Huge thanks to Gap Factory for sponsoring this post
When it’s still warm but you’re ready for fall, figuring out what to wear can be tricky. What do you wear when you’re ready to switch to fall vibes but it’s too hot for layers? With a few key elements, you can refresh what’s in your closet and have perfect early fall outfits that look like fall but don’t make you overheat. Today I’m showing you how to do just that, and I’m partnering with Gap Factory to do it!
Gap Factory has tons of great pieces that are elevated AND breathable so you can look polished and dress for early fall while staying cool. Also, it’s convenient to shop at Gap Factory, as they offer free shipping on orders $50+ and free return shipping on all orders. Love it!
Plus, right now Gap Factory is running their Labor Day Event, so you can get 50-70% off until 8/29! (Prices as marked. Some exclusions apply.) This means you can add a handful of pieces that perfectly refresh your wardrobe for early fall without breaking the bank, so read on and don’t miss out!
4 Things to Look for in Early Fall Outfits
First, let’s talk about what you should look for in key pieces for early fall. To refresh your early fall basics, I recommend looking for pieces that do four things:
- Breathe well – You need fabrics that are lightweight and breathable so you don’t overheat in the lingering warmth.
- Come in richer fall tones – Think browns, maroon, olive, and softer blues to bring in those fall vibes — even if the fabric feels more like summer.
- Look tailored without being heavy – In the summer, flowy, lightweight pieces feel right. But in the fall, we start to lean into structure. Since it’s still hot, opt for pieces that are lightweight but have clean lines or a tailored cut to give that structured feel without the bulk.
- Provide visual interest with elevated details — When the piece has more details, you don’t feel like you have to add a layer for your outfit to look pulled together!
Just a few pieces like this can go a long way in refreshing your early fall wardrobe. You’ll be able to create outfits that fit the season but don’t make you overheat!
SIZING: I’m 5’6” and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
1. Fall-Colored Top in Breathable Fabric + Black Pleated Pants
This burgundy top is PERFECT for early fall and shows how one thoughtfully chosen piece can refresh your early fall basics! It checks all four boxes I mentioned earlier: the beautiful burgundy color screams fall, the piece is structured with a v-neckline and fabric that drapes well, and it has elevated details like the print and sleeves. Most importantly, this top is SO, SOOOO breathable! I own it in another colorway, and it was one of my favorite pieces to wear on the really hot summer days because it’s weightless and breathes so well. It comes in several other colorways too, which you can see HERE. I’m wearing size S.
You can pair this top with your favorite trousers for a stylish and updated office look. You can also wear it with jeans to hang out with friends. Either way, it’s really versatile and helps nod to fall while staying totally cool, without overhauling everything!
Shop the Outfit:
Top: c/o Gap Factory (wearing size S)
Pants: Gap Factory (wearing size 6)
2. Lightweight Maxi Dress That Transitions From Summer to Fall
This adorable dress is one of those pieces that helps you hold on to summer while still giving a nod to fall. It’s made from the same super breathable fabric as the top in the previous outfit — seriously, this material is SO GOOD on hot days! The blue floral print keeps things light and fresh, but when you’re ready to transition, just throw on a denim jacket to instantly give it more of an early fall vibe.
It’s a great everyday piece, perfect for errands, lunch out, or even casual gatherings!
This dress comes in three colorways: this pretty blue, a beautiful deep pink that I also really like, and a navy floral print. You can check them out HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: c/o Gap Factory (wearing size S)
Sandals: c/o Gap Factory (wearing size 9)
3. Lightweight Twill Pants + Light Cardigan for Between-Seasons Weather
Don’t be fooled — these pants might look like your average black pants, but they’re so much more versatile than that! They’re made of a twill fabric that’s lighter than chinos but a bit thicker and certainly more structured than linen, which makes them absolutely perfect for that tricky between-seasons time. As soon as I tried them on, I thought how ideal they’d be for those of you who want comfortable work pants that still look sharp but don’t feel stuffy or hot.
One note: These pants do have a drawstring and elastic waistband, so they’re best for a more relaxed work setting. They also work VERY well in casual outfits with a t-shirt and sandals or lifestyle sneakers.
This piece is really versatile and allows you to create tons of outfits that are perfect for early fall! They come in 4 colorways, HERE. I’m wearing size S.
I paired them with this lightweight striped cardigan, which is thin and a great weight for early fall. It adds just a touch of fall polish without adding too much bulk or heat. You could wear this outfit to work, or swap in casual shoes to make it work for weekend errands or lunch with friends. Find the cardigan HERE. I’m wearing size S. The white color is almost sold out, however, there are a variety of colors you can choose from!
This outfit looks totally fall but is made of pieces that are lightweight to keep you cooler!
Shop the Outfit:
Sweater: c/o Gap Factory (wearing size S)
Pants: c/o Gap Factory (wearing size S)
4. Fall-Colored Top With Details + Navy Trousers for Work
Here’s another great example of how just one updated piece can breathe new life into your basics. These navy pleated trousers are a solid staple you might already have in your closet, and this particular pair is polished, comfortable, and super versatile. But pairing them with this brown flutter sleeve tee instantly makes the outfit feel more current and fresh for the season.
Practically speaking, a brown top like this is another GREAT piece for early fall. The soft brown color gives you that warm, early fall feel, and the flutter sleeve adds just the right amount of visual interest to elevate the whole look —without needing a bunch of layers or accessories. 🙌🏽 The fabric is lightweight, making it a perfect early fall swap for your usual work tops or everyday tees. Unfortunately, sizes are limited in this color. However, Gap Factory has several cute tops in soft browns for early fall, so I’ll round up some options below! I especially like THIS one and THIS one.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: Gap Factory (wearing size S)
Pants: Gap Factory (wearing size 6)
More Brown Tops for Early Fall
5. Elevated Tee Swap + Light Wash Wide Leg Jeans
Speaking of upgrading your everyday tees, here’s the same brown flutter sleeve top, this time paired with a casual go-to — light wash wide leg jeans. This outfit is a great example of how you can start transitioning your basic pieces, like jeans, into fall looks without needing to add layers or bulk. If your everyday jeans-and-tee combo has been feeling a little flat, you can easily swap in a tee for one in a fall color to refresh the formula for fall!
By the way, the wash on these jeans is PERFECT, and the denim is super soft! Just note that they don’t have a lot of stretch, which actually works in their favor: the more structured fit offers support and can help you feel more sleek and sculpted in the back. This pair is especially great if you have straighter or narrower hips, so definitely give them a try if that sounds like you! They’re available in TONS of colorways, and in sizes 24 to 35 and in short, regular, and long lengths. See them all HERE. Wearing size 28.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: c/o Gap Factory (wearing size S)
Jeans: c/o Gap Factory (wearing size 28)
Sandals: c/o Gap Factory (wearing size 9)
As you ease into early fall, you don’t need to completely change your wardrobe — just a few thoughtful updates can go a long way. Whether it’s swapping in a top with a richer color, trying a more tailored silhouette in a breathable fabric, or wearing pieces with more elevated details that allow you to skip the layers, these small tweaks help your outfits feel fresh and seasonally appropriate!
If you’ve been feeling uninspired or stuck in that “what do I wear right now?” limbo, I hope these outfits gave you some easy, wearable ideas to help bridge the gap from summer to fall!
Shop More Early Fall Pieces for 50-70% Off!
Seriously, adding just a few pieces that you can pair with your closet staples breathes fresh life into your outfits to help you feel stylish during the early part of fall! Here are a few more options, and right now you can get 50-70% off until 8/29! (Prices as marked. Some exclusions apply.)
Free Starter Kit Wardrobe Checklist!
A Starter Kit Wardrobe is a small collection of items that kick-starts your wardrobe. Once you assemble this small-but-mighty core collection, you’ll be able to build on to it and create a mix-and-match wardrobe suited to your style. This small core will anchor your entire wardrobe moving forward, enabling you to build a cohesive wardrobe that is easier to use.
With this FREE Starter Kit Wardrobe Checklist, you can get started right away.
In the guide, you’ll find easy-to-follow checklists for casual, work, and athleisure. The checklists are super simple — and that’s the point!
These checklists make the wardrobe building process simpler so that you know what to focus on and can overcome the overwhelm immediately, get unstuck, and finally move forward towards having a wardrobe you love. Get the FREE Checklist HERE!
