Six Tips for Your Early Fall Wardrobe

The summer season may be ending this month for the rest of the world, but true Southern Californians know to expect hot weather until well into October. With triple-digit weather still ahead (thanks, climate change!), here are some tips on how to build the ideal summer wardrobe.

1. Utilize end-of-season deals

Even if Long Beach isn’t behaving like summer is ending, retail stores sure are. With shelves already being lined with Halloween and harvest products, sales sections are filling up with summer staples. This is the best time of year to stock up on your wardrobe for next year.

2. Pick versatile items that easily mix and match

To keep your wardrobe simple and timeless, shop with the goal of creating multiple outfits using the same garments. Consider your current wardrobe and pick items that complement what you already own. Resisting trends and avoiding too many out-of-the-blue standout pieces allows you to create more of a reliable capsule wardrobe.

3. Stick to lightweight fabrics

Fabric choice is everything when it comes to picking summer wear. Linen is king, but also be on the lookout for cotton, cotton blends and satin/sateen. Avoid polyester and thicker fabrics like corduroy and fleece. An easy indication of the right fabric is a good amount of sheerness.

The thing about these fabrics that makes them ideal is breathability. They’re lighter on the skin and won’t stick to the body. They can even be layered to create more varied looks without feeling too heavy.

Thinner fabrics can also make wearing longer sleeves comfortable, which helps to protect skin against sun damage.

4. Opt for brighter colors

The more pigment on an item, the more light it absorbs. This concept translates into clothing in that darker-colored garments retain more heat. Following this logic, the color that is most light-reflective – and therefore coolest on the body – is white.

But that doesn’t mean you need to replace your entire wardrobe with white garments. Simply incorporating lighter, paler garments into your regular rotation, even mixed with darker and heavier garments, will help you stay cool.

5. Pick looser-fit clothing

The temptation during summer is to wear short, skin-tight clothes. However, these garments may be doing more harm than good. The tighter a clothing item fits, the more likely it is to increase sweat and retain heat. Tighter clothes may also have a higher amount of Spandex fabric, which is notoriously unforgiving when it comes to wicking sweat.

The best clothes for summer are loose, flowy garments. Think palazzo pants, oversized t-shirts, flared jeans and loose shorts. There’s a reason why sundresses are a straighter or more A-line silhouette fit. They come away from the body and allow for a breezy fit, keeping you cool and sweat-free. Combining these garments with lighter fabrics and paler colors creates maximum coolness.

6. Don’t forget to protect your head

Headwear is often overlooked when filling a summer closet. Protecting your head from the sun’s rays is crucial to avoid overheating, getting dehydrated and even preventing headaches. A good baseball hat is a staple for any wardrobe, but the brim also helps to provide shade that protects your face and eyes from the sun. Other seasonal favorites include straw hats, visors and bucket hats. Bandannas provide a way to guard from the sun and also protect your hair.

Note that these tips don’t involve following trends or recommending specific brands. It doesn’t take a complete overhaul of one’s style to create an ideal summer wardrobe. All that’s necessary is adding some versatile pieces that can be used for seasons to come. Simply keep an eye out for these garments where you already shop.

The main thing is to honor your style and build on what you already have. Fashion is wearable art and it’s imperative to keep it fun.