How to Easily Transition from Summer to Fall
I’m tired of feeling like the only way to make my home feel like fall is to buy up all the “happy fall y’all” decor that’s out in the stores every year. I, for one, don’t have room to store tons of seasonal decorations (I make a bit of an exception for Christmas), and it’s tiring to devote too much time to switching everything out.
I opt instead for a simpler approach that aligns better with my values and encompasses more than just the visual aspect of my home. It works for me and for my family, and it makes me feel like my life is steeped in fall goodness.
I like to consider multiple senses, which I learned from Myquillyn Smith (aka The Nester). I don’t just think about what looks like fall; I also think about what feels, sounds, smells, and tastes like fall.
You can see a YouTube video I recorded about transitioning to fall here.
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Home
Blankets — I have blankets out year-round, but I drape more over the furniture for easy access in the colder months, and I pull out different ones depending on what color, style, or weight I’m looking for in a given season. For instance, I just got a beautiful orange and cream stripe gauze “oversized” throw from Walmart for $13, and it’s now living on the arm of the couch in my living room, where it will remain until I replace it with a heavier one come winter.
Pillow covers — I opt for pillow covers instead of new pillows whenever possible because they take up so much less space, and they’re easier to store and swap. My favorite places to look for pillow covers are Amazon and Wayfair. Unfortunately, they’re more challenging to find in most stores. Just learn from me: measure the pillow insert you’re going to use, and size down one size for the cover so it turns out looking well-stuffed instead of flat (e.g. a 18x18” pillow insert would fit in a 16”x16” cover and look like a lovely fluffy pillow).
Candles — Candles have a place year-round in my house, but I light them far more often in the fall and winter, so I like to keep at least one around to light, and I like to choose scents that feel fall-like to me (apple, cranberry, vanilla, pecan, caramel…). One of my favorite shops for gifts, Mercy House Global, carries some that sound lovely!
Diffuser blends — Putting a seasonal diffuser blend into a diffuser is another great way to spread a seasonal scent in your home! I have a little baby, and not all oils are suitable for children, so I’m skipping this one this year, but I’ve loved it in the past!
Seasonal playlist — I’m usually more of an audiobook or podcast girl, but I love the idea of a seasonal playlist. Emily P. Freeman and her sister Myquillyn Smith turned me on to this idea, and they (along with Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius) have great ones, or you could make your own!
Fall colors in decor — I love using items I already have to inject color into my home without buying more stuff or having too many small tchotchkes. I like to use books, flowers, and placemats to highlight seasonal colors in my living area. I swap them out each season (fall, winter, and combined spring/summer).
Try just moving things around to freshen everything up — This is less of a fall-specific decorating trend and more of a trick I keep in mind each season. Sometimes things just need to be mixed up to feel new again. I pulled a couple of lamps out of our crawl space and set them on end tables, and voila! We have lovely soft lighting in the evenings now that the sun is setting earlier. I also rearranged a couple small spaces (a tabletop and a shelf), and even that small change felt like a little breath of fresh air.
Clothing
Jackets — What’s better for fall than layers? It’s sometimes twenty degrees cooler here in the morning than it is in the afternoon, so when I’m getting dressed, I have to consider layers to make my outfit adaptable. Jackets are a great way to do that! Jean jackets are classic, and I’m also loving a good corduroy jacket this fall! (I got mine from ThredUP recently— you can use my affiliate link for a discount!)
Scarves — Scarves are a great way to add coziness with a touch of flair. You can find scarves in all kinds of fun prints and textures.
Sweaters — I wear cardigans year-round to keep me warm when nights are chilly or air conditioning is turned up too high, but I live in pull-overs in the fall and winter. Of course, depending on where you live, you might opt for lightweight ones or heavier ones, but there are so many to choose from!
Boots — ankle boots, knee-high boots, over-the-knee boots, what to choose? I’m an ankle boot kind of girl the last few years, though I’ve been tempted to return to the knee-high boots. You do you here!
Beauty
Nail polish — New seasons are opportunities to play around with different colors. I love a burgundy, cranberry, taupe, grey, or blush pink for fall. Some people like navy or emerald or chocolate. Try something new and see what you think! My favorite brands are Olive & June, Zoya, and Sally Hansen’s Pure line.
Lip products — Whether you’re a lip balm only kind of girl or the kind of girl to rock a bold lipstick, I think fall and winter are a great time to choose a fun new product to try. I love Burt’s Bees tinted lip balms because they don’t dry out my lips or get sticky. They’re not meant to last super long, I don’t think, but I don’t mind since I often re-apply lip balm anyway. I feel like it’s a simple way to level up my look without being too dramatic (though if you’re into a dramatic look, go for it!).
Headbands, hair scarves — Headbands are great for fun and function, keeping hair out of your face and your ears warm, depending on the style. I love the knotted headbands right now, but a cloth one that wraps around your head can be pulled over your ears to keep them warm if it’s chilly.
Food
Chili — I’ve been craving chili, and it’s finally cold enough outside to feel appropriate! I don’t like making cold-weather food when it’s 80 degrees outside because it just feels disjointed. But now I can make all the chilis — white chicken chili, black bean chili, turkey chili, pumpkin chili…
Soup, stew — This is the season for soups and stews, am I right? It’s the perfect solution for random leftovers in the fridge, too— just throw it in a soup!
Sheet pan dinners — Sheet pan dinners are a favorite for a reason: they’re so simple! Throw stuff on a sheet pan, stick it in the oven, walk away (as long as you remember to set a timer!), and come back to something warm and delicious.
Signature beverage— I’m a believer in having an easy, ready-to-go beverage available in each season (though I struggle with this in the summer, so if you have ideas, let me know!). In the fall, it could be apple cider (spiked, spiced, or plain), tea, or hot cocoa. I usually opt for tea or cider if I can find one that’s not high in sugar. Hot cocoa is usually saved for the winter months around here. Having a designated beverage doesn’t mean other options aren’t available; it just makes the one I’ve chosen special, like a treat.
Storage recs:
Gorilla bags for clothes — These are what I use for my clothes that are out of season (right now, they’re holding my summer clothes and maternity clothes). I love that they have a huge storage capacity, clear windows so I can see what’s inside, sturdy handles, and zippered closures to keep everything from getting dusty.
Plastic bins with lids for decorations — These are what I use to store bouquets for the dining room table centerpiece as well as pillow covers in the off-season (I also use them for baby clothes and gift wrap; they’re truly multi-functional).
How do YOU transition from summer to fall? Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!
