What to Wear When it’s 80 Degrees in October
Let’s talk about what’s working and what isn’t for this in-between season. Several ladies have written or commented to say they’re still sweltering in hot, yucky weather and wonder whether I dress for the temperature or the season.
Well, both!
I can’t stand to be overheated in fabrics that don’t breath but I also don’t want to look stupidly out of touch with the season.
Add some leopard
Leopard is a great neutral to wear year round but I tend to wear it most in the cooler months. It feels like fall and winter to me so now’s when I add it in garments or accessories.
Shop Leopard
Change out my handbag
As much as I love my straw and wicker handbags, by October, I’ve packed them away until next year. They’ll go with me on any warm or tropical holidays, but for everyday use, I’ve switched to using leather, fabric and suede bags.
Fall Handbags
Update toe and/or fingernail polish.
My choice lately has been a clear red. I love it after months of pale beige, pink or white. I may go to a burgundy when it gets colder but for now, you can’t go wrong with a classic red. My favorite is Fishnet Stockings by Essie. My fingernails are soft and don’t hold polish well, so they usually wear clear or almost clear, year round.
Classic Red Polish
Winter staples in summer fabric
Sweaters in cotton or linen can span the seasons and still feel cool. Beware of black because it absorbs the sun and does heat up. I’ve also been relying on lots of classic white shirts lately which are seasonless.
SHOP COTTON SWEATERS
Swap out shoes.
Strappy sandals in pale colors feel out of place to me at the end of October. I’m opting for mules or shoes with cutouts that allow my feet to breathe. Sandals with more coverage in darker colors also look more fall appropriate than skimpy ones so I’m alternating those in as well.
Shop Mules
Cold weather pattern in lightweight fabric
Herringbone, plaid, paisley, and velvet are great patterns to incorporate in lightweight versions.
Our weather forecast calls for rain tomorrow which means even cooler temperatures and I’m ready for it!
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
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You may want to file this under the heading of “none of my business”, but you’ve mentioned peeling nails and earlier comments about thinning hair. Have you had your thyroid checked? When my nails started splitting and peeling 15 years ago, my nail tech suggested a thyroid check. Sure enough, that was my problem. Last year my nails started doing it again. I mentioned it to my doctor, and a thyroid check indicated my medication needed to be upped.
I get my thyroid levels checked every 6 months. I’m seeing 2 doctors for it and now taking 2 meds for it. I have Hashimotis desease of the thyroid which makes it very irradic at times. Good call, Barbara. Thank you! Xo
I wear many items year round here in FL! I keep lighter weight sweaters out in many prints or colors. December or so I get out my heavier sweaters to pair on the cold days with my jeans and pants. Shoes are my problem, since my foot is narrow and I have to order shoes (a little more expensive, therefore I have fewer). I found a few pair I absolutely love and they are so comfortable. I tend to stick to black, brown, gray, and lately metallics. I have these colors in sandals, as well as flats or loafers. I find the metallics are so versatile.
That sounds like a smart plan Cathy. I love metallic shoes too. They seem to go with everything.
Thank you for this excellent post! It’s so comprehensive, and has given me some great ideas! Even in New England, we!re looking at mid to high 70’s over the weekend. Another shout out for OPI Big Apple Red!
I’m going to check out OPI Big Apple Red! It sounds like a glorious temp for weekends in New England. Enjoy!
Living in AZ, I struggle with this every Autumn. We are still experiencing temperatures ranging from 85-98 degrees. While I love seeing all the beautiful sweaters, scarves, and boots in stores and online, that is so not happening in my world right now. My solution is to pair my lightweight khaki skirts, capris, and skinny leg pants with animal print, olive, plum, red or navy sleeveless/short sleeve tops. I also change up my sandals and handbags to bring in those fall colors. And, speaking of OPI polish, Big Apple Red is another great color for this time of year.
I love how you do it Donna!! That sounds like a stunning red. This time of year a bc be a challenge for many. Your colors dound perfect for the season.
BRING ON THE RAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
I have turned the HEAT ON TODAY!
LEOPARD ALWAYS But especially FALL and WINTER I AGREE!
XX
I agree! Supposed to be rain here this weekend!!!
Great ideas, Jennifer. We are finally starting to cool down here in Ohio, but this weekend we are still looking at temps in the mid to upper 70’s. Thanks for sharing. – Amy
Mid 70’s will be nice. I’m looking forward to temps in the 60’s and lower. Scarves and gloves are so fun to wear.
I so agree…..you can’t wear “summer” clothes in October but do need to look great in unusually warm weather…you do it so right! Thanks so much! Janie
Thank you Janie!
I love leopard everything!
So of course I think you have excellent taste!
And I love tassel mules!!
Black and khaki and beige help when I the temps arre not yet fall!
I’m becoming a big fan of tassels too! Those are great color combos for fall
Great ideas! Even here in the hot, steamy South at some point summer clothing and accessories seem totally inappropriate. My first move has been to switch my pedi from favorite OPI Cajun Shrimp to I’m Not a Waittress Red (wouldn’t it be fun to work for OPI and name polish! I have a mental image of them sitting around in pajamas and drinking wine while they work!).
What a great visual you painted Roxanne! Their names are hilarious.
Oh how I wish for 80º in October! Here in Canada, we’re happy with 50º at this time of year. Your suggestions are good for transitional seasons anywhere, however.
I hope you have a mild winter, Elaine!
I agree Elaine! Beautiful this week and calling for snow next week. I have sandals and winter boots beside eash other in the closet.????
I bought a sweater almost identical to that one to take to Italy last month. It was just the right piece for a light chill in the air. xoxox, Brenda
It’s a great staple for the wardrobe! xo
It’s cooled off somewhat but we had a stretch of high temps in September and early October. I found pairing my sleeveless tops under a jacket or cardigan was a good choice. Love those leopard prints and your sweater is just lovely!
Yes, great idea! I love wearing a tank under a lightweight sweater or jacket also Beth. Thanks