5 Ways to Dress for an Indian Summer

 There is something glorious that happens across the U.S., more specifically in New York City, in between the months of September through November. The weather waits just a little bit longer to truly change from summer to fall. And though the leaves are falling, school is in session, and Halloween is coming, still you get to walk out of your house every morning wearing only one layer. Although we all angrily await summer in the late winter months, when it finally turns cool for fall, we’re actually excited. We go apple picking, eat thick soups and wear chunky sweaters. But what about when it doesn’t turn fall? We get to celebrate all the aforementioned, just without a jacket. All hail the Indian Summer.

For those magic times when the weather stays warmer just a little bit longer, you need a wardrobe that’s the perfect mix of leftover summer with a crisp breeze. That means light layers, texture mixing and fun with fabrics. Here are 5 ways to do the indian summer in style.

1. Add a Vest. I recently went apple picking, and wore my new Crew-cuts (J Crew kids) puffer vest. There was only one problem. It was late September, but it was over 60 degrees out. “Why don’t you take your jacket off, you’re  sweating to death,” my boyfriend said. Still, I persisted. God dammit, it was fall, I was apple picking, and the bordeaux vest was staying put. But by the time we got back to the city the warm apple picking weather had cooled down drastically. It was still unseasonably warm but there was a cool, crisp breeze. And right then in the indian summer night, I knew I had picked the right piece to wear after all.

2. Throw a blanket wrap over your dress. It’s warm enough out that you can still justify wearing  your little summer dresses, but it’s chilly enough that you should be smart enough to bring an extra layer just in case. Enter, the trend of the season the blanket wrap, or poncho, or cape. Whatever your pleasure. Warm enough to be cozy, light enough to be appropriate. Click here to the best fall has to offer. 

3. Keep the silk maxi from summer, but layer it with a chunky cardigan. Keep your favorite night out dress in the front of your closet. You can still wear it. But add an unexpected, chunky knit cardigan. They’re everywhere this season, in all various looks and styles. I like the unexpected blending of a silk dress with a chunky, wool, striped knit. Sort of dressy meets lazy. For a chilly September night in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia it was the perfect accompaniment.

4. Wear short sleeve turtlenecks. I know that this is a style which typically, tends to enrage many people. “Well, what the hell is it, a turtleneck, or a tank top? Make up your mind!” Or, “I don’t understand this look?!”. But I have to admit that I have always loved and strongly advocated the sleeveless turtleneck. To me, it is one of the chicest looks when done right. After Carolyn Bessette Kennedy died, I became a bit obsessed with her and collected magazines dedicated to her looks and styles. I remember becoming particularly into one picture; in it Carolyn was walking Friday, in perfectly fitting slim, dark jeans, and leopard flats. On top, a black, almost ribbed, it looked like, chunky, cowl neck turtleneck sleeveless sweater. I became obsessed with the look as the perfect, chic style and have been trying to emulate it ever since. I’m no Carolyn Bessette, but every once in a while, I wear the look, and I feel a little closer.

5. Keep the pastels, but Try them in a Chunky Knit. I’ve been infatuated with mint for a long while now, and though seasons continually change, my feelings do not. I love this H&M mint knit top. It’s part chunky knit, part super stylish. The V goes low in the back which is always flattering, and the color looks great with the last, little remnant of tan you have left. Buy a similar one here.

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