Ever caught yourself staring into your closet, holding a straw bag and a pair of oversized sunnies, wondering, "Is it still okay to wear these?" You're not alone.
The calendar flips, the air turns crisp, and suddenly your summer favorites feel like relics. But here's the secret: they're not. With a few smart tweaks, your late-summer accessories can carry you seamlessly into early fall.
The key isn't replacing them—it's reimagining them.
This is the magic of transitional styling: using what you already love in ways that feel fresh and seasonally appropriate. And right now, three pieces are leading the charge—the woven tote, the slim waist belt, and the retro sunnies. They're not just trendy; they're versatile tools for expressing warmth, structure, and personality as days grow shorter.
Let's break down how to make each one work—really work—in the weeks ahead.
The Woven Bag: From Beach Towel Carrier to Everyday Essential
You probably bought your straw bag for seaside weekends or farmers' market runs. But its natural texture and earthy tone are perfect for early fall's palette of ochre, rust, and olive. The trick? Change the context.
Instead of pairing it with a swimsuit cover-up, try it with:
• A long, neutral trench coat
• Dark-wash jeans and ankle boots
• A turtleneck or ribbed sweater dress
The contrast between the soft, organic weave and structured clothing creates balance. It adds warmth without heaviness. And because most straw bags are lightweight, they don't overwhelm an outfit as temperatures dip.
Look for styles with leather handles or trim—they instantly elevate the look. A small crossbody straw bag with tan stitching? Pair it with a camel coat and loafers, and it reads as intentional, not out of place.
Pro tip: If you're worried about rain, keep a foldable nylon pouch in your bag. Most woven styles aren't waterproof, but a quick cover-up keeps them dry during surprise drizzles.
The Slim Waist Belt: Your Secret Shape-Shifter
Thin belts are having a quiet comeback—not as flashy statement pieces, but as subtle tools for polish. They're especially powerful in transition months when layers start piling on.
Think about it: as you add cardigans, blazers, and longer shirts, your silhouette can blur. A slim belt—especially in gold, tortoiseshell, or matte black—draws the eye back to your waist, creating definition without bulk.
Try these combos:
• Over a longline button-down shirt, cinched at the narrowest part of your waist, with straight-leg trousers.
• Around a sweater dress, just above the hips, with knee-high boots.
• On a trench or chore coat, using the built-in belt but swapping in a finer one for a sleeker finish.
The most flattering width? Between 0.5 to 1 inch. Anything wider starts to read more autumnal in a bulky way; this size stays delicate and modern.
And don't forget color coordination. A gold buckle works with warm knits and tan shoes. A black patent belt grounds lighter fabrics and matches darker footwear. Keep one in rotation based on your most-worn outfits.
Retro Sunnies: Beyond the Beach
Oversized lenses, cat-eyes, square frames with colored tints—these aren't just for sunny days. In fact, early fall is the best time to wear retro sunglasses, when glare from low-hanging sun can be just as harsh as in July.
The golden hour in September? Gorgeous, but blinding when you're driving or walking westward in the late afternoon. That's where vintage-style shades shine—literally and figuratively.
Choose frames that offer coverage and contrast:
• Amber or brown gradients enhance golden-hour light while reducing glare.
• Round wire frames add a soft, intellectual vibe when paired with wool coats or turtlenecks.
• Oversized acetate styles in tortoise or black make a simple outfit feel curated.
And here's a stylist's trick: match your glasses to your shoe tone. Wearing cognac boots? Lean into warm-toned frames. Rocking charcoal gray? Try black or gunmetal shades. It's a tiny detail that makes your look feel cohesive.
Also, don't stash them when clouds roll in. On overcast days, sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays (yes, they're still present) and add instant cool to a basic jeans-and-jacket combo.
Putting It All Together: Three Outfits That Work Now
1. The Market Run, Elevated
• Light oatmeal sweater dress
• Woven crossbody bag with leather trim
• Slim tortoiseshell belt at the waist
• Ankle boots in warm brown
• Round amber-tinted sunnies
Perfect for a Saturday errand loop—cozy, put-together, and seasonless.
2. Office to Evening
• Tailored cream blouse + high-waisted trousers
• Slim gold belt with a minimalist buckle
• Structured straw tote (think: tote-meets-briefcase)
• Cat-eye black sunnies
Swap flats for heels, and you're dinner-ready. The belt keeps it sharp; the bag keeps it light.
3. Weekend Walk Vibe
• Oversized denim shirt (worn as a dress)
• Cinched with a black waist belt
• Striped cotton scarf at the neck
• Square retro sunnies
• Woven mule slides or low boots
Effortless, layered, and just right for a mid-60s afternoon.
So, before you pack away your summer accessories, ask yourself: Are they worn out? Or just waiting for a new role?
The most sustainable, stylish wardrobe isn't the one that chases every season—it's the one that finds new ways to love what's already there. These three pieces aren't fading with summer. They're evolving with you.
Next time you reach for your straw bag or slide on those retro lenses, don't think "last season." Think: "I know how to make you work." That's not just fashion—it's confidence.
