Transition to Fall: Shorts (Part 2)

I'm back with the second installment of how to transition your summery shorts in to your fall wardrobe.
Read the first part here!

So besides adding tights or a button-down shirt, what else makes shorts work for fall? You know, besides having outside temperatures in the '60s-'80s of course...

3) Add chunky knitwear.
I love the juxtaposition of fabrics and textures when I wear sweaters with shorts. This classic loose-knit sweater goes with practically everything in my closet, but pairing it with these linen-blend shorts mixes things up a bit!

OUTFIT DETAILS: 

Sweater // JCrew Factory (Summer 2014)

Shorts // Old Navy (Spring 2012)

Shoes // Minnetonka, from TJMaxx

Necklace // World Market

Bag // Nine West, from TJMaxx

4) Go grunge with a flannel shirt. 

Ah, flannel. 14-year-old me would be so proud it's now worked its way back in to my adult wardrobe. A flannel shirt can be dressed up or down - I've paired it here with a tee in a contrasting color and pattern and some comfy, worn denim shorts. This would be a perfect outfit to wear while hanging out with friends, roasting marshmallows around a fire pit on a cool fall evening. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: 

Flannel shirt // Target (Winter 2012)

T-shirt // Target (Summer 2014)

Denim shorts // Gap (Summer 2012)

Suede boots // Gap (Spring 2012)

Camera necklace // assembled by me! 

Transition to Fall: Shorts (Part 1)

Fall in Ohio can be a weird season - one minute it's 78 degrees, the next it's 45. It's hard to know what to expect, which often makes transitional wardrobes a bit problematic.

My mother has a system where she switches out her closets and dresser drawers for fall/winter and spring/summer - but I just don't have that kind of secondary storage space, so I wind up mixing my clothing all together. I like the unexpected nature of pairing different weight fabrics with each other anyway, and it gives me a chance to play with unusual combinations and to make each item of clothing wearable for as long as possible in any given year.

MAKING SHORTS WORK FOR FALL: 

1) Add tights.
Pick a pair of shorts that are not too "summery" (denim, chino, or any other heavier-weight fabric will do) and couple them with some tights in a contrasting color. Black and brown are both classic hues, but don't be afraid to go a little bolder. I am somewhere in the middle with this maroon pair.

Bonus: instant camouflage for pasty legs!

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Shirt // Target (Summer 2013)
Cardigan // Gap (Spring 2012)
Shorts // Express (by way of TJ Maxx)
Tights // Target
Shoes // City Classified, from Ebay
Sunglasses // CVS

2) Pair with a long-sleeve shirt.
I adore gingham because it goes with everything! I wear this shirt year-round - it's a perfect addition to a pair of high-waisted denim shorts. Great for a picnic, apple picking, or sipping coffee on the patio on a warm fall day.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Shirt // J Crew (Spring 2012)

Shorts // Macy's (Spring 2014)

Shoes // Born, from 6pm.com

Sunglasses // Costume Specialties

Stay tuned for Shorts (Part 2)!