20 Ways to Bring Summer Romance Into Fall

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Photographed by Theo Wenner, Vogue, August 2017

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Whether we’re talking about the latest episode of Succession or the hottest spring fashion show, Vogue staffers usually see eye to eye. But ask us which is the superior season—summer or fall—and the entire office descends into a heated debate. Some of us can’t wait to break out our softest sweaters and tallest boots at the first turn in the weather. Others won’t surrender the strappy sandals until there’s snow on the ground. For Team Summer, the autumnal equinox marks the end of easy femininity; all those frilly, breezy things that we wore from May to September now feel hopelessly inappropriate.

But what if there’s a way to split the difference? After all, there’s no rule against sporting winsome prints and cheerful colorways after Labor Day. Herewith, a few ideas for keeping summer’s sweetness going all year long.

1. Opt for the Statement Jacket

A jacquard patchwork jacket from Oscar de la Renta with an enchanting taffeta frock from Simone Rocha nails both the pretty and the practical.

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Oscar de la Renta floral patchwork jacquard jacket

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Simone Rocha deconstructed pleated taffeta midi dress

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Lele Sadoughi x LoveShackFancy shirred headband

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Dr. Martens vegan Jadon II Mono eight-eye boots

2. Layer, Layer, Layer

It’s a truism that layers are the key to fall dressing, but the layers in question needn’t be stodgy crewnecks and shapeless slickers. Try, for example, Escada’s lace-cuffed turtleneck sweater under a sheer organza cap-sleeve dress from Miu Miu.

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Miu Miu sheer organza short-sleeved dress

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Escada ribbed lace-cuff silk turtleneck sweater

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Nikos Koulis 18-karat white-gold Oui diamond and sapphire earrings

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Tory Burch Jessa 25mm loafers

3. Rethink Your Go-To Fall Shoe

We see your stately, black knee-high boots, and raise you these jewel-tone, Victorian-inspired alternatives from Kate Spade—which you can (and should!) wear with everything.

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J.Crew balloon-sleeve cable-knit cardigan

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Brock Collection tiered floral cotton-jacquard skirt

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Kate Spade Lake lace-up boots

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Chanel Le Gel Pailleté transparent shimmering gel

4. Embrace the Printed Suit

Go big and bold with your matched sets this fall; pajamas from For Restless Sleepers are a suitably cozy choice.

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F.R.S For Restless Sleepers short robe with velvet trim

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F.R.S For Restless Sleepers silk trousers

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Erdem x Noel Stewart net-trimmed floral-print hat

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Jimmy Choo Varenne velvet clutch

5. Go for Shapely Knits

A beguiling sweaterdress from Altuzarra—styled with a riotously colorful Coach handbag—offers one very merry answer to the fall doldrums.

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Altuzarra Alisha off-the-shoulder pleated knitted midi dress

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Salvatore Ferragamo Antea patchwork knee-high leather boots

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Ferian Wedgwood bluebell-cameo gold signet ring

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Coach Marleigh satchel with patchwork Kaffe Fassett print