We’re in the homestretch of summer and close to entering fall bliss. The heat waves are long gone, but now, another dressing issue has risen: The awkward weather makes building outfits a bit difficult. It’s cool in the morning, warm during the day, and very chilly in the evening. You can layer, but not too much, and getting dressed feels more like a chore than an adornment ritual.

That’s why I did some digging in search of the best transitional outfits to wear for the in-between season. Each look is chic, elegant, and quite expensive looking, and they’re all very fitting for the weird weather we’ll experience until fall hits full force. Think warm tonal outfits, pops of color here and there, and clean lines. Light layers, versatility, and functionality without compromising style are always the goal for my outfit inspiration, so keep scrolling to see pre-fall transitional outfits and shop each look.

Monochrome Butter Yellow

Butter yellow is a color trend that keeps on giving. It rose in popularity last year, as it blends beautifully in outfits for all seasons, particularly fall, IMHO. While we’re still in a liminal space with this weather, a full butter-yellow outfit is just right. To break up the color, try layering a sweater over a lace-trim top. It’ll add a delicate texture to your monochrome outfit.

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A woman wearing a butter yellow sweater, lace-trim top, and butter yellow pants.

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Dark-Wash Jeans

Now that the weather is finally shifting, it’s totally safe to wear dark-wash jeans with your outfits again. If it’s still warm enough, style a printed sleeveless top or tank top with your jeans, and slip on a pair of flip-flops. To accessorize, add a woven leather bag for some texture and an eye-catching detail.

A woman wearing a red polka dot tank top, dark wash jeans, and black flip flops

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Long Shorts + Long Trench

A pair of long shorts is perfect for both summer and fall. It’s just the right length for a casual or dressy outfit. If you’re leaning more dressy casual like the look below, add a flowy trench coat over your V-neck tank top and a pair of thong-heeled sandals, and play around with your accessories to zhuzh it up. If you’d like to dress your look down, just trade your heels for flats, and ditch the trench coat.

A woman wearing a gray trench coat, V-neck black tank top, gray long shorts, and thong sandals.

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Crochet Hat + Trousers

Crochet hats have had a big moment this summer, but there are also fall-friendly ways to style them. This in-between weather is the perfect time to try out the trend if you haven’t. It looks especially chic with a pair of trousers and pointed-toe shoes. If it’s not too cold, a breezy top is highly recommended, but if you’d rather layer up, swap your top for a lightweight sweater.

A woman wearing a black hat, black tank top, black trousers, and black pointed-toe shoes.

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Warm Tones

As you can see, I’m a big fan of monochrome outfits. This one below incorporates warm tones of tan and brown. Beige doesn’t have to be boring, and this look is proof. Wear a long-sleeve top with a long column skirt in similar colors for this tonal effect. Your flats don’t have to be brown; they can be black to break up the colors just a bit. Accessorize with a deeper brown bag, and you have yourself the perfect monochrome pre-fall outfit.