Even though it may not feel like it for many of us, fall is just around the corner. As much as I may want to keep sewing up all the pretty strappy dresses, I need to start adding some transitional pieces to my wardrobe as well.  For moving into the fall from summer, simple things like trying out an elbow length sleeve or a mock turtleneck will give you some extra coverage. A cardigan in a neutral color can go with anything, and you can have fun with the texture to bring some extra visual interest to your outfit as well.  My husband often asks, “Don’t you already have fabric like that?” Why yes, yes I do, which makes matching fabrics so easy when I’m creating an outfit or mini wardrobe! 

Juniper Jumper is an ideal pattern that can transition from summer to fall effortlessly. In summertime you’ll find me either in flip flops or in some cute strappy sandals, and I love some big statement earrings to add to my fun-in-the-sun vibe.  For this Juniper Jumper, I chose a beautiful tropical print in a great transitional color palette that I knew would work in the summer or fall.

A Juniper Jumper on its own is easy to wear for any warm-weather occasion. A solid-colored Alice mock turtleneck with elbow sleeves paired together with it makes this Juniper Jumper perfect for cooler weather.

I had fun pairing my jumper with some sandals for summer, and with above-knee boots and even a hat for different looks for fall. 

Alice is a pattern that is packed with options, including a dress or separate skirt and tops.  This pattern is so versatile that my next staple transitional piece is an Alice skirt.

For a summer outfit, I’ve paired my floral Alice skirt with a solid-colored Alice sleeveless boatneck top. To bring it into the fall, I’ve paired it with my mock turtleneck version of the Alice top. When I’m transitioning into cooler weather, my boots come out of hiding from the back of the closet and I love to throw a nice chunky belt into the mix as well.

When I need an extra layer to ward off a chill, a great cardigan is essential. The Fae Cardigan is a staple piece for any fall wardrobe. I love it in a solid neutral color that will go with many other pieces in my closet.  

The last transitional piece I wanted to share is a pair of Stephanie pants. The Stephanie pattern is a romper with either pants, shorts, or a skirt for the bottom. For my pair, I just cut out the pants portion of the pattern, and then I folded down the waist  2” to the wrong side and sewed a channel to slide some 1 5/8” elastic into. I measured my waist and subtracted 2” to get the length of elastic that I needed. These are now an amazing pair of wide leg pants that can take me from summer to fall depending on the top that I pair them with! Don’t be scared to try new things with the patterns that you already love. I love the first Stephanie pant romper that I sewed up, so I knew I would love creating a separate pair of pants as well! 

I sewed up a Ruthie top and paired it with my Stephanie pants to create the look of a faux romper.  I made the top reversible with a fun print on the other side. Instead of hemming the bottom of my Ruthie top, I turned the edges under and topstitched. You can also read about another way to make this top reversible from the Ruthie Hacks blog here.  The printed side of my Ruthie top pairs so well with my Fae cardigan and is perfect as a fall outfit.

 

Ruthie also looks great with my Alice skirt and Fae cardigan.

As a bonus outfit, I paired my new Stephanie pants with a Pepper long-sleeved top, and it is love!

What type of transitional staple pieces do you like to have in your closet for summer to fall seasons?  Come by the Made for Mermaids Facebook group and show us what you’ve made!

Kelly is an avid pattern tester and fabric hoarder.  She loves to post about her makes and what works for her curvy body on her Instagram at kellygonthierart.