FALL WEATHER is notoriously unpredictable here in Chicago. Within the span of a single week, the highs can jump from a brisk 55F to a summery 85F or warmer. Maybe I'm alone in this, but I find it easier to dress for the cooler temps in fall. Sweaters, jackets, beanies, scarves...there are so many options for stylish layering that also keep me warm.
That all changes when the temperatures swing up. Like a lot of Chicagoans, I can't help but feeling somewhat dazed and confused. Jackets and sweaters leave me in a bucket of sweat, especially when I'm carrying around my camera and my pumpkin spice latte. (According to Buzzfeed, I'm 17% basic. I own every bit of it.) But with the leaves falling in their gorgeous display of reds, oranges, and yellows, it feels wrong to jump back to summer shirts and shorts. So what's a basic boy like me to do?
IT TURNS OUT the solution comes from layering both summer and fall garments. Keep in mind, the temperature on this particular day was 81F. This is all about styles for a warm fall day.
So that undershirt? It's actually one of my favorite tank tops from this past summer. But check out that red and orange! It's just like the leaves on all the trees around me right now. When I frame it with an unbuttoned, long-sleeve oxford shirt, it totally gives off fall vibes while keeping me cool with the plunging neckline and the lack of two layers of sleeves.
The colors on top are anchored by skinny-fit, deep-khaki chinos. They're actually the same style as the deep maroon pair that I showed you last week. The darker shade of khaki draws in the browns from the leaves on the ground and keeps the look squarely in a fall palate.
I finished off the look with a pair of H&M canvas shoes to echo the blues on top while taking them a shade deeper. Again, darker on the bottom with the pops of fall color on top. The look kept me cool on such a warm day while still feeling like it was styled specifically for fall.
Style Tip Challenge: My biggest take away for warm fall days? Don't be afraid of layering with lighter layers, including tank tops! This look would be just as awesome with a denim shirt instead of this oxford. And there are so many options for your undershirt. One example? A solid yellow or light orange tank framed by a darker denim shirt. The key is to keep the materials light and airy while tying in those fall colors.
Shop a Similar Look: Zara Slim Fit Oxford Shirt ($29.90); O'Neill Pugsley Mens Pocket Tank ($13.98) H&M Skinny Fit Chinos ($29.99); H&M Canvas Sneakers Blue Melange ($19.99)