Trendy Accessories to Swap In From Summer to Fall

The simplest way to move from summer to fall is to change six things: your bag, shoes, hat, jewelry, scarf and belt. Swap light, open, woven pieces for denser textures (leather, suede, felt, wool) and warmer, earthier colors, and keep everything else in your closet as it is.

Below are the trendy accessories for women that make that shift work, plus a few ways to keep your favorite summer pieces in play while the weather is still undecided.

Section 01

What accessories are trending right now for fall?

Trends move quickly, so treat this as a practical shortlist rather than a forecast. The pieces that keep coming up for fall are oversized plaid or houndstooth scarves, chunky gold chains, structured leather totes and wide belts. Ankle boots, felt hats and layered necklaces are the dependable classics that sit next to them.

If you only buy one thing, pick the item you will wear on the most days. For most people that is a bag or a pair of boots.

Section 02

Bags: from straw to leather

Straw and woven totes read as summer because the open weave lets light through. Leather, suede and vegan leather are denser and darker, so they read as fall right away. Earthy tones such as tan, burgundy, forest green and deep brown suit the season.

A structured satchel or bucket bag works with jeans and a sweater or a plaid midi dress. Choose one roomy enough to hold a scarf, since you will be taking layers on and off.

Section 03

Shoes: from sandals to boots

When temperatures drop, ankle boots, loafers and knee-high boots take over. Cuffed jeans show off an ankle boot well. With a skirt, add tights and the same boot becomes a transitional outfit.

Suede adds a soft, matte surface that pairs easily with denim and flowy dresses.

Section 04

Hats: from straw to felt

Felt fedoras, berets and wide-brim hats add structure and a bit of warmth. Camel, charcoal and olive are easy colors to match with a fall wardrobe.

Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd pick the matte surface of felt over a shiny hat here, because texture changes how a color reads and a soft nap makes camel look warmer.

Section 05

Jewelry: from bright beads to warm metals

Colorful beads and shells say summer. For fall, move to gold, bronze, brass or mixed metals. Among fashion accessories jewelry is where the change is quickest, because you can do it with a single necklace.

Layer gold or brass chains over a turtleneck or chunky sweater. Chunky links and pendant necklaces both stand out against knitwear, since the metal contrasts with the soft surface. A stack of gold bangles can replace bright beaded bracelets without looking overdone.

Section 06

Scarves: from light cotton to chunky knits

Light cotton scarves suit summer evenings. In fall, look for wool, cashmere or thick knits, often in plaid or houndstooth. Drape one over a leather jacket, or wrap it under a long coat.

A neutral gray or camel scarf works with the most outfits. A patterned one is better when the rest of your outfit is plain.

Section 07

Belts: statement belts and pendant necklaces as the focal points

Thin summer belts give way to wider leather or suede ones. Use a wide belt to define your waist over an oversized sweater dress, a long cardigan or a coat. A brass buckle ties in with your warm-metal jewelry.

With statement belts and pendant necklaces, pick one as the focal point. Together they compete, because the eye reads the waist and the neckline as two separate centers.

Section 08

How do you blend summer and fall accessories?

You do not have to retire everything on September 1. Three approaches work well.

• Layer: wear a light summer scarf with a leather jacket, or add boots or a felt hat to a summer tote.
• Mix textures: a woven bag looks good with suede ankle boots.
• Shift the palette: a light scarf in burgundy or mustard already feels like fall.

Section 09

Which colors work best for fall accessories?

Brown, olive, mustard, burgundy and rust are the classic earth tones. Black, gray and camel are neutrals that go with all of them. If your wardrobe is mostly neutral, one rust or burgundy accessory is enough to signal the season.

Section 10

Tips for making the switch

1. Store straw bags, sandals and light scarves somewhere cool and dry until next year.
2. Favor versatile pieces, such as a neutral leather bag or classic gold jewelry, that work across seasons.
3. Swap gradually as the weather changes instead of all at once.
4. Look for more outfit ideas in fall chic looks, cardigan styling and glam fall accessories. For a sharper take, see edgy fall accessories.

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Filed under Accessory Trends