16 Things in Your Closet That Aren’t Practical for Fall Weather
As the weather shifts from warm to cool, it’s time to rethink what’s in your closet. Some items that were perfect for summer just don’t cut it when fall rolls in. The change in temperature calls for a wardrobe update, focusing on practicality and comfort. From lightweight fabrics to open-toe shoes, many of your warm-weather favorites may no longer be suitable. It’s important to embrace clothing that keeps you cozy while still looking stylish.
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Heavy Wool Sweaters

Heavy wool sweaters are a staple for winter, but they can be too warm for fall weather. The crisp air of autumn is often more temperate, so wearing thick wool sweaters can leave you overheated, especially when moving between indoor and outdoor environments.
Instead, consider lightweight knit sweaters or cardigans. These options are still cozy, but they offer better breathability for fall’s moderate temperatures.
Short-Sleeve Shirts

While short-sleeve shirts are ideal for summer, they do not work well when fall temperatures start to cool. In the fall, mornings and evenings can be chilly, making a short-sleeve shirt less practical for staying warm throughout the day.
Layering your short-sleeve shirts with a light jacket or sweater can make them more versatile for fall. Opt for shirts made of thicker materials or those with long sleeves to help regulate your body temperature in unpredictable fall weather.
Flip-Flops

Flip-flops are perfect for beach days and warm weather, but they are not ideal for fall. As the weather cools, your feet will be exposed to the elements, and flip-flops can leave your feet feeling cold and uncomfortable.
Switching to closed-toe shoes, like sneakers or boots, will keep your feet warmer and protected from the chilly fall air. These shoes also provide better traction for walking on wet or slippery surfaces that are common in the fall season.
Summer Dresses

Summer dresses are great for sunny, warm days, but they often lack the coverage needed for fall weather. As the temperatures drop, a lightweight summer dress may leave you feeling chilly, especially when the wind picks up.
Opt for a dress made of thicker fabric, or layer your summer dresses with leggings and cardigans to make them fall-friendly. Long-sleeve dresses or those with thicker materials are better suited to handle the cool mornings and evenings.
Linen Clothing

Linen is a popular choice in the summer due to its breathability, but it’s not always the best material for fall. Linen tends to be too light and breezy, offering little warmth or protection when the weather starts to cool.
Instead of linen, consider switching to fabrics like cotton, flannel, or wool. These materials are better suited for fall temperatures, providing warmth and comfort while still allowing for some breathability.
Tank Tops

Tank tops are essential for summer, but they do not provide enough coverage for cooler fall days. With the dropping temperatures, you’ll need more layers to stay warm, and tank tops leave too much of your skin exposed to the chill.
You can still wear your tank tops by layering them under jackets, cardigans, or long-sleeve shirts. This way, you can still enjoy your favorite pieces while staying warm and comfortable in the fall.
Lightweight Cardigans

While lightweight cardigans are versatile, they may not provide enough warmth for fall. The mornings and evenings can be chilly, and a thin cardigan may not keep you comfortable during these colder times of the day.
Switching to a thicker, knitted cardigan or a sweater will offer more warmth and still allow you to layer comfortably. A heavier cardigan will be more practical for fall without compromising style.
Sandals

Much like flip-flops, sandals are ideal for warmer months, but they aren’t practical for the fall season. Wearing sandals during fall exposes your feet to cold temperatures, and they do not offer sufficient warmth for cooler days.
For the fall, opt for closed shoes like boots or loafers. These shoes will help keep your feet comfortable and warm while still allowing you to look stylish.
Sheer Fabrics

Sheer fabrics are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for summer. However, they are not suitable for fall, as they provide little coverage and leave you exposed to the cooler air.
To stay comfortable in fall, consider switching to fabrics that offer more warmth, like velvet, wool, or thicker cotton. These fabrics will provide the coverage and insulation needed to make it through the season.
Shorts

Shorts are perfect for hot summer days but become impractical as the weather cools in the fall. Even if it’s still warm in the afternoons, fall evenings and mornings can be quite chilly, making shorts uncomfortable.
Instead of shorts, choose jeans, leggings, or trousers that will keep you warmer during the cooler months. You can still wear them on mild days, but make sure to have a layer on hand for when the temperature drops.
Light Scarves

Light scarves made of materials like chiffon or cotton might be great accessories for summer but do not provide enough insulation in fall. While they add a touch of style, they are not functional for keeping you warm when the temperature drops.
Switch to scarves made from thicker fabrics like wool or cashmere. These provide better warmth and protection from the wind while still allowing you to keep up with trends.
Bright, Lightweight Tops

Bright and lightweight tops are great for sunny days, but they lack the warmth needed for fall weather. These tops are often made of thin fabrics that do not trap heat, leaving you cold when the temperatures dip.
Instead, opt for darker-toned, thicker materials like sweaters or long-sleeve tops made from cotton or knit fabric. These options offer both warmth and style for fall.
Open-Toe Shoes

Open-toe shoes like slingbacks or peep-toe heels are ideal for summer but become impractical for fall. As the weather cools, wearing open-toe shoes exposes your feet to the cold and makes you vulnerable to damp, rainy conditions.
Switch to shoes that cover your toes, such as ankle boots or loafers. These options will keep your feet protected from the elements while still offering plenty of style for the season.
Light Denim Jackets

Denim jackets are a classic wardrobe piece, but lightweight denim may not be sufficient for fall’s cooler weather. These jackets are typically made from thinner fabrics that may leave you feeling underdressed when the temperatures drop.
Opt for denim jackets lined with fleece or wool for added warmth. This provides the comfort and insulation needed to stay cozy in the cooler fall air.
Silk Tops

Silk tops are luxurious and breezy, perfect for warmer months. However, they do not provide enough warmth during fall, and the fabric can feel too thin and uncomfortable when the temperature starts to fall.
Consider switching to tops made from wool blends or heavier cotton fabrics. These materials will keep you warm and cozy while still looking chic in fall.
Spaghetti Strap Dresses

Spaghetti strap dresses are great in hot weather but leave your shoulders and arms exposed to the cooler fall air. Even when layered, these dresses can be uncomfortable during the transition into fall.
For fall, choose dresses with sleeves or layer spaghetti strap dresses with long-sleeve shirts or cardigans to stay warm. This way, you can still enjoy wearing dresses without sacrificing comfort.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.