Dressing for the change of seasons
Styling Dôen's Pre-Fall Collection: my go-to transitional outfit formulas and what I'm looking forward to during the seasons changing
I’ve been thinking a lot about transitional dressing! To me, it feels like summer just started [where has time gone?!], and I plan on enjoying every last bit of high season vibes here in LA.
Like clockwork, as fall creeps up, it’s hard to get into character because of the heat. I won’t complain about 80 degrees in October- but when all you want is a cashmere wrap and a hot coffee just to feel something, it can be difficult to get dressed. So, I love playing with fall tones and textures and mixing them in slowly with my outfits to make them feel a little more autumnal.
Brown suede with a lightweight cotton dress. Calf-hair (cowhide) flats with a tee and jeans. A cashmere cardigan as a shirt. Or, riding boots with a mini dress. Anything that will help exude fall with your warm weather clothing. It’s all about balancing the outfit so nothing leans too summer, or fall. Accessories are everything. This transitional dressing period has become my absolute favorite time of the year for styling, which is why I was so excited to style the Dôen Pre-Fall Collection and chat with them about getting dressed in between seasons!
Growing up in Chicago has definitely had an impact on my personal style. As a kid, we always had to get crafty with mastering the art of layering in the frigid months. The daily question was, “How can I still look cool with a bunch of layers on?”.
My favorite season change in Chicago was the hot and humid summer to the crisp fall. I loved being able to fully embrace the slightly brisk air and begin to incorporate layers to my outfits. It’s really what started my love for outerwear and knits, because they are essential. I anticipated the moment we’d bust out our bins of sweaters and winter coats, because it felt like you were meeting up with old friends. The coats were easily my favorite part of this season change. I relied on a good coat or jacket to complete an outfit, so I think that has definitely influenced the way I get dressed in LA, no matter what time of year it is. It’s why I’m always adding some sort of layering piece. Even if it’s a button down or cardigan to complete the look, it feels as powerful as a coat in the Chicago winter.
I love dressing during the change of seasons in Chicago because you really get to take advantage of layering and dressing for the weather. In LA, it’s a bit of a different story, but I love the challenge. I lean on outfit formulas to keep the styling easy and balanced. Here’s everything I styled from Dôen’s new collection for a very fun pre-fall photoshoot in Downtown LA!
LOOK 1 - Lace dress with a blazer
One of my favorite ways to style a beautiful, delicate dress during the season change is to add a bit of edge to the outfit. I love the juxtaposition of a feminine, white lace dress with a structured blazer. It’s an outfit combination I rely on a lot in the transitional months in LA, especially for the office and meetings!
I really wanted this outfit to feel fall, but keep it balanced with the time of year, so I added a black riding boot and basket bag to create a fun contrast. I think this is such an easy way to layer different fabrics and textures without it feeling too heavy. I love to add a fun colored lens to the mix when the outfit consists of more minimal tones.
LOOK 2 - Jeans with a light knit top
If you know me, you know my love for denim runs deep. I had to style the Diana Jean and wanted to make it late-summer appropriate. I think any knit styled as a top is the perfect transitional piece for a night out. My go-to night on the town look will always include jeans.
I think the chicest thing is a peep-toe mule, so I added these satin mules in black and a satin black bag to make it feel more evening. Rings by Starling (code: GABS10), vintage and sterling silver bracelets and a Rooni necklace and anklet complete the look. Obsessed with these Dorsey earrings.
LOOK 3 - Cashmere crewneck over a mini dress
When I thought about styling the Valeria dress, I wanted to make it feel fall but also showcase how versatile it is. Instead of throwing a jacket over, I styled it with the Hyeres cashmere crewneck and loved how the lace peeked out of the top of the sweater. I also loved how it created a separation on the dress and made it feel like a whole new piece of clothing. I loved adding a high leather boot (code: GABS10) here to make it feel very classic, and almost collegiate. The mix of a mini lace number and burgundy cashmere is the perfect transitional recipe. Undo hair clips as accessories always (code: GG10). Garrett Leight sunnies (code: GABRIELLA15).
Some things I’m looking forward to during the seasons changing:
Visiting Chicago a couple times (seeing my family!!)
A New York fall moment
Watching Hard Knocks featuring the Chicago Bears!!
Styling more outerwear
Making chili or Nonna’s sauce on Sundays - trying to start a tradition
Baking more
Slowing down
Prioritizing movement and walks
Trying new restaurants around town
Fun things happening at Starling!
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of your support over the years. Opportunities like this would not be possible without all of you and I am eternally grateful to be able to work on projects like this one.. Especially with Dôen, a brand I’ve admired for years and always dreamed of working with! Truly such an honor and a pinch me moment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Hope you enjoyed!
The cashmere Crewneck w/ mini dress!!! Swoon 🤩 loved how you styled everything, it felt effortless and beautiful. Loved the knit top & jeans combo as well. I was just chatted with someone on Substack about Doen this morning and saw your article!
The most beautiful photos!