Mood-Boosting Outfits for the Between-Season Blues

Mood-Boosting Outfits for the Between-Season Blues

It happens every year… the summer sunshine is still hanging around, but your closet is feeling tired. You’ve worn your favorite summer pieces to death, yet it still feels too warm for full-on fall fashion. This “in-between” season can leave you feeling uninspired when you get dressed—but that’s exactly when the right transitional outfits can give your mood (and your style) a much-needed boost.

The secret? Choose lightweight fabrics in deeper, fall-inspired colors to ease you out of summer and into autumn. Here are some ideas from the shop that I’m loving right now:

These looks are great examples of fall transitional outfits and are from our School Days Style With Democracy and Kendra Scott Collection. See them here: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/school-days-styles-with-democracy-08-08-25

1. Darker Neutrals in Breezy Fabrics
Our 100% Cotton and Cotton Blend Foxcroft blouses are the perfect example—light enough to stay cool, but available in richer hues that whisper “fall is coming.” They work for the office, weekends, or travel, and can be dressed up or down.

2. Short Sleeves, Fall Colors
Swap out bright summer shades for earthy tones like olive, rust, deep green, or jewel tones. Our new Scalloped Neck Top from Democracy is a perfect example—it’s short-sleeved for comfort, but the rich color feels fresh for the season ahead.

3. Lightweight Fall Prints
Plaid is a classic fall print, but in a lightweight fabric, it’s perfect for now. The new Charlie B plaid blouse is airy enough for warm days but instantly gives you that autumn look.

4. Sweaters for Cool Nights
It’s already cooling down in the evenings, which makes it the ideal time to start layering. Our 100% Cotton Avalin sweaters (made in the USA!) are light, breathable, and a customer favorite year after year. Pair them with full-length jeans, cropped denim, or even dressy capris for a polished but cozy feel.

5. Add Mood-Boosting Accessories
When in doubt, accessories can completely refresh an outfit you’ve worn all summer. A new scarf in a deep tone, a statement necklace, or a fall-colored handbag can give your look new life. We are loving the bow as a female power symbol this season, and when you have an emotional connection with your jewelry, it can boost your mood. If you haven’t embraced the stacking trend yet, this is also a way to add freshness to your look. Layering necklaces and bracelets is in, and you should mix metals, textures, and types of chains. Similarly, upping your trendiness with accessories must include a statement earring as the finishing touch. Stacked necklaces, bracelets and bold earrings will elevate your style and mood!

6. Play with Layering
A sleeveless summer dress can easily transition into fall by adding a lightweight cardigan, wearing a blouse underneath, or layering a denim vest or sleeveless shirt over the top. This not only gives you new outfit combinations but also stretches your wardrobe further. Make your look more fall by swapping your wedge sandals for shoe boots or trendy tennis shoes.

The “in-between” season doesn’t have to mean style boredom. With the right mix of lightweight fabrics and autumn-inspired colors, you can create looks that lift your mood and make getting dressed exciting again.

See examples of these six ways to chase off those mid-season blues during our Wednesday Wardrobing video which will air at 6 p.m. MST tonight on our Fashion Crossroads Inc. Facebook Page. If you miss the video, catch it and previous Wednesday Wardrobing Videos like last week’s Back To Routine, But Make It Stylish vlog on our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a video!

Back To Routine, But Make It Stylish


How to Transition Your Wardrobe Without Losing Your Cool (Literally or Figuratively)

As August winds down and schedules ramp back up, it’s time to shift gears—from lazy summer mornings to packed planners and pumpkin-spiced everything. But just because the routine is back doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be boring. In fact, it’s the perfect excuse to refresh your closet with pieces that are equal parts functional and fabulous.

This week at Fashion Crossroads], we’re loving all the stylish new arrivals from Charlie B and Foxcroft, brands that know how to do transitional dressing right. Whether you’re heading into the office, school drop-off, or just trying to look like you didn’t get dressed in the dark, we’ve got you covered.

🍂 Let’s Talk Fall Transition

1. Flared Jeans Are Back, Baby
Yes, Gen X—you can wear flares again (and look amazing doing it)! The flared leg jean is making a comeback, and we are here for it. It’s flattering, leg-lengthening, and pairs perfectly with your favorite wedges now, or ankle boots later. Try them with one of our new lightweight sweaters for a look that’s chic but never try-hard.

2. Cropped Wide Leg Twill Pants
These pants are chef’s kiss for transitional dressing. Breezy enough for August heat when paired with sandals, and easy to pair with a 3/4 length boot as temps drop. We love them with a tucked-in tee and a layered necklace stack for now, then with a light weight sweater or structured Foxcroft blouse and loafers for fall.

3. Lightweight Sweaters = Your Secret Weapon
Not quite ready for pumpkin patches and chunky knits? Enter the lightweight sweater. It adds polish without bulk and is perfect for cool mornings and air-conditioned offices. We’ve got fresh styles in seasonless colors—great now, better later.

4. Foxcroft Blouses in Fall-Forward Colors
These beauties are made in breathable 100% cotton or cotton blends, so you’ll stay cool while looking like you’re fully embracing fall. Rich jewel tones and classic black and navy give off autumn vibes without trapping heat. Wear them now with polished capris, and later with slacks or denim. Style tip: Roll the sleeves for a relaxed early-fall look, then button them down when the breeze kicks in.


💡 Style Shortcuts for Busy Mornings

  • Pre-plan your outfit the night before—Bonus points if it includes a versatile piece like a Foxcroft blouse or cropped twill pant.
  • Embrace the “uniform” mindset: Have 3 go-to outfit combos that always work—like flare jeans + sweater + pendant necklace or blouse + cropped pants + loafers.
  • Layer with intention: Keep a neutral cardigan or blazer by the door. Instant polish.
  • Accessorize in 60 seconds: Statement earrings or a layered necklace stack can make anything look pulled together.
  • Don’t fight the weather: Think “seasonal color, summer weight.” Darker cotton blouses give you that fall feeling without the sweat.

Final Thought:
Back-to-school may be for the kids, but back-to-routine is for all of us. Let’s make it stylish. Join us tonight at 6 p.m. MST on Facebook or Instagram Live for Wednesday Wardrobing—I’ll be showing off these new arrivals and how to wear them now and next.