Style & Beauty Inspiration for Pre-Fall: Outfits, Colors and a Hair Refresh
The light is starting to change, mornings feel a little crisper, evenings arrive just a touch sooner. Even here in California, I can feel the shift coming. Fall isn’t quite here yet, but it’s close enough that I’m starting to think about how I want to welcome it in!
One of the first steps? A much-needed haircut and color, the kind that makes you feel instantly refreshed. I’ll share all the details below, but for me, seasonal changes are never just about beauty. They’re about weaving those little updates into every part of my style.
This in-between moment is one of my favorite. I’m still wearing some of my summer staples, but I’m starting to add those richer fall tones, warm browns, soft creams, deep olive greens, in small, thoughtful ways. And of course, California evenings call for an extra layer once the sun sets. Whether it’s a suede jacket, a cropped trench, or a perfectly structured cardigan, these pieces make the seasonal shift feel effortless!
Outfits for the In-Between Season
This in-between moment is all about reworking the pieces we already love, adding just enough depth to nod to fall without losing that lightness of summer.
Wide-Leg Trousers + Lightweight Knit
A pair of tailored trousers instantly feels seasonless. I love them with a fine knit in camel or cream, polished for daytime, elegant for evening.Jeans + Structured Cardigan + Classic Tee
Denim always stays in rotation, and pairing it with a classic white tee creates the perfect base. Add a cardigan with clean lines and subtle structure on top, and the look instantly feels more intentional. A slim belt or gold hoops are the little details that elevate it without trying too hard.Slip Skirt + Cropped Jacket
A silk or satin slip skirt carries over beautifully from summer, and when layered with a suede cropped trench or a short jacket, it becomes the perfect pre-fall uniform.Light Dress + Cropped Trench + Ballet Flats
A simple dress can still work for pre-fall when paired with a cropped French trench. Add classic ballet flats or Mary Janes and it feels effortlessly chic, light enough for daytime, with just the right touch of fall polish.
The goal is never to rush the change, just to guide it along with a few intentional swaps!
Styling Tips for a Smooth Transition
When the weather can’t quite make up its mind, I focus on pieces that work in both warm afternoons and cool evenings.
Layer Lightly – Keep a cropped trench, denim jacket, or lightweight wool blazer handy.
Play with Texture – Mix summery fabrics like linen with suede belts, leather bags, or soft knits for depth.
Shift the Palette Slowly – Add deeper tones alongside your summer colors instead of replacing them entirely.
Keep It Polished – Even casual outfits feel more intentional with a structured layer or tailored fit.
Color Pairings I’m Loving Right Now
This is also the time of year when I start playing with richer color combinations, mixing shades that feel grounded in fall but still work with my summer pieces.
Brown + Dark Blue – One of my favorites for its timeless, slightly unexpected feel. Navy brings depth to brown’s warmth, and together they create an elevated, refined look.
Cream + Olive Green – Soft yet earthy, this pairing feels cozy without being heavy. Perfect for transitioning from light summer outfits into more autumnal textures.
Black + Brown – Once considered unconventional, I think this mix works beautifully when done intentionally. A rich chocolate brown against deep black feels modern and sophisticated.
Small shifts in color can make a big difference in how an outfit feels, and these combinations have been my go-tos lately for bridging the gap between seasons.
A Seasonal Refresh at the Salon
For me, a new season is the perfect excuse to give my hair a little refresh! I went for my classic semi-permanent brown, I love this option because it blends those first gray hairs I’ve been getting all while keeping things soft and natural. Unlike permanent color, it doesn’t leave a stark line as it grows out, so it melts seamlessly with my natural shade!
I also added soft bangs and face-framing layers, a small change that makes a big difference. To keep them looking fresh and bouncy, here’s my favorite trick: after drying, I roll them up with a small roller and leave it in while I do my makeup. When I take it out, they fall perfectly styled every time!
This refresh still feels true to my usual style, but with just enough of a shift to feel new for the season ahead!
Some of the Pinterest inspo I shared with my hair stylist:
Hair Care Essentials I Love
Post-color care is all about keeping the shine and softness intact, I’ve linked the exact products I have been using for several years below:
Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner – Restores moisture after summer sun exposure while keeping hair soft and manageable.
Hair Mask – Use once a week to help restore health, boost shine, and prevent breakage.
Heat Protectant Spray – Essential before blow-drying or curling to shield hair from heat damage.
Lightweight Hair Oil – Smooths ends, adds shine, and controls frizz without weighing hair down.
Round Brush & Dryer – My go-to combo for a bouncy, polished at-home blowout, and perfect for styling my bangs!
Beauty Shifts for the Season Ahead
Just like my wardrobe, my beauty routine gets a gentle refresh this time of year:
Richer Lip Colors – Berry, rosewood, or deep nude feel instantly autumnal.
More Hydration in Skincare – Cooler evenings can dry out skin, so I switch to a richer moisturizer at night.
Neutral Nails – Soft taupe, creamy beige, or deep chocolate brown for a subtle seasonal nod.
Cozy Touches Beyond the Closet
As the season shifts, I don’t just think about my wardrobe, I start adding small, cozy touches at home too. A fall-scented candle, a throw blanket draped over the sofa, or swapping out lighter linens for something warmer instantly makes the space feel more inviting!
It’s those little details, both in what I wear and in the spaces I spend time in, that make the transition into fall something I truly look forward to!
Final Thoughts
This time of year is about more than flipping your closet from one season to the next, it’s about leaning into change in a way that feels natural. Adding a jacket to a sundress, switching to a darker hair color, or choosing a new lip shade can be small things, but together they shift your mood, your look, and your mindset.
I love that we still have warm days ahead, but I’m equally excited for those first truly crisp mornings. Here’s to easing into fall with style, beauty, and just the right amount of anticipation!
Looking for more Pre-Fall style inspiration? You may also love:
4 Looks Chic en Chocolat: Elevated Outfits for the Pre-Fall Season
Pre-Fall Style: 3 Quince Pieces That Transition Seamlessly Into Fall
Simplicité en Trench: 4 Classic Looks for the Pre-Fall Season
With Amour,
M.