Tips to Switch Your Summer Wardrobe to Fall

Fall is on the way! Its orange foliage replaces the vibrant greens of summer, and you start to move indoors for cozier activities. It's also time to transition your wardrobe for the cooler weather ahead.

As a leading expert in home organization, Merry Maids® knows that an organized closet and proper storage techniques are key to making this shift manageable. Follow our guide below to easily adapt your summer wardrobe for fall.

Assess and Inventory Your Wardrobe

Before you buy anything new, it's important to take stock of what you already have. Pull out all your summer clothes and lay them on your bed or floor. This will give you a visual representation of everything in your wardrobe and make it easier to decide what to keep, donate, or store for next year.

Identify versatile pieces that can be used solo or layered during the cooler months. These will be your go-to items for transitioning your wardrobe.

For the best summer-to-fall outfits, be sure to hang onto your:

• Maxi Dresses: Long, flowing dresses that can be paired with cardigans or jackets for cooler days should be part of your fall must-haves. Layer with tights for extra warmth.
• Denim Shorts: Denim shorts are versatile bottoms that work well with tights or leggings and boots as temperatures drop.
• Lightweight Blazers: Perfect for adding structure to summer outfits while providing a bit of warmth, blazers are great for office-to-evening transitions.
• Cotton Button-Up Shirts: Classic pieces like button-up shirts can be worn alone on warmer days or layered under sweaters when it's cool.
• Light Cardigans, Bombers, and Jackets: cardigans and jackets are essential layering pieces that add warmth without bulk. They’re also easy to throw over summer dresses or tees.
• Slip-On Sneakers or Loafers: Comfortable footwear that bridges the gap between summer sandals and fall boots can make all the difference. Pair them with socks as needed.
• Light Denim Jackets: Denim jackets are a timeless transitional piece that works over dresses, with jeans, or layered under heavier coats as fall progresses.

Next, separate items no longer seasonally appropriate and set them aside for storage or donation. This will get you started decluttering your closet to make room for fall pieces. You'll love all the extra space – and saving money on purchasing new pieces!

Declutter and Organize Your Closet

Once you know what you want to keep and store, organize your closet. Whether you choose to store your clothes at the top or bottom of your closet or switch out your hangers for seasonal items, make sure everything is easily accessible.

To save space and time, consider these closest organization tips:

• Invest in hangers, dividers, and storage bins to keep things neat and tidy
• Create a "transition zone," which includes both summer and fall items, for easy access
• Group similar items together, such as tank tops, t-shirts, and dresses
• Hang clothes in categoriesbased on color or style for a more visually appealing closet
• Create space for fall accessories like scarves and light jackets to easily layer for cooler weather

These are just a few ideas for organizing your closet. Find a system that works for you and stick with it. Check outour blog for more in-depth closet organization tips.

Prepare and Store Your Summer Clothes

Now that your closet is organized with the clothes you'll need for fall, it's time to store your summer wardrobe properly.

Follow these tips to help your items stay fresh and ready to wear next year:

• Wash and dry all your seasonal items before storing them.
• Use airtight storage containers or bags to keep out moisture and pests.
• Add cedar chips or lavender sachets to deter moths and add a pleasant scent.
• Label each container with its contents for easy identification next season.

When packed up, you'll want to find a place for them. Some of our favorite recommendations for storing your summer clothes include under the bed, in a spare closet or attic space, or even on a high shelf in your closet.

Plan and Buy for Summer-to-Fall Outfits

With your summer clothes safely stored away, it's time to plan for the season ahead. Look at the gaps in your wardrobe and make a list of what you need to fill them. This will prevent impulse purchases and ensure you get items that complement your existing pieces.

When shopping for fall clothing, look for:

• Versatile Basics: Neutral-colored sweaters, long-sleeved tees, and dark-wash jeans
• Classic Outerwear: Trench coats, wool jackets, or leather jackets
• Transitional Shoes: Ankle boots, loafers, or closed-toe mules
• Layering Accessories: Scarves, gloves, and beanies or fedoras
• Autumn-Appropriate Fabrics: Corduroy pants, wool skirts, or flannel shirts
• Cozy Knits: Chunky cardigans, turtlenecks, or oversized sweaters
• Seasonal Colors: Rich jewel tones or earthy hues to complement your existing wardrobe
• Weather-Resistant Items: Water-repellent jackets or weatherproof boots
• Textured Pieces: Velvet tops, suede skirts, or tweed blazers for added depth to your outfits
• Versatile Dresses: Long-sleeved shirt dresses or sweater dresses that can be layered

Remember to choose pieces that can be mixed and matched with your existing wardrobe for maximum versatility. Focus on quality over quantity to ensure your new additions last many seasons.

Keep an eye out for sales and take advantage of discounts during the beginning of the fall season—you may be able to find some good deals on summer items, too. If these are versatile enough, you can save them for next year or wear them now with your fall outfits.

Trust Merry Maids to Keep Your Home Fresh and Clean

With your wardrobe ready for the new season, it's time to turn your attention to keeping your home fresh and clean. Let Merry Maids handle the cleaning so you can enjoy all the wonderful fall activities ahead – our home cleaning services are perfect for busy individuals and families. Plus, we also offer organizational services!