There is a very specific moment at the end of summer when the calendar starts telling us to think about autumn, but the weather has absolutely no interest in cooperating. The days are still warm, the light is still golden, you still want sandals, and frankly, putting on a heavy knit sweater in September can feel a little premature.
So instead of rushing into autumn dressing, I’ve been thinking about something I love much more: end-of-summer style. An outfit that still feels unmistakably summery, but a little more polished, a little more sophisticated, and ready for that beautiful in-between season. This was one of those looks, check it out!
I wore this look for one of those late-summer days when everything seemed to glow a little more than usual. The combination was simple: crochet, fringe, effortless sandals and warm neutral tones, finished with that beautiful Portuguese backdrop that makes even an ordinary afternoon feel slightly cinematic.
It is exactly the kind of outfit I want at the end of August and beginning of September: comfortable enough for walking around, but polished enough to feel like I actually made an effort. Perhaps that's the secret to late-summer dressing: you don't need more clothes, you just need to style your summer pieces differently.
How to Make a Summer Outfit Feel More Chic
The easiest way to elevate a simple summer look is to pay attention to the details.
- Choose texture over decoration: A crochet detail, fringe finish, woven accessory or textured fabric can make an otherwise simple outfit feel much more considered.
- Keep the color palette sophisticated: You don't necessarily need bold colors to make a summer outfit memorable. Cream, beige, caramel, tan, white and soft blue can look incredibly elegant together—especially against the warm light of late summer.
- Let the shoes do some of the work: A good pair of sandals can completely change the mood of an outfit. For an end-of-summer look, I prefer sandals that are comfortable enough for walking but still have enough personality to make the outfit feel finished.
- Don't underestimate accessories: A simple outfit gives accessories room to become part of the story. Sunglasses, jewelry, a structured bag or a statement shoe can take the same basic pieces in a completely different direction.
- Keep the silhouette effortless: The best late-summer outfits don't look overly constructed. You want to look polished, but not as though you spent two hours deciding what to wear.
5 Ways to Extend Your Summer Wardrobe Into September
One of my favorite things about transitional dressing is realizing how many summer pieces can stay in rotation:
- Keep wearing your sandals.
There's no rule saying September automatically means closed shoes.
- Layer instead of replacing.
A lightweight shirt, cardigan or jacket can make a summer dress work on cooler evenings.
- Change your accessories.
The same dress can feel completely different with a statement bag, loafers, boots or a more autumnal belt.
- Introduce richer textures.
Suede, leather, knitwear and heavier jewelry can gradually shift the mood without making the outfit feel like October.
- Don't rush the season.
This might be my most important tip: fashion doesn't have to follow the calendar literally, if it's still warm enough for a summer dress, wear the summer dress.
More Summer Style & Portugal
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