Fall is officially here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to reset your wardrobe and embrace the season in style. I spent last weekend prepping looks and saying goodbye to summer’s carefree days. Before you sip that first pumpkin spice latte or pull on your favorite knee-high boots, let’s start with the foundation: transitioning your closet. A little fall cleaning now will make getting dressed effortless and fun all season long.
There’s something magical about this seasonal shift—it’s not just about swapping clothes, it’s about preparing for a new chapter. As the leaves begin to change, so can your style. This transition period offers a chance to rediscover pieces you forgot you owned, experiment with fresh combinations playing with color, shape and texture and set the tone for months of cozy layers ahead.
1. Store Away Summer Favorites (With Love and Care)
The hardest part of fall prep? Saying goodbye to those breezy sundresses, strappy sandals, and lightweight linens that carried you through summer’s adventures. But proper storage now means you’ll be reunited with clean, fresh pieces come spring.
Start by giving everything a thorough clean before packing away. Add a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle for that extra cleaning power—it helps eliminate any lingering odors and brightens whites. For delicate pieces, consider a gentle hand wash or professional cleaning.
Storage is key to preservation. Invest in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags, and tuck a cedar block inside each to ward off moths and keep everything smelling fresh. Label your containers by category (sleepwear, swimwear, work dresses) so you’re not digging through boxes later. Your future self will thank you when spring fever hits and you’re craving those flowy fabrics again.
Don’t forget about accessories! Pack away your straw hats, canvas totes, and delicate jewelry in separate compartments to prevent tangling and damage.
2. Pull Out Your Go-To Fall Staples
Now for the fun part—reuniting with your fall favorites! These are the pieces that make you feel most like yourself when the temperature drops: cozy knits that feel like a hug, tailored blazers that mean business, perfectly worn denim that fits like a dream, chic trousers that transition from office to dinner, boots that make every step confident, and that one jacket that makes you feel absolutely unstoppable.
This season, lean into rich, grounding colors that mirror the changing landscape. Think deep navy, buttery suede, chocolate brown, jeweled purple that adds unexpected richness and dark denim that anchors any look. These aren’t just colors—they’re your fall mood board, if they align.
Take time to try everything on as you pull pieces out of storage. Your body changes, preferences evolve, and what felt perfect last year might need some adjustments. This is also the perfect time to assess what might need repairs, tailoring, or replacement.
3. Organize with Intention (Create Your Personal Boutique)
Your closet should work for you, not against you. Create a flow that makes sense for your lifestyle by hanging items from light to dark—this visual gradient makes it easier to spot what you’re looking for at a glance. Within each color section, organize by what you use most often, keeping everyday essentials at eye level and special occasion pieces higher up.
Consider arranging by sleeve length too, especially for layering pieces. Short sleeves flow into three-quarter, then long sleeves, then jackets and coats. This system makes building outfits intuitive—you can see at a glance what works together for temperature and style.
Invest in matching hangers for a boutique feel. Velvet hangers prevent slipping and save space, while wooden hangers work beautifully for heavier pieces like coats and blazers. Keep a small basket on a shelf for accessories you’re currently rotating—scarves, belts, and jewelry that complement your weekly outfits.
Don’t forget about your shoes! A seasonal rotation keeps your everyday options manageable while protecting off-season footwear from unnecessary wear.
4. Create Fall Looks Now (Your Personal Styling Session)
Here’s where the magic happens. Set aside a weekend afternoon to play dress-up with intention. Put on music, pour yourself something cozy, and start experimenting with combinations. Try that blazer with different bottoms, see how many ways you can style your favorite jeans, test out unexpected color pairings.
As you create looks you love, snap photos for your personal “lookbook” saved right on your phone. Organize them into albums: “Work Looks,” “Weekend Casual,” “Date Night,” “Errands & Coffee Runs.” When you’re rushing on a busy morning, you’ll have instant inspiration at your fingertips.
Pay attention to the stories your outfits tell. That silk blouse with wide-leg trousers says something different than the same blouse with distressed jeans. A chunky sweater over a slip skirt creates an entirely different vibe paired with tailored pants. You’re not just getting dressed—you’re choosing how to show up in the world.
Consider creating a “weekly rotation” of five to seven go-to looks that you can rely on during busy periods. Having these reliable combinations takes decision fatigue out of the equation while still leaving room for creativity.
5. Winterize Your Summer Pieces (Sustainable Style Magic)
Don’t pack everything away just yet! Some of your favorite summer pieces can transition beautifully into fall with the right styling approach. This is where creativity meets sustainability, stretching your wardrobe in unexpected ways.
Slip a fitted turtleneck under that sleeveless dress for instant sophistication. Layer a chunky cardigan or sweater over a summer skirt, letting the hemline peek out for visual interest. Transform a lightweight blouse by pairing it with high-waisted trousers and a blazer. Your white summer jeans become fresh and unexpected with cozy sweaters and boots.
These hybrid looks often become favorites because they feel uniquely yours as the foundation of your personal style. They bridge seasons with confidence and show off your styling creativity. Plus, extending the life of pieces you love is both budget-friendly and sustainable.
Experiment with tights and boots to transform dresses and skirts. A midi dress that felt too casual for the office in summer might be perfect with opaque tights, boots, and a structured jacket.
Making Space for What’s Next
As you go through this process, you might discover pieces that no longer serve you—styles that feel outdated, items that no longer fit your lifestyle, or colors that don’t make you feel your best. This is natural and healthy! Consider donating pieces in good condition or organizing a clothing swap with friends.
This editing process makes room for thoughtful additions to your wardrobe. Maybe you need a new coat that fits your current lifestyle better, or perhaps there’s a trending piece that genuinely excites you and fills a gap in your styling options.
Your Fall Style Foundation
Fall is all about layering, creativity, and stepping into your next chapter with confidence. This season, let your closet become a space of inspiration rather than overwhelm. You’ll feel lighter, clearer, and ready to welcome new opportunities with open arms (and fabulous sleeves).
Remember, this process doesn’t have to happen all at once. Spend twenty minutes here and there over the course of a week or two. Make it enjoyable—put on a favorite playlist, light a OUI Carole Candle and treat it as self-care rather than a chore.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s intention. You’re creating a wardrobe that supports the life you want to live this fall, one thoughtful choice at a time. When November arrives and you’re reaching for that perfect jacket without thinking twice, you’ll know the preparation was worth it.
Your fall wardrobe is ready. Are you?
Ready to take your style to the next level? If you need personalized support creating a closet that truly works for your lifestyle, book a session with me. Together, we’ll transform your space into a source of daily confidence and joy.
