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How to Transition Your Child’s Wardrobe from Summer to Fall

warm baby clothes

There is magic in the return of autumn! The weather gets cooler, leaves turn beautiful colors and outfits get cozier. The change in seasons makes a great time to refresh your child’s wardrobe. Use our quick style guide to prepare your kids for a comfy, stylish fall season.

Organize Their Summer Clothing

Before you shop for new fall clothes, go through your child’s summer clothing. Check the fits on baby boy rompers and toddler girl dresses. Keep quality and seasonless pieces for fall, like bamboo baby girl bodysuits or soft boys’ pajamas. You can donate or save an item for a younger sibling if it doesn’t fit.

Stay organized with a spare closet for seasonal items or label a summer clothing bin.

Dresses and baby girl rompers are helpful transition items for changing seasons. Add a long-sleeved shirt for a cozy, updated look. Overalls and bodysuits look adorable on top of a warm tee. In need of more ideas? Pair their favorite short-sleeved tees with lightweight leggings or joggers and sneakers.

Some of the best items to keep from summer to fall include tops and jackets, which are great for layering. You can also transition over socks, shoes and accessories. Check how many basics you have left and then make a list of what you’ll need while you’re shopping.

Make a List of Fall Clothing Essentials for Kids

Most kids need to upgrade their outfits from summer to fall. Children grow quickly, and some outfits wear out after a season. Once you’re ready to go shopping, be sure your little ones have their autumn basics. These include:

  • Tops for Layering: Add long-sleeve shirts, hoodies and sweaters to their short-sleeve gear.

  • Cozy Bottoms: Get comfy in pull-on pants, leggings or joggers. Chino pants and denim jeans are stylish, versatile choices for back-to-school.

  • Warm Outer Layers: If your child has been growing, now is the time to invest in a new quality jacket or coat. A puffer or fleece-lined piece is cute and comfortable. Consider a new rain jacket if your autumn season is rainy.

  • Additional Basics: Growth spurts and busy summers often call for new tees or undershirts. Add a few basics in warm fall colors.

  • Chic Fall Dresses: Plenty of styles are perfect for fall if you have a little fashionista! Pair warmer, long-sleeve outfits with tights or leggings to stay cute and warm.

  • Fall Sleepwear: Summer short sets and nightgowns are adorable, but cooler nights call for thicker and warmer pajamas.

Combine these suggestions with what you know about your child’s fall schedule and unique style. Your little one doesn’t need everything on this list, but a mixture of cozy outfits and matching pieces should prepare them for playing outside or returning to school.

Shop for Seasonal Prints and Patterns

Prints and patterns make fall clothing more fun! There are so many ways to upgrade your child’s outfits for fall. Do you have a child who loves a fashionable look? Try a classic plaid style, such as tartan or tattersall. You’ll add a touch of warmth to any kids’ outfit, including leggings and jackets. Houndstooth and flannel are winning fall patterns, especially for long sleeves and sweaters.

You don’t have to put floral patterns away after summer! Instead, experiment with vintage florals in rich, autumnal colors. Add sophistication to your little girl’s favorite looks, such as dresses or skirts.

If your child likes animal prints, get inspired with a cheetah or leopard look. Boys will love shirts and jackets in various shades of camo. Involve your child in the shopping so they can get excited about what they’re wearing for play or back to school. A cozy geometric sweater or jacket adorned with forest animals can make it more fun to get dressed in the morning.

Get Stylish with Fall Colors

The rich, deep hues of autumn stand out in every outfit. Some of the best fall colors for kids’ clothing include burgundy or mustard. Boys and girls will look adorable in olive clothing or burnt orange pieces. Charcoal gray and navy blue are trendy picks any time of year. If you and your child like earth tones, try brown or taupe.

Pick Your Child’s Accessories and Footwear

Now that your child has cute fall outfits and layers of stylish clothing, it’s time to pick out accessories and shoes. Boots are among the best fall footwear, especially for wet weather. Try ankle boots or tie-up hiking boots to keep feet cozy and fashionable for fall. Don’t forget a pair of tennis shoes for active play! Warmer socks can keep feet comfy and dry.

Complete your little one’s stylish look with hair accessories like bows and headbands. Colors like wine or rust will complement their outfits and keep them looking trendy for fall. Try a hair bow with a fall print, like leaves or pumpkins. Get in the seasonal spirit with an eye-catching geometric scarf or cute hat in autumn-inspired hues.

Create a Stylish and Fun Fall Wardrobe for Your Little One

Fall is a chance to unleash your child’s inner fashionista! Don’t forget — you can always add more layers as it gets colder outside. Some families will keep summer favorites, like bodysuits or rompers. Create updated outfits with cozier bottoms and fall layers.

Jackets and coats can drain the family budget, so feel free to start with the essential items you need at the beginning of autumn. As the season progresses, you can add more layers and patterns. Classic colors and mix-and-match pieces will extend the life of your child’s clothing and keep them feeling cozy and confident all season!