Thrift Flip: 5 Ways to Take Your Summer Dresses Into Fall
Before you pack your summer dresses away, give them a fall flip. With the right layer on top (and boots instead of sandals), the same maxi or midi you wore in July can carry you right through October. Here are five easy formulas, with pieces from my closet if you want to recreate them.
1. Add a Denim Jacket
A white tiered midi plus a longer denim jacket is the easiest fall transition there is. Finish with ankle boots and a crossbody bag. The longer jacket length balances the volume of the tiered skirt.
2. Top It With Suede
A dark floral maxi looks instantly autumnal under a warm, drapey suede jacket. Add a brown belt at the waist and knee boots, and you're fall-ready.
3. Throw a Poncho Over a Maxi
Ponchos and flowy maxis are made for each other. Let the dress peek out underneath and keep the rest simple: tall boots, gold hoops, done.
4. Structure a Boho Dress With a Blazer
A denim blazer adds just enough polish to a soft floral or smocked dress to take it from weekend brunch to a casual workday.
5. Layer a Turtleneck Underneath
Spaghetti-strap dresses get a second season when you layer a fitted, thin turtleneck underneath. Stick to one color from the print, add tights once it gets cold, and you have a whole new outfit.
Coming Up: Party Season
Holiday parties, weddings and New Year's Eve will be here before we know it. If you're already thinking about what to wear, here's a first look at the special-occasion pieces in my closet:
Find more fall and party pieces on my Shop My Closet page, and read up on this season's trends in Fall 2026 Trends You Can Shop Secondhand.
