Summer to Fall Styling Essentials
Nailing the art of lightweight layering is an essential part of any outfit formula, no matter the season. However, when it comes to summer to fall styling, mastering sleeve lengths, fabrications and fits is a code worth cracking.
If you live or vacation in a climate that cools down at night, it pays to think ahead about staying comfortable- from chilly mornings before the sun warms things up to crisp summer evenings. Being prepared with the right layers eases the fear of unpredictable temperature fluctuations, as well as those transitional weeks when summer shifts into fall and lightweight layering is top of mind.
Read on for transitional outfit ideas and how to formulate summer to fall outfits.
The Base Layer: Citizens of Humanity Isabel Tank
Citizens of Humanity Isabel Tank - it’s no wonder this tank is so iconic. To start, Citizens of Humanity could do a masterclass on fabrication. They consistently get the right weight of a garment while never compromising on quality. When it comes to the Isabel Tank, the balance between lightweight, ribbed cotton and soft handfeel deserves a moment of recognition 👏. This season, Hill’s Dry Goods carries 8 colourways so you can colour contrast or go monochromatic. With endless colourway options, the Isabel Tank has been formally appointed as a crucial closet staple.
Not to get too technical but here is what makes this tank an absolute essential:
The Fit: It’s a form-fitting without feeling constricting and the ribbed racerback cut lends a relaxed essence to the overall vibe.
The Cut: The high neckline provides coverage while not feeling too conservative and the cutaway armholes give this tank an overall edge so you can show some skin (why not live a little?).
The Fabric: Crafted in a lightweight, breathable organic cotton with the perfect amount of stretch for all day wearability and support.
Designed to be worn on its own layered together (Isabel on Isabel) or styled as a layering piece, season after season. Simply put, it’s just a really cool tank that's perfect for summer to fall styling.
Second Layer: The Open Button-Up
An open long sleeve, button-up shirt is one of our favourite ways to play around with the Isabel Tank especially for summer to fall styling. There are also endless options when it comes to this formula.
Option 1: Xirena Beau Shirt like Citizens of Humanity, Xirena knows how to fabricate a signature cotton button up, especially for summer to fall styling ideas. The Xirena Beau shirt is a menswear inspired shape but tailored to a relaxed fit. The cotton is light and drapey and perfect for summer wear if you need some coverage from the mid afternoon sun or a cool breeze in the evening. Wear this over the Isabel Tank, unbuttoned or halfway up with the bottom of the shirt tucked in for a pulled together, relaxed look. Even if you’re going for a relaxed vibe, we love how this look works with delicate heirloom jewelry to elevate the look.
Styling Tip: Pair the Beau shirt in Grey Gem, with the Isabel Tank in Cocoa or Pashmina to complement the tones. If you're layering two Isabel Tanks, this combination with a lighter weight cotton button-up is the way to go.
Option 2: The Xirena Teddy Shirt If long sleeves feel a bit too warm, the Teddy Shirt in Blue Paradise is a delightful alternative. Crafted from Xirena's signature cotton, the Teddy Shirt offers an ultra-cool, short-sleeve take on menswear tailoring. The boxy cut relaxes into a effortless silhouette complete with rolled sleeves.
Styling Tip: Wear the Teddy Shirt tucked in or out, open, or partially buttoned over the Isabel Tank in Navy, Pashmina, or White.
The Summer Cardigan - A Summer to Fall Style Essential
Call us crazy, but a cardigan is an essential component of a summer wardrobe. Whether you're traveling, working in an air-conditioned office, or out for a late dinner, layering with a cardigan is a must. Hear us out: a summer cardi protects your skin from the sun, adds a pop of color, and keeps you cozy when temperatures dip- all while being easy to slip on and off as needed. Here are three of our favorite summertime cardigans and why they work so well for summer to fall styling:
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The Sailboat Lodge Cardigan by The Great. This is the cardigan you throw on when you’re up north and the air turns crisp after a long day by the water. Inspired by a 1960s kids' sweater, The Sailboat Lodge Cardigan features hand-embroidered boats and sailor motifs on their best-selling Lodge Cardigan. Spun from a soft cotton blend yarn, this cozy piece beautifully blends maritime nostalgia with everyday comfort. The square fit and slightly cropped length make it effortless to layer. Where it with the Citizens of Humanity Brynn Drawstring Trousers in Pale Stone for a laid back look on the dock.
Styling Tip: The Isabel Tank goes "swimmingly" under this piece in Chocolate, Black, or Navy.
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The Olivia Cardigan by Geel Available in Magenta, this bright, lightweight cardigan brings a cheerful pop to summer styling. Made from 100% breathable cotton, the Olivia fits slightly closer to the body. Wear it open or buttoned up, letting the Isabel Tank peek through at the neckline.
Styling Tip: Bold colors contrast beautifully with the Pashmina shade of the Isabel Tank. Balance the slimmer top profile with a looser bottom, such as the Citizens of Humanity Nora Trouser Leg in Benson.
The Essential Crewneck Knit Cardigan by Dunst Rendered in a sunny Lemon shade, this option is ideal for breezy evenings or cooler indoor spaces. Crafted from a soft Merino wool and cashmere blend, it offers a sophisticated, lightweight drape.
Styling Tip: Style it with wide-leg trousers or straight-leg denim like the 101 Straight Jean from OKETO or the Citizens of Humanity Palma Straight.
Bottoms: Complete the Look
Having bare legs when the temperature drops is only tolerable until the sun sets. If you’re spending the day at the beach and planning to stay for sunset, simply pack a pair of pants in your bag to throw over your dry swimsuit.
Relaxed Ease: You can’t go wrong with a classic loose leg and tank combination. The Miro Relaxed Jean from Citizens of Humanity (available in Pacifica, Medina, Soft White and Gemini) offers a a slightly relaxed top block and tapered take on the barrel leg silhouette. Made from 100% regenerative cotton they are breathable, durable, and effortlessly cool.
Elevated Denim: For a dressier uptick, pair the Isabel Tank with medium to dark wash denim, statement earrings, a layered necklace, and a low block heel. We love the Winslow Low Rise Boyfriend from Citizens of Humanity for a more tailored, ankle-grazing look. Crafted from soft, non-stretch regenerative cotton, the denim has a broken-in hand and lived-in feel, that scales easily from day to night.
A classic tank and denim combination serves as the ultimate canvas- versatile, timeless, and endlessly customizable.
Want to discover more of our favourite wardrobe staples? Head over to The Archive and check out our Back to Basics post and Best Spring Knitwear for more styling tips!