What to Wear in August: The First Hint of Fall

August always puts us in a bit of a fashion identity crisis.

It's still summer. It's still warm. We're still wearing sandals, planning dinners outside and absolutely not ready to pack away our favorite summer dresses.

But then the first olive green dress shows up.

The deeper colors start looking really good.

And suddenly, we're craving just the tiniest hint of what's coming next.

That's exactly where our First Hint of Fall edit comes in. 🤎

This isn't about rushing summer out the door or pretending it's sweater weather when it's very clearly still August in Saratoga Springs. It's about giving your wardrobe that little refresh we're all craving this time of year, with pieces that feel new now and will carry you right into the next season.

The Secret to Late Summer Dressing: Don't Pick a Season

One of our favorite things about getting dressed in August is that you really don't have to choose.

You can still wear the mini dress.

You can absolutely keep the sandals.

You can hold onto all those easy summer silhouettes you love.

The difference is in the color, texture and styling.

Instead of immediately reaching for chunky sweaters, heavy jackets and boots, start introducing the colors we associate with fall while keeping the silhouettes light enough for right now.

Think:

• Chocolate brown

• Rich wine

• Warm neutrals

• Deeper prints

• Easy dresses

• Lightweight layers

• Sets and separates you can style multiple ways

It's just enough to make your closet feel new again without looking like you skipped an entire month.

Chocolate Brown Is Having a Moment 🤎

If there's one color we're especially excited about right now, it's chocolate brown.

It's rich, it's feminine, it looks expensive, and somehow it works just as beautifully with a summer tan and sandals as it does layered up later in the season.

For August, keep it light.

Pair a chocolate brown top with jeans, a strappy sandal, gold jewelry and a great bag. Style a brown top with denim or a mini skirt. Mix those richer shades with cream and other lighter neutrals to keep the entire look from feeling too heavy.

Then, when the temperatures eventually start dropping, the exact same pieces can come back out with denim jackets, blazers, boots and your favorite layers.

That's the kind of versatility we want from our closets.

And Then There's Wine… 🍷

We have to talk about this color.

One particular wine colored dress has already been quietly stealing the show in the boutique and she hadn't even made it online yet.

Apparently, you guys were ready for this color before we were 😂

Wine is one of those perfect transitional shades because it gives you that richer, moodier feeling without requiring an entirely different wardrobe.

Wear it now with bare legs, a pretty heel or sandal and simple jewelry.

Later? Add a jacket and swap your summer shoes for something a little more seasonal.

Same dress. Completely different mood.

How to Wear Fall Colors When It's Still Hot Outside

Here's our rule:

Change the color before you change the clothes.

You don't need to be sweating through a sweater in August just because you're excited about fall fashion.

Instead, take the silhouettes you're already comfortable wearing and start changing the palette.

Try:

A chocolate mini dress + sandals + gold jewelry

instead of immediately reaching for boots.

A wine dress + a strappy heel

for dinner now, then add a jacket later.

A deeper-toned top + your favorite denim

for an easy transition without committing to layers.

A matching set + summer accessories

now, then break the pieces apart and layer them into your fall wardrobe later.

It's one of the easiest ways to make your closet feel different without dressing for weather that hasn't actually arrived yet.

Buy Now, Wear Now, Style Later

This is probably the biggest thing we considered when putting together First Hint of Fall.

We don't want you buying something in August that has to hang in your closet for six weeks before you can actually wear it.

Where's the fun in that?

We wanted pieces you could leave Bella V wearing today.

And when September rolls around?

Style them again.

Add the jacket.

Change the shoe.

Bring in denim.

Layer the top.

Swap your summer bag.

The best transitional pieces shouldn't belong to one tiny window of the year. They should make getting dressed easier through both seasons.

What to Wear in Saratoga Springs in August

If you're visiting downtown Saratoga Springs in August, your wardrobe still needs to work for summer.

Days can mean walking Broadway, shopping downtown, lunch outside or heading to the track. Then you're off to dinner, drinks or whatever the night brings.

Our favorite formula?

Something comfortable enough for daytime that can still look put together at night.

A great dress will forever be one of our favorite Saratoga options for exactly that reason.

Add comfortable sandals and a crossbody during the day, then switch the accessories for dinner.

Easy.

And yes, you can absolutely sneak a little chocolate brown or wine into the outfit while everyone else is still wearing summer brights.

We won't tell summer 😉

The First Hint of Fall Has Arrived at Bella V

We're not packing summer away.

We're not declaring sweater weather.

And we're definitely not giving up our sandals yet.

We're just letting our wardrobes get a little moodier. 🤎

First Hint of Fall is filled with those in-between pieces we're craving right now, richer colors, feminine silhouettes and outfits you can start wearing before the first cool day ever shows up.

Shop the edit online or come play dress up with us in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Because summer isn't over.

Your closet is just ready for something new 💕

 

Bella V Boutique
Downtown Saratoga Springs, New York

I'll save you a fitting room!