, airy and more spring like. Maybe it was an attempt at bridging the gap between the seasons and reminding people that the old rules are gone and colors are seasonless.

All of the pieces in this outfit were thrifted except the bag and the boots. The Limelight colored jeans are Talbots brand and are really an ankle pant that I rolled up, so they stop at the top of my boots. The Mellow Rose button up is Izod brand and the long fringe knit vest is a brand called Sun and Shadow. I’ve styled this vest several times before. You can see those posts here and here.

I don’t remember where I got the belt, but I thought it tied in with the boots and bag quite well. I just did a front tuck with the shirt.

This bag I got at Meijer and I am not sure of the brand. It is a nice cross body bag and the embroidery on the front adds interesting color and texture. I think this can be used for all seasons.

These boots are a brand called Sugar and I got them at Kohl’s a few years ago. They are made of a suede type material and add a different look to an outfit because of the single, long, wrap tie.

I just added a simple bead and metal necklace and a bracelet for jewelry. This might be fun with a scarf or even some layered necklaces for a more bohemian look.

Here is a full length view of the vest from behind.

This is the second outfit in this series that I am not completely happy with. These colors are great, just not necessarily together, or for the season of fall. I know, I know, we can wear whatever, whenever, but if I’m not happy with it, then I’m not going to wear it. I’ve worn both of these pieces in the spring and summer. My color leanings are more bold and bright, but if you are a pastel kind of girl, then follow my friend Liz at With Wonder and Whimsy. She loves pastels and wears them all year round!

That’s all for today. Hope you are having a great Tuesday!