Today’s post is in paid partnership with Nordstrom. I may receive commission or a percentage of sales from items purchased.
Every year when mid-August rolls around, I start itching to break out my chunky knits and wool topcoats. Even though the days are still complete scorchers, I can’t help but dream of the crisp autumn air and glorious fall fashion layers that coincide with it. In fact, this may just be the most difficult time of year for any style savvy man. The summer-to-fall seasonal transition isn’t easy to conquer. No one wants to be that guy who jumps the gun and breaks out all his layers the moment the first day of fall arrives. It takes a lot of patience and just the right pieces to ease into the declining temperatures.
Right about now, I’m constantly searching through the new releases from all my favorite brands in order to stay on top of the curve. My absolute favorite destination to search online (and in stores) is Nordstrom. They have been my go-to, one-stop shop for all fashion ever since I decided it was important for me to look and feel good by focusing on the way I dress (a conscious decision I made about 6 years ago!) To help make this a smooth transition, I’ve styled a couple of my favorite key designer pieces from Nordstrom. I’m excited to make these my new seasonal staples.
Whenever I buy transitional pieces, the goal is to make them last way longer than just a few weeks. This means investing in pieces that will work across many seasons for years to come. The primary purchase for me is always a pair of clean white kicks.
White sneakers are having a strong moment in today’s trends—but they’ve also proven themselves worthy to stand the test of time. I rely on sneakers all year around, especially to help bridge the gap from summer-to-fall fashion. These sneakers from Comme des Garçons PLAY by Converse fit the part perfectly. The classic Chuck Taylors are reimagined with a playful and quirky peekaboo heart combining vintage vibes with contemporary street-style. It’s a fun way to honor the past while staying on trend with high fashion brands. Like all Converse, these are built to last. The new design is even more comfortable than previous Chuck Taylors with a thicker padded sole. The canvas material is a fabulous choice for the transitional season. It’s light and breathable yet solid enough to last well into the cooler months. In fact, I like them so much, I took a break half way through writing this paragraph to buy them in black (no joke!). I had to have both colorways for fall.
Once the weather drops just below sweat dripping temperatures, I immediately break out a crewneck sweatshirt as my main source of outerwear before the winter months arrive. This season, I’m all in for this ACNE Studios Light Grey Melange Crewneck Sweatshirt. This is another item that will last for years to come. It’s an easy piece to start the transitional process because it has a neutral color and clean design with a loop back fleece interior. It’s the perfect staple to toss over any outfit on a chilly summer night or crisp fall morning. I always gravitate towards more minimalistic designs and colors because of their ease of use and ability to transcend trends as years pass.
The next must-have for my transitional wardrobe is a pair of mid-wash blue jeans. The medium toned indigo color guarantees that you’ll get countless wears throughout each season. French brand A.P.C. makes some of the best denim out there. These Petit New Standards are crafted from soft Japanese denim with a mid-rise and skinny fit. They’re lightly distressed with a subtle worn-in look which provides a classic appearance and ensures they’ll be in style for years to come.
Once the basics are in place, it’s important to invest in a few quality accessories to meet your daily needs. For me, they are Hamilton Automatic Watch, Le Labo Santal 33 Fragrance, and Aesop Post-Shave Lotion. These are all no-nonsense products that make my life a little easier (and smell a little better!).
Whether you like it or not, fall is coming and it’s coming fast. It’s time to shift your mindset and reboot those basic layers. Versatility is key—what you buy and wear should last longer than just this season. One of the main reasons I keep coming back to Nordstrom every season is their ability to stock cross-category fashion for transitional pieces on a website that’s easy to use and a pleasure to navigate. The ability to search through all the categories and brands online is lightning fast and the checkout is a breeze (not to mention free shipping and returns!). So while August may be all about casual cool vibes, Nordstrom lets you do it in style.
Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post and providing me with the Comme des Garçons Converse and ACNE sweatshirt to style and feature. Keep an eye out for more many more looks including these classic essentials. #Nordstrom
