Its September and autumn (or fall as we call it in the US) is upon us! Cold weather isn’t my favorite, I’m a warm weather type of gal and when the weather changes it always throws me for a loop. I forget how I’m supposed to dress and it takes me a while to feel comfortable dressing for the changed weather. Does this happen to anybody else, or is it just me?
In Southern California where I’m from originally, its usually quite warm through October though it can be cool in the morning and evening. In Paris, where I’m currently living, it feels like there’s not really much transition time; its either hot or cold and you always need to have a sweater with you in case the sun doesn’t come out, which is often.
Living in California makes me want to dress for the sunshine, regardless of the temperature: bright colors, light layers, and a warmer jacket for the evening or winter months. There’s also really good temperature control indoors because the buildings are more modern. And unless you live in a city like New York or Chicago, you’re not as likely to take public transportation so you don’t have to be outside braving the weather. Winter in the city is much more dreary and it really does call for muted colors, more sophisticated layers, trench coats, and being dressed warmly enough to be outside much of the day.
I feel like I should hire someone to teach me how to dress for looking vintagey and cute while being outside in cool weather. If I ever do, I’ll let you know what I find out! Until then, here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned about dressing in vintage style for transitional fall weather.
Removable Layers
Autumn means cool mornings and evenings and warm afternoons. It often warms up during the day, especially during the earlier fall months, but is cold enough to need a jacket when you leave the house in the morning. And because the days are shorter and it gets dark earlier, the temperature gets cooler earlier too.
By removable layers I mean things like scarves, cardigans, and jackets that you can take off during the day, or you can add on as needed. It can be a pain if you have to carry these things around with you, one reason you always see women in Paris carrying a canvas or reusable shopping bag with them when out and about in addition to their purse. You always need a carry all with you to carry those layers (and the heels you put on in the office!).
Tights
Tights are great for wearing during the colder months with dresses and skirts or layering under trousers. Personally I find it warmer to wear tights and a dress during the winter. Because the material is right next to the skin I stay warmer than wearing trousers which allow air between the fabric and the skin. While modern tights aren’t exactly vintage (they were invented in the 1950s and became extremely popular in the 1960s to wear under miniskirts) women in the mid century era did wear silk or nylon stockings daily to cover their legs. This is always an option if you want to be authentic to the time period, but opaque stockings are much warmer for the cooler months.
Brogue Shoes
I love a good Brogue, but I recognize that it is a traditionally masculine shoe. Women’s walking brogues were also made with a more traditionally female design if that’s more your style. I really like Brogues because they provide a lot of structure for my feet, are comfortable for walking, and make an outfit look put together. I often wear sneakers for walking around the city but a Brogue is nice because its more temperature proof and waterproof than a canvas sneaker and ups the sophistication factor.
Besides Brogues, you can search for “Derby Shoe” or “Saddle Shoe”, which are very similarly designed shoes with distinguishing motifs on the leather.
Cardigans and Scarves
Cardigans are classic and timeless and a version of them has been popular in every decade. They can be lightweight, small, and easy to carry with you. You can wear them over your shoulders like a shawl, unbuttoned, or buttoned to the neckline to accommodate for the temperature. You can buy them inexpensively and in many different materials and colors. I find a light cardigan is just the thing if I find myself in the refrigerated section of the grocery store in the middle of summer, or back when I used to go to the movies (you know, pre-pandemic and all). In the fall it can be worn without a coat, or removed to accommodate a warmer coat if needed. They’re just so versatile!
A scarf is also super handy to have. I plan to write another in depth post about this, but in Paris the one accessory everyone has, male and female, is a scarf. Scarves are seen in every season! Even though they’re less popular in the summer people still wear them, and as soon as September rolls around all the scarves come out! It makes sense for several reasons, the first of course is that it really does keep you warm. It also adds a little bit of bright color and is an easy way to accessorize.
Trench Coat
A good trench coat is simply the best investment you can make for a fall wardrobe! Dare I say Its the one thing you absolutely MUST invest in! A good one will also have a removable lining so it can take you longer into the winter. It doesn’t have to be a Burberry, though I’m dying to get my hands on one, but a good trench is a fall wardrobe essential.
To be honest I’m late to the game on this one and only recently got a great one (although I’ve owned them in the past). If you’re from warm weather country like Southern California or Florida you probably don’t understand the joy one can get out of a trench coat. You may be thinking its too preppy and upper echelon for you. Just trust me on this one.
A trench is the perfect fall essential because it can be light enough for warmer months, yet warm enough for cooler weather. Its appropriate for every situation, from wearing to the office, a night out, or wearing over joggers while running errands (sharing for a friend). It literally goes with everything and instantly looks sophisticated and chic.
These are my top 5 five things to transition your vintage summer wardrobe to a fabulous vintage autumn wardrobe. I hope you stylists out there will agree!
Just starting out wearing vintage? Check out this article “How to Make Your Outfit Look More Vintage: The Two Things You Need to Do”.
I’d love to know if you have any other things you consider essential for your fall wardrobe!