What to Wear to a Fall Event When It’s Still 85 Degrees Outside
Fall fashion in Florida is a little…complicated.
The calendar says fall. The stores are full of gorgeous autumn colors. You're ready for cute fall outfits.
And then you walk outside and it's 85 degrees.
So how do you dress for a fall dinner, girls' night, festival, shower, date night, or special event without melting?
The trick isn't dressing for colder weather. It's choosing fall colors, textures and accessories in Florida-friendly fabrics and silhouettes.
Start With Fall Color
One of the easiest ways to make an outfit feel like fall without adding heavy layers is simply changing your color palette.
Think:
- Chocolate brown
- Wine and burgundy
- Rust
- Camel
- Navy
- Olive
- Cream
- Warm neutrals
A sleeveless dress in a rich chocolate brown can feel much more “fall” than a heavy sweater—even though you're still dressed appropriately for Florida weather.
Lightweight Dresses Are Your Best Friend
A dress is one of our favorite options for a Florida fall event.
Look for lightweight fabrics, short sleeves, sleeveless silhouettes, midi lengths, fun prints, embroidery and interesting details.
Then make the outfit feel seasonal through your shoes, jewelry and accessories.
You get the fall look without all the fall layers.
Bring in Lightweight Knits
You don't have to give up sweaters—you just need the right ones.
Sleeveless sweaters, lightweight sweater tops, open-knit styles and short-sleeve knits give you that cozy fall texture without committing to a thick long-sleeve sweater.
Pair one with jeans or a midi skirt and you've instantly got a fall outfit that still makes sense in Florida.
Denim Is the Ultimate Transition Piece
When you're not sure what to wear, start with great denim.
A straight-leg jean with a beautiful blouse and wedges can easily work for dinner or girls' night. Try a wide leg with a fitted top for something a little more elevated, or add a lightweight sweater for a casual event.
This is also the perfect time to experiment with different denim silhouettes instead of automatically reaching for the same pair you've worn for years.
Let Your Shoes Do Some of the Work
Here's the good news: you don't need knee-high boots to make an outfit look like fall.
Try wedges, platforms, slides, clogs, sneakers, or sandals in camel, brown, cream, black or other warm neutrals.
The right shoe can completely change the feeling of an outfit while still keeping your feet Florida-weather appropriate.
Don't Forget the Accessories
Accessories are one of the easiest ways to transition your wardrobe.
Statement earrings, layered necklaces, bracelet stacks, a great handbag, or a fun hat can take a simple outfit and make it feel completely styled.
And unlike a chunky sweater, jewelry isn't going to make you sweat!
Add a Layer—But Make It Optional
We love a denim jacket or lightweight cardigan for fall, but here's the important part:
You don't necessarily have to wear it all day.
Use that third piece to finish your outfit when you're heading somewhere with aggressive air conditioning or when the temperature finally drops in the evening.
And when it's too warm? Take it off. Your outfit underneath should still feel complete.
Florida Fall Fashion Doesn't Have to Follow the Rules
You don't need boots, scarves and heavy sweaters just because it's September.
Florida fall style is about taking the colors, textures and feeling of the season and making them work for the weather we're actually living in.
Wear the sleeveless sweater.
Pair your fall dress with sandals.
Throw a denim jacket over your shoulders and take it off five minutes later.
And don't worry about whether an outfit is technically “fall enough.”
At Cruz By Design, we'd rather help you find something that fits your life, your style, and our Florida weather.
Because if you put it on, look in the mirror and feel amazing?
That's the right outfit.
