Fake Fall, Real Cute
How to dress for fall when it still feels like summer.
Let’s just go ahead and say it: Tennessee fall doesn’t give a rip about the calendar. You want to wear boots and sweaters, but the weather is still holding on to iced coffee season like it’s got something to prove.
So what do we do? We style smarter.
We dress for the heat while still channeling fall energy. And it’s totally possible — I do it every year and still feel like I’m in a Pumpkin Spice commercial even when it’s 91° outside.
Here’s how I’m easing into fall this year without melting in the process:
🖤 Statement Blouses > Sweating Through Layers
Swap out heavy sweaters for bold tops that do all the work. Pick one with detail — maybe a little sleeve drama, maybe a pop of print — and pair it with shorts, skirts, or even lightweight jeans.
Style Tip:
“If your blouse does the talking, your shorts can do the chilling. Always balance the drama on top with a breezy bottom — keeps your outfit (and your pits) in check.”
🌬️ Keep It Breezy — Light Layers Only
Lightweight cardigans, unlined blazers, or short-sleeve sweaters still give you the fall vibe without sweating through your bra. I love throwing a lightweight layer over a tank and calling it a day.
Style Tip:
“Treat your layers like iced coffee — light, refreshing, and not here to suffocate you. Add one piece that says ‘fall’ without raising your body temp.”
🍂Sleeveless Sweaters & Short Hemlines: The Southern Girl Hack
Now let’s talk about the real MVP of a Southern fall wardrobe: the sleeveless sweater.
She looks like fall… but she feels like “AC blasting in your car.” Whether it’s a cable-knit turtleneck or a short-sleeve ribbed style, these sweaters let you play fall dress-up without passing out from heatstroke. Pair ‘em with a denim skirt, raw-hem shorts, or even pleather if you’re feeling spicy. Then throw on some tall boots or ankle booties to seal the deal.
Style Tip: A French tuck in the front instantly gives structure and flatters your waistline — even with chunkier knits. And don’t be afraid to go bold with your boots. Snakeskin, suede, or white western? All fair game.
👢 Boots, Y’all — Statement Boots Only
Yes, it’s too hot for coats — but boots? Boots are fair game. Especially the good ones. Give me a snakeskin boot with a denim skirt, or a taupe suede pair with shorts and I’m a happy girl.
Style Tip:
*“Boring boots are for basic weather. If you’re gonna sweat, make it worth it. Let your boots say ‘main character,’ not ‘mall walker.’”
👗 Dresses Deserve Boots Too
Sweater dresses, midi dresses, or even short fall florals all look better with a boot. Just pick a lighter fabric and roll with it. It’s one of the easiest ways to look fall-ready without sacrificing comfort.
Style Tip:
“Don’t overthink it — the easiest outfit is a dress and a killer pair of boots. No pants, no problems. Just pick your vibe: cozy chic or boss cowgirl.”
💥 My Fall Go-To: The Power Blazer + Boots
You already know my favorite. Give me a graphic tee, great blazer, destructed shorts, and tall boots, and I’m set. It’s chill, it’s bold, it’s fall-coded without being a sweatfest.
Style Tip:
“When in doubt, blazer it out. You can be in cutoffs and still look like you’ve got Q4 goals and a pumpkin spice marketing plan.”
Wrapping it up...
Fall in the South is a state of mind. You don’t need cold weather to dress like it’s your season. You just need the right mix of smart styling and statement pieces — and girl, I’ve got you covered.
See something you love? You already know it’s waiting for you at EllaMaeJames.com.
XO,
Christy