5 Ways to Dress for the Fall Transition (When it's Still Hot Outside!)

woman wearing fall transition dress and brown booties standing on one leg

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Oh, friends! I’m here to tell you that Walmart Fashion should be your go-to spot for everything fall transition! It may still be warm outside, but we know that fall is coming, and we’re ready to dress like it! But how do you do that? How do you stay cool and stay chic in this crazy season? Walmart Fashion has you covered. (Literally)! 🤣

I don’t know if you’ve noticed (I sure have!), but in the past few years, we’ve really seen Walmart establish itself as a credible style destination! If you’re looking for serious style, along with good value, Walmart.com is your spot. I got everything I’m wearing in this post on Walmart.com, and honestly, the style, quality, and attention to detail blew me away! Today I’m going beyond the typical “wear light fabrics in fall colors” advice and sharing tips and outfit ideas for the fall transition. From date nights to prepping for fall festivities, it’s all style, no splurge, my friends! 😊

So bring on the pumpkin spice, the fall candles, and all the autumnal decor! We’re going to dress and plan for it, knowing that it’s right around the corner!

As usual, click any pink text link or image for more information, to check alternate colors, etc. Everything fits TTS unless I tell you, and I’m wearing my normal sizes. For reference, I’m 5’5″, an XS in tops and a size 2 in bottoms.

Fall Transition Styling Tips

We’ve all heard that great advice about transitioning into fall by wearing darker colors in lightweight fabrics. While that tip still rings true, I’m sharing a few others that should help you with your fall transition wardrobe.

1. Lean Into the Incoming Fall Trends

We’re starting to see the fall trends emerge, and it’s so much fun! Here are a few to look for as you shop!

This utility shirtdress encompasses two of fall’s biggest trends: utility/cargo style and the shirtdress! I love it in this autumnal sage green. It also comes in black. I’m wearing my normal XS size.

woman wearing fall dress in army green standing by white table and chairs — I tied the bow in the new ½-bow that I’m seeing everywhere right now!

woman wearing green fall dress and brown booties standing on staircase — I tied the bow in the new ½-bow that I’m seeing everywhere right now!

Free Assembly Women’s Belted Utility Mini Dress (also in Black) | Sam And Libby Women’s Brighton Faux Suede Western Bootie | Silver Tone CZ Stud Earrings

The length and ¾-length sleeves make this dress a little warm for right now, but in a month or so, it will be perfect. I’ll pair it with booties for fall and tall boots when it gets a little cooler. I’ve been really impressed with the boots & booties from Sam & Libby and Madden NYC at Walmart for style & value!

2. Go Short (Either Hems or Sleeves!)

Another tip for fall transition—go short—either with your hemlines or with your sleeves! Embrace ¾-length, elbow-length, or short sleeves or shorter hemlines to stay cool while still giving off autumnal vibes. 🍁🍂 This faux leather mini skirt is a great example. Pair it with black sneakers right now, and with tights and tall boots later!

Whether you’re erranding for all you’re worth, enjoying a date night at the pumpkin patch, or heading to lunch with the girls, Walmart has you covered from head to toe! How cute is this jumpsuit? I love the feminine styling of the puff sleeve and slightly fitted leg. It also comes in sage green, but I love it in denim!

woman over 50 wearing denim puff sleeve jumpsuit with brown western style booties standing on the grass by a blue chair — The puff sleeves make this jumpsuit!

women's brown faux suede western style booties — The puff sleeves make this jumpsuit!

Celebrity Pink Jumpsuit with Puff Sleeves (Runs small; order a size up.) Also comes in Sage Green. | Sam And Libby Women’s Brighton Faux Suede Western Bootie | Silver Tone CZ Stud Earrings

Both colorways are from Walmart’s Celebrity Pink line! They’re aimed at Juniors but are totally wearable for women’s regular sizes as well. I sized up one size in this jumpsuit so it wouldn’t be as tight as it was on the models! Check out the entire Celebrity Pink line HERE.

Bob loved this jumpsuit, and I told him I’d wear it to the Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Ritchie concert 🎶 we’re going to in two weeks! Dontcha think it’ll be perfect? 🙌

3. Adapt Summer Trends to Fall

It’s no secret that Barbiecore was THE trend of the summer!💕 Expect that to keep going into fall as the movie continues to do well at the box office, and pink décor remains big for fall. (Also, since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, we see a little resurgence of pink every fall!)

woman standing near her car wearing hot pink midi dress — Everyone needs a pair of off-white booties this year!

women's off white booties with block heel — Everyone needs a pair of off-white booties this year!

Free Assembly Ruffle Neck Belted Midi Dress (Also in Sage Green & Black.) | Time and Tru Western Slouch Boots | Silver Tone CZ Stud Earrings

I was going to style this Ruffle Neck Belted Midi Dress in either traditionally autumnal Sage Green or Black, but I wanted to make the point that one way to transition into fall is by carrying certain trends on into the cooler weather. The dress I’m wearing above demonstrates this so well! It’s not only Barbiecore pink, but it also features a few other trends we saw everywhere this summer:

4. Layer Up for Longevity

It’s no secret that, when you layer, you get more use out of your clothes! I layered the look below with a Cap Sleeve T-Shirt, but in cooler weather, I’d swap that out for a long-sleeve tee.

woman standing by a pool wearing green cargo pants, a black tee and a black floral denim jacket — Dark, moody florals are so fun for fall.

woman over 50 standing by a pool wearing cargo pants and a black tee holding a black floral jacket — Dark, moody florals are so fun for fall.

No Boundaries Wide Leg Cargo Jeans (Elastic back for a perfect fit!) | No Boundaries Cap Sleeve T-Shirt (Not stretchy, so order your normal size.) | Celebrity Pink Puff Sleeve Denim Jacket (Has a little stretch for easy movement.👍) | Madden NYC Rhinestone Chain Lug Sole Booties | Silver Tone CZ Stud Earrings

First of all, your pal Suzy is here to tell you—if you only buy one item for fall, it should be a pair of wide-leg cargo pants! I found this best-selling pair in the Juniors department at Walmart, and I loved the fact that the back waist is elastic. Everyone’s body has quirks 😆, and I have a wide hip-to-waist ratio, meaning my hips are a wider size than is typical for the size of my waist. That means I often find pants that fit me in the hips but gap at the waist. These don’t do that! 💃🎉🤸

My Puff Sleeve Denim Jacket is also from Juniors, but don’t let that dissuade you! I’ve found that, when it comes to fit, at Walmart, the Juniors and Misses clothing lines can both work well. (More on that below.) This denim floral jacket has high-end detailing, with a little stretch for easy movement, puff sleeves, and a raw, unfinished hem. So good!

5. Keep Your Cool

I don’t know about you, but when the weather is hot, I prefer dresses to pants or shorts. It helps with, um, air circulation! 🤣 I also want the least amount of fabric touching my body! That makes the shift dress style of this plaid dress absolute perfection right now! It also comes in a darling lightweight denim, but I wanted to share this plaid with you because plaid is quintessentially autumnal. 🍂🍁(Check out THESE darling plaid clogs!)

woman over 50 wearing navy plaid shift dress and off white booties standing in the grass — This dress is so cute with sneakers too.

navy plaid shift dress on woman standing outdoors with off white slouch boots — This dress is so cute with sneakers too.

woman over 50 wearing fall transition dress in navy plaid — Plaid always evokes fall for me!

Free Assembly Short Sleeve Ruffle Neck Mini Dress (Also SUPER CUTE in denim.) | Time and Tru Western Slouch Booties | Silver Tone CZ Stud Earrings

Walmart Fashion for Fall Transition: Where to Start

This collage is clickable for more information on anything you see!

Walmart Fashion offers so much, it can be challenging to know where to start! Here’s a quick rundown of some of my favorite Walmart Fashion brands:

Time and Tru – Well-priced, casual clothing. I always look at Time and Tru first, not just for clothing, but for handbags, shoes, booties & boots, and accessories as well!
Free Assembly – I love the quality of this brand! All clothing is made using organic cotton, low-impact water practices, and in LEED Certified factories.
Scoop – This size-inclusive and affordable boutique line features a curated collection of trend-inspired styles. Their blazers & jackets are fabulous this year!
Sofia Vergara – Colorful, beautiful, and body-conscious, this size-inclusive line looks way more expensive than it is! The jeans are so good, and items like this Sweater Blazer make it extra special.
Terra and Sky – Walmart’s stylish Plus line.
No Boundaries – Walmart’s Junior’s line. Although you may not feel comfortable in all of the styles (some of them are a little 😮 for women over 50 😂), the fit will work for many women. Several of my favorite pieces (like my cargo pants) from this post are from the No Boundaries line.
As I told you above, for boots and booties, I like Sam & Libby and Madden NYC. They’re great for style & value!

I hope you’re inspired to explore Walmart.com and check out Walmart Fashion for the fall transition! I think it’s an ideal destination for stylish finds that are of good value. I love summer, but this one has been brutally hot! It won’t last forever, my friends! Fall IS on its way, and Walmart is there for us in the transition!

Take another look at everything I shared in this post in the boutique below. Click any item to see price, size availability, and color options!

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5 Ways to Dress for the Fall Transition (When it’s Still Hot Outside!)