Nautical-Inspired Summer-to-Fall Outfit

Gap Top || Joe Fresh Shorts c/o || Sunglass Warehouse Sunnies c/o || Madewell Bracelet || Easy Spirit Shoes c/o || Chanel Bag

Labor Day may have come and gone, but we're still in the thick of the summer heat (let's be honest, it feels hotter than the core of hell outside), so wearing shorts is not just an option, it's basically a necessity. Like everyone, I struggle between "Long live summer!" and "Bring on fall!". So, like everyone, I do my fair share of transitional dressing. In fact, in between seasons is the perfect time to start moving into darker colors and incorporating new trends. Bonus points if you can do both at once (i.e. a camel colored suede skirt is perfect for this season). I tend to prefer my fall colors out of my closet (Burnt orange sweater? No thanks!) and on the changing tree leaves, so instead of the typical seasonal hues, I incorporate lots of navy, dark reds and oatmeal into my wardrobe. Now before you say anything, yes, I am aware that I wear all of those colors in the summer, but, believe it or not, I manage to find ways to wear them even more in the fall. Like these navy shorts. I'll be wearing these as long as I can, pairing them with sweaters, long sleeve blouses, or, like I did here, a favorite striped top. For this look, I tied things off with a neck scarf, because after a ball gown, I figured a chic scarf, navy shorts

and nautical stripes were the next best thing for this past weekend when we visited the Newport oceanside mansions of some of the rich and famous. Obviously, I fit right in...

I know my navy and red are hardly what come to mind when one thinks of fall colors, but, as they always say, rules are meant to be broken and I for one am not afraid of a few rules. For some more traditional fall color usage, make sure you check out Grace's bold layered look and Luci's use of army green to cap off an all-white ensemble (Looks like I'm not the only rule breaker in our group!). 

What's your favorite color to wear in the fall?

PHOTOS BY DAVID LEVINE