When August 1st hits…
August 1st came with a notification from my son’s band teacher. A helpful reminder that shook me a bit. I was happily lying on the beach and did NOT feel ready to think about his drum set right now. To me, back-to-school means the hustle is back: balancing work, family, and pouring everything into my classroom with little left over for me.
Speaking of shifting seasons, two of my favorite Substack writers have also reflected on this tricky time between summer and fall:
- , in post, Remixing Summer’s Greatest Hits, calls August the “Goldilocks of summer,” not too hot, not too cold, the perfect time to remix summer favorites while hinting at fall.
Meanwhile,
in Another Fashion Newsletter, talks about “Poshmark Auditions” (LOL) and “cosplay fall dressing,” encouraging a playful, practical way to savor the end of summer while embracing the coming season.
I love knowing I’m not alone in this emotional spiral! I have to out myself. A few days ago, I DM’d Sogole in a panic. I was afraid that my post was too similar and I’d be the next Substack plagiarism scandal. But she is a gem. She cheered me on and reminded me that we all put our own spin on similar topics.
So before I proceed with my spin, I just want to acknowledge their work and nudge you to indulge.
Back to School Blues
The start of the school year, which to me signifies the start of fall (even though it’s not, and it’s still so damn hot), is always equated with a fresh start... tinged with a bit of sadness.
I feel sad because summers off, relaxing with my family, are precious. Being present comes naturally, though it’s definitely sprinkled with frequent shouts of “FIND SOMETHING TO DO!” and moans of “I’m bored” from the kids. The mantra “you’re such a better parent when you’re not stressed” echoes deep in my bones.
I truly loved this slower pace of life. The ability to write and be reactive, which I love. To have time to read and admire others’ work, and to put my heart and soul into my own.
All these feelings swirl around me as I think about the shift not just in my schedule, but in my wardrobe and mindset.
Facing the “Fall Scaries”
As the season shifts, so does my mindset. Easing into fall fashion offers a small, comforting way to manage these big feelings.
I know there are so many fall enthusiasts out there who, once the clock hits August 1st, pull out their pumpkin decor, buy a PSL, and get cozy somewhere in the AC wearing a fuzzy cardigan with Uggs. I love this for you, and I love that you’re going to shine in these upcoming months.
I call all of this my Fall Scaries. I’m excited about fall fashion, I love a good PSL, and I would literally lie horizontal in a pumpkin patch for hours, happy as a clam. But I also feel like I’m standing at the edge of a new season, trying to hold onto summer’s ease while bracing for everything coming next (a return to work, 1,764 school app notifications, homework, lunch packing, etc.).
But it also signifies back to school and stress. Not only do I have to get my kids mentally ready to return to school, I also have to mentally prepare MYSELF for school. My teacher friends know this transition is often tougher for the adults.
When I prematurely wish for something in the future (a season, upcoming vacation, unexpected lotto victory, etc.), it feels like I’m fast-forwarding through life, which I tend to do.
I catch myself always longing for the next thing and forgetting to enjoy the moment and the season I’m actually in— both metaphorically and literally.
This is where I lean into my wardrobe a bit. Something I CAN control and seek comfort from during this weird time. By thoughtfully shifting what I wear (without rushing!!!) I can find a way to honor both where I am and where I’m headed.
So, let’s investigate the 10 ways I’m managing my Fall Scaries through my wardrobe.
10 Ways I’m Managing The Fashion Fall Scaries
Here’s my personal strategy to battle the Fall Scaries. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and if you’re ready to show up on September 1st in full suede, jeans, a shacket, and boots….YOU GO, GLENN COCO.
1 - Wear Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Does anyone remember back-to-school shopping as a kid? I can still picture heading to Kids ‘R’ Us with my mom and scooping up all the fall clothing: jeans, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, the works. Then I would proudly wear my “first day of school” outfit, which usually meant a sweater, jeans, and boots in 89-degree weather.
I will continue to dress for the weather and not the perceived season.
Exhibit A: This weekend we went to a local farm. Sure, I wanted to wear jeans, flannels, sweaters, maybe even a fun basic hat. HOWEVER, IT WAS 89 DEGREES. AND I WAS ON A FARM. WE CLIMBED HAYSTACKS.
In that moment, functional > festive.
2 - Subtle Shifts: Prints, Colors & Fabrics:
I’m easing into fall by adding cowprint flats (snagged these!), leopard, and richer colors like olive, navy, burgundy, and brown. I’ll keep wearing linen as long as I can before gradually swapping in cashmere, suede, leather, and knits.
3 - Light Layers
No cable-knit on September 1st for moi! But sweaters tied around the waist, blazers draped on shoulders, and scarves for temperature swings.
Did I actually wear the white layer below (as a shirt)? No. But did I feel trendy and READY for a gust of possible cold air? Yes.
4 - Keep Shorting On!
“They may take our lives, but they’ll never take my jorts!” — what William Wallace probably meant to say in Braveheart.
My Four-Shirted-Husband rocks shorts year-round. I plan to aggressively follow suit (until my legs get chilly). Shorts with ballet flats, mules, loafers, cowboy boots, and sneakers. YES, please.
If someone can help me find the perfect cowboy boots that don’t cost my kid’s entire first-year college tuition, I would LOVE to rock them with my jorts.
Here’s my take on continuing shorts while leveling up with subtle fall notes: linen shorts paired with a super-light cashmere sweater polo (I sized up…it’s SO dreamy). I added a reddish (cranberry?) mule, and now I have the best of all worlds.
And ya know what? I’m doubling down on shorts this fall by mixing them with unexpected seasonal pairings! The ultimate unlikely BFFs. Picture shorts with loafers and cozy socks, linen with suede accents, or adding dark-colored sandals to keep things interesting and transitional.
Spotted in the Substack wild:
posted this note, beautifully sporting loafers + shorts.
Also spotted in the Substack wild,
, rocking her shorts and loafers in her most recent post!
5 - Sporty Shorts Meet Sporty Pants (Shorts continued…)
I intend on wearing my favorite adidas shorts until I can’t anymore. I’ve seen them worn with leather loafers, suede boat shoes, and even cowboy boots.
Then, when the weather forces me to adjust, my sporty shorts will shift to sporty pants. Shoutout to
for inspiring me to snag these beauties.
Before buying them, I used Indyx to make sure I could style them a few different ways in my current wardrobe. Here’s what I came up with:
6 - Indyx Routine
Continue using
to plan my outfits (prevent my late night meltdowns), test run new wardrobe additions and encourage social styling.1 I’m obsessed with ’s style and closet on Indyx. I styled her, and she returned the favor with looks that were SO good — that’s why she’s a Professional with a capital P, baby!2Seriously though, Anika styles for Indyx. If you want to check out her services, look here.
7 - Toe Freedom
Gradually moving from flip flops to mesh flats, then ballet flats and boots, holding on to bare toes as long as I can.
8 - Gradual Jackets/Coats
Skipping parkas at first in favor of denim shackets, flannels, bomber jackets, barn jackets, and trench coats. I’m also loving the cropped versions of these outerwear beauties.
Here’s my take on the coat situation using what I already have. I’m definitely on board with the idea of wearing a long jacket with shorts, but I intend to keep my eyes out for secondhand versions of the cropped looks.
9 - White Forever
Nothing I love more than breaking a “rule” once established by the elites. I’ll wear my white all four seasons……thank ya!
10 - Inspiration In Everyday Life
When discussing Copenhagen Fashion Week,
wrote,“Don’t overlook the details around you. They define your style, too.”
This weekend, we had the lovely experience of visiting the most gorgeous sunflower farm. For me, it was the immersive feeling of the colors; the random pianos and phone booth photo props; the vintage benches, haystacks, and windmills; and even the alpacas and yaks I tried to adopt (the Four-Shirted-Husband said no— buzzkill, BOOOOO)3
It was a reminder that style inspiration doesn’t only come from Instagram or Pinterest. Sometimes style inspiration can be found in the beautiful world around us.
This is my loose structure and game plan for navigating fall, flexible, forgiving, and real.
I can’t make strict rules for myself, because when I do, I try so hard not to break them that I literally make myself physically ill. Very toxic trait.
I want to be team FALL 4 LYFE because, low-key, it is pretty freaking great. But above all, I need to remind myself to live AND dress fully in the present moment.
Enjoy the season I’m in. Enjoy the weather while I have it. Enjoy the crisp fall air once it arrives. And may I never forget to remember that “Winter is Coming.”
Let’s Chat: Are you Team Fall, Team Summer, or somewhere in between? How do you handle those seasonal wardrobe transitions? Let me know!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my work. Your support truly means the world to me.
Alrighty! Keep calm, keep layering on, and let those Fall Scaries know who’s boss (JK, I’m still scared),
P.S. In place of the usual “buy me a coffee” link—if you don’t have Shoppies right now but do have Givies, please consider supporting teachers in need by clicking here! While I’m over here stressing about summer ending, some teachers are worried about whether they’ll have enough resources to give their students the best possible academic experience.4
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Social styling is when you have other people on the Indyx App can style you!
Not only is she a professional, but she also loves a good DNGD (Did Not Get Dressed) — which means she’s a Substacker of the People.
I’m not sure if “booing” our spouses on Substack is appropriate, but it felt right in the moment.
I’ve been in that exact position and know that every little bit counts! I remember using this site to gather donations for my class to get desk maps and headphones when I was in Teach for America.
I am so here for shorts all fall long! Especially with a sweater, jacket, etc. free the legs!
Im also a rule breaker and wear white all year round. Wishing you the best school year and I'm here for all your styling tips and looks and can't wait to see what looks you rock this school year 🫶🏻☀️