A Zebra Jumpsuit for Fall

Yesterday on the blog, I shared this zebra jumpsuit from Banana Republic, and styled it for summer. No matter what the retailers say, filling their stores with plastic pumpkins and spiced candles, fall is a ways away and it's okay to embrace the current season.  Summer does NOT end with Labor Day.  However, fall is right around the corner and it's good to start thinking about how to transition summer wardrobe into looks for cooler weather.

Jumpsuit | Denim Jacket | Boots | Earrings | Bracelet | Bag | Sunglasses

Jumpsuit: Banana Republic (14; available up to size 20 with petite and tall options) | Jacket: Denim Jacket c/o Soma (sold out; similar) | Booties: Clarks | Bag: Rough & Tumble (old; current version) | Earrings: Cober Hoops c/o Jenny Bird | Cuff: Had since 1997 (budget-friendly alternative) | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

What's the best way to transition clothes from summer to fall?

My favorite way to transition jumpsuits from summer to fall is with a denim jacket.  Good thing denim is very on trend this fall so you'll find a lot of selection in stores. You've seen this denim jacket before – I got it this spring from Soma and it is a favorite.  Unfortunately, it is no longer available so above I have linked to my second favorite denim jacket from Talbots – very similar fabric and silhouette and more size-inclusive. They both end around the same length – something you may find a bit too short to wear as everyday outerwear with sweaters and jeans but just the right length with dresses, jumpsuits, and tailored pieces where you don't want to hide all your shape.  As for color, everything goes this season but I recommend nothing lighter than what I'm wearing.  A darker denim is more autumnal than faded.

A great alternative once the temps drop further is a leather or faux leather moto or biker jacket.  Look for a softer leather like lamb and like the denim jacket, one that hits near the low waist or high hips so it doesn't hide your entire figure and the shape of the garment underneath.

Shop My Picks for Denim Jackets:

What jumpsuits are good contenders for transitioning to fall?  

Not every jumpsuit will transition to fall easily.  A lot has to do with fabric:

• What won't work as well:  Lightweight drapey rayon jumpsuits, jersey jumpsuits, jumpsuits in super summery prints or with summery details (tie-dye, many florals, polka-dots, pale soft chambray, eyelet, wood beads at the end of ties, etc.). 
• What will work well: That boilersuit that was a cute cropped length with Birkenstocks, that black silk jumpsuit with the deep pockets and the elasticized waist, that sleeveless crepe one that looks like a blazer on top, even those overalls with the unfinished hem.  Essentially anything that could work in fall.

Shop Jumpsuits That Transition from Summer to Fall:

What kind of boots work with cropped pants and jumpsuits?

You need a shaft high enough to hide under the hem, though skin (or shoe-colored hosiery) may show when you cross your legs. I don't recommend a knee-high boot; it will likely show a weird line under the jumpsuit.  Look for a boot that works with the style and silhouette of the jumpsuit.  If it's denim, you can go tough with combat boots (a hot trend for fall).  If it's crepe, a sleek leather boot with an almond toe may be a good choice.  If it's twill or cotton, suede, whether pull-on, zip-up, or lace-up, could be a nice combination.  I got these boots last year and to be honest, the shaft isn't quite high enough to really work with cropped pants but it's what I own right now to show the effect (and gosh they are comfy!).  However, I am looking to add a higher shaft pair this season, some of the booties I've been looking at:

No need to stick to black leather as I did here.  Suede, snakeskin, even fabric “sock booties” are all good choices in any color or pattern that best works with your personal style aesthetic.  To balance the volume of the leg, look for a bit of a heel, even 1″ can make a difference, and look for a longer or more pronounced toebox (pointed, elongated, almond, or a chunky boxy style). 

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