Right now, your browser is probably inundated with summer-to-autumn transitional style stories. Every year, despite being on this planet for 24 years, I look at my wardrobe with panic. Who is autumn Michelle? What pieces do I want to try? Maybe I want to start wearing cashmere turtlenecks and dress like someone who calls autumn 'fall' instead?
This autumn — I tried saying 'fall,' it's not for me — I've decided I want to be someone who doesn't let the changing of the seasons change me, and not just because the seasonal closet switch-out is exhausting and stuffing my favourite summer clothes into a plastic bin in a dark storage space fills me with so much guilt. This year, I'm keeping my warm weather items on-hand and giving them the opportunity to feel the fresh crisp autumn breeze. They worked so hard through months of humidity — they deserve this.
Ahead, I chose seven pieces of clothing that have been staples of my summer wardrobe and autumn-proofed them. The week was an ode to the end of sunny days — my final goodbye to ice cream on the beach and running around with only a swimsuit as a top. Click through to see how I took pieces like flip-flops and Hawaiian shirts to new pumpkin spice heights.
Monday: Flip-Flops
Flip-flops hurt the space between my big toe and other toes (it's sensitive there!) so Tabi socks (Japanese socks traditionally worn to formal events with Getas) were a perfect fix. Socks and sandals work well for autumn when your footwear doesn't have to protect you from the elements just yet. Flops with socks 4ever.
Style Mafia Tepic Top; Fitflop Iqushion Floral Flip-flops; Kaya Tabi Socks.
Photographed by Beth Sacca
Tuesday: The Hawaiian Shirt
I borrowed this Hawaiian shirt from my boyfriend and I'm pretty sure he won't notice that it's not in his wardrobe until I send him the link to this article with me wearing it (Hi James!). I quadrupled up on the prints for this outfit and borrowed one of my favourite styling tricks from the autumn winter 2018 runway shows and wore a fluffy knit as a scarf — it's for leaning on when your neck gets sleepy.
Acne Studios Printed Long Sleeve Tee; Le Superbe Hawaiian Shine Pencil Skirt; Suzanne Rae Maryjane; Hysteria by Happy Socks Mia Ankle Socks; Pixie Market Green Cable Knit Sweater.
Photographed by Beth Sacca
Wednesday: The Crisp White Poplin Top
Finally, a white top that survived the hazardously saucy summer I had. This blouse is sheer, backless, and has ethereal sleeves that flutter with every move. To make it work for autumn, my dream turtleneck. This is an outfit I'll be repeating.
JoosTricot Multi-colour Turtleneck; Cecilie Bahnsen top; Mr. Larkin pants.
Photographed by Beth Sacca
Thursday: The Scarf-As-A-Top
Ah, the scarf as a top! A precarious outfit that's too good not to wear come summertime. I repurposed this scarf into a one-shoulder top that harmonises with my skirt of choice. Now to test if this long-sleeve piece glows in the dark.
MISBHV Logo Active Top; Rixo London Georgia Skirt; Suzanne Rae Sling Back Mule.
Photographed by Beth Sacca
Friday: The Denim Mini Skirt
This dress screams summer with its eyelet fabric, but also yells autumn because long-sleeves. It was only right that I layered my favourite summer denim skirt over it. The best part about wearing summer clothing not in the summer are the little flashbacks you get, like that time I wore this skirt while drinking my sixth slushee of the day.
Sandy Liang Rosemary Dress; AGOLDE Criss Cross Mini Skirt; Suzanne Rae Sling Back Mule; Darner Powder Blue Mesh Socks.
Photographed by Beth Sacca
Saturday: The Corset
Corsets made a comeback this summer. The rigid structure makes it the perfect layering piece (for winter too!). I took a tip from eight-year-old Michelle's favourite wardrobe styling hack and threw a long-sleeved top underneath a larger tee. I topped it off with this floral corset and gave myself a pat on the back for tripling layers.
Frances de Lourdes Marlon Long Sleeve; Miaou corset; Miu Miu Leather Ballerinas.
Photographed by Beth Sacca
Sunday: The Bathing Suit
I chose my absolute favourite swimsuit to keep around for autumn because the fabric quality easily enables it to pass as a top. This may be the only season when two full sleeves aren't necessary! This outfit made me reminisce about the one summer I attended gymnastics camp. Now here we are, ready to somersault into a pile of leaves.
Hunza G Kerry Swimsuit; JoosTricot One-sleeve Top; Pixie Market Rene Leopard Midi Skirt.
Photographed by Beth SaccaLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Here's How We're Styling Alexa Chung's Latest Collaboration