Ready for fall fashion but it’s still hot outside? Story of my life here in Atlanta. It doesn’t start cooling down until October. But my heart is ready to start wearing booties and layering scarves as soon as September hits. Fall is my favorite season to dress for, so I like to make the most of my fall wardrobe before it’s too cold. I’m sharing 10 hacks to dress for fall now, even when it’s hot.

If you’re looking for the ultimate roundup of sweater dresses, you’ll love this post HERE. 

10 Hacks to Dress for Fall Now When It’s Hot

I’m going to be honest, I was ready for fall when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale came along. But mother nature just enjoys the heat in Georgia. If you’re starting to transition your wardrobe over to more fall essentials, here are 10 of my must-have fall wardrobe staples. Until October though, it’s going to be a healthy balance of using these hacks, so I’m not constantly overheating. 

Choose items with lighter fabrics and shorter hemlines

I love to style short dresses for fall by pairing them with fall accessories. Try mini dresses with richer colors and wear with booties or mules. 

Don’t put your denim jean shorts away either. You can continue wearing those with a long sleeve shirt and white sneakers. 

Avoid wool and other heavier fabrics, and save those for when it gets cooler. Choose fabrics with cotton, so they feel nice and light. 

Wear closed-toed shoes

Switch out your sandals for a closed-toe loafer or shoe. I love to wear mule shoes such as the Gucci loafer, so it’s not fully enclosed when it’s still hot.

If you’re wanting to wear booties, look for an option with perforation or cutouts on the side to keep your foot cooler. I would avoid the knee-high boots for now. You can also do a sneaker for more casual looks. 

Add in suede or leather

I reach for a suede skirt early into the fall season. The material is great for fall but the shorter hemline will keep me cooler. You can also work in these fabrics in your accessories like your handbag or a hat. 

A popular fall pattern you’ll see often this season is houndstooth. You can work that into your wardrobe now with mini skirts, tops, handbags and shoes. You can read about how to style this pattern in this POST HERE. 

Reach for darker fall shades

Think camel, earthy-tones, and rust for your fall color palette. You can also look for fall-inspired prints like plaid.

switch out your handbag

If you’ve carried a straw bag throughout summer, switch it out for a leather or suede bag. This is a great way to have a more fall-inspired look without adding on any extra layers.

add a felt hat

One of my favorite accessories is adding a felt hat! I wear a straw hat throughout summer to protect my skin from the sun. But come fall season, I switch it out for a felt or wool hat. I rounded up the best fall hats here!

throw up your hair

If it’s hot under your fall layers, throw up your hair into a chic bun or ponytail to get it off your neck. Then add in a scarf for texture and color to complete the look. 

add flowy layers

Grab a light layer such as a kimono in a fall color or print to layer without the heat. Don’t immediately grab for your faux leather jacket. Try a denim jacket for a lighter option or a trench coat.

deepen up your lip colors

I love to wear a neutral lip color throughout the year. But for those days I want to play up my look a little bit, I reach for a darker color for my lips. This is my favorite everyday lipliner and lipstick!

switch up your nail color

Switch out your summer manicure for something more fall appropriate, such as gray, taupe or a burgundy. Neutrals will work year-round, though!

play up your accessories

If you don’t want to add extra layers don’t underestimate your accessories! Add-in a touch of houndstooth print, a flowy scarf in a fall color or print or carry a leather handbag. 

play with balance

Don’t layer too much at once. If you’re going to wear jeans, stick with something much cooler on top such as a sleeveless bodysuit or tank top. If you’re wearing shorts, you can opt for a long sleeve or 3/4 length sleeve shirt. 

Wear a Boyfriend Style Denim Jean

Wearing tight skinny jeans when it’s hot is a no-go for me. Instead of trapping in body heat with a skinny or tight fit, wear a distressed or boyfriend-style jean. You could also wear a maxi or midi skirt with mules as another breezy option.

Is it starting to become more fall-like weather where you live or is it still hot? Let me know below! 

Pin this Photo and Save this Post for Later!