Getting dressed in August and September can be such a struggle. It's cool in the morning. It's fully summer again in the afternoon. Or maybe it's raining. Also, stores are still so aggressively air conditioned they're freezing. What the heck do you wear this time of year? The answer is lots of layers and clothes and fabrics that can pull double duty.
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In other words, cardigans for days, but also denim, corduroy and suede, plus lighter fabrics like cotton chambray and linen blends. You want to stick with short sleeves, but add a layer for cooler parts of the day (or arctic AC). The pieces we've rounded up below will help, from chunky cardigans you can keep in your bag to jeans you can roll up and loafers that go great with sundresses or warmer pants.
In this article: PRETTYGARDEN Women's Chunky Knit Open-Front Cardigan, Saodimallsu Womens Fall Short-Sleeve Cardigan and SHOWMALL Women's Plus-Size Short-Sleeve Cardigan
PRETTYGARDEN Women's Chunky Knit Open-Front Cardigan
This chunky cardigan is a true cool-weather layer. It's medium weight, made from 100% acrylic knit with long lantern sleeves, a V-neck and button front. It comes in sizes small to XL with a bit of stretch, and you can size up for a slouchier fit.
Saodimallsu Women's Fall Short-Sleeve Cardigan 10% OFF
The short sleeves help this cardigan feel transitional instead of wintery. It's made from an acrylic and cotton blend knit with batwing sleeves, a V-neck, button front and loose fit that gives it a flowier silhouette that's great for layering.
SHOWMALL Women's Plus-Size Short-Sleeve Cardigan 44% OFF
This plus-size cardigan is great for warmer days, with its short sleeves and open front. It comes in tons of colors, with sizes ranging from 1X to 5X. It also has pockets for extra convenience.
NIC+ZOE Cuffed High-Waist Straight-Leg Girlfriend Jeans
These high-rise, straight-leg jeans are easy to cuff, which makes them great for wearing in warm weather. While they don't have a lot of stretch, their faded wash and girlfriend silhouette still give them a relaxed, broken-in look.
Melrose and Market Chambray Midi Skirt 55% OFF
Cotton chambray makes this midi skirt light enough for hot days, but the long hem still transitions well into fall. It has a smocked waistband and flowing silhouette, and the 100% cotton fabric is breathable and comfortable.
Xiaoxuemeng Women's Linen Pants Cotton Barrel Capri 46% OFF
These ankle-length pants offer fall-ready coverage, but in a comfortable, breathable summer linen. The lightweight fabric blends 45% linen, 45% cotton and 10% polyester for a loose fit and breathability. The waist is also elastic for even more comfort.
Willtoo Women Faux Suede Loafers
These slip-on loafers are made from faux suede for an autumnal look without going all the way with boots. Their rounded, moccasin style is casual and comfy enough for daily wear, but they come in several bright colors that are still summery.
Vince Oasis Sneaker 75% OFF
These sneakers have a retro-inspired shape and details inspired by the California coast, including sand-colored side stripes and wavy rubber tread. They go great with everything from jeans to sun dresses, making them the perfect sneakers for transitioning from summer clothes to warmer ones.
Sidefeel Women's High-Waist Seam Line Corduroy Skirt
Corduroy is definitely a cold-weather fabric, but this skirt is short enough to wear in the summer. At about knee-length, it has a little bit of stretch, button closure and pockets. It can be worn on its own or layered with tights or leggings as the temperature drops.
James Perse Deep V-Neck T-Shirt 66% OFF
With a deep curved V-neck and short sleeves, this casual tee is made for layering. Wear it alone on hot days, or under a cardigan when it's cooler. It also looks just as good with jeans as it does with shorts or a skirt.
Universal Standard Samia Faux Wrap Cotton Poplin Dress
For an outfit with a little more structure, reach for this black windowpane dress, which has a faux wrap bodice that fastens with buttons and a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette. The sleeves are a little longer, but not full-length, making this dress a great in-between for those days when you can't decide between a summer outfit and a fall one.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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