Those of us living in the South, know that autumn is mostly nonexistent here. Typically, we’re still experiencing high temperatures all the way through October, though the chances of having a “cooler” day or evening are increasing.

During these months, rain can still be part of daily life here (hurricane season doesn’t end until November). While I recommend having weather-proof shoes and/or jackets, in all honesty, those won’t be of much help if there is a “true Florida rain” where it comes from all directions at once. That kind of rain makes it impossible to stay dry. Otherwise, an umbrella would do just fine.

There aren’t many changes when it comes to my wardrobe or what I wear during the fall season here in the South. I continue to go with dresses for the rest of the year, however, I may switch the light cotton and linen ones with heavier fabrics.

An example is the dress I’m wearing in these photos which I find a bit too warm for summer, not to mention too dark (I prefer lighter colors). It’s old, but if you like it, here’s an exact style in a different pattern (and here a similar one), and just below I linked more dresses in similar styles (you can also see them here), that are perfect for this time of the year in the South.

Note that the dresses I linked as similar are made of crepe fabric which tends to pill. This fabric shaver device easily takes care of that (and any other items — like sweaters that pill).

As a side note, I highly recommend this dress for any event on your calendar this season. It fits TTS, and it’s so good, I bought it in two colors (no longer available).

Since the weather can be fairly unpredictable during this time, I curated a list of items to have readily at hand just in case.

Style staples for fall in the South

• A pair of flats.

Flats are still in this fall, ballet flats will be everything this fall. As a Sarah Flint brand ambassador, and as someone who can attest to their comfort, I always recommend the Natalie flats if you like a pointy style, or the Mirjana and the Sacchetto ballet flats if you like a more round shape.

If you like to keep up with fashion trends, know that slingbacks are also big this fall; these are my favorites.

These shoes are a bit pricy but you’ll have and wear these for years to come. Save 15% on your 1st Sarah Flint purchase using code SF-EM-15 at checkout.

• Scarves.

I adore scarves! I don’t wear them nearly as much, but I have an ever-expanding collection of them because I clearly have a weakness. Silk, polyester, cotton, etc., if I like the colors and print, I have to have it! If I’m wearing one to keep me warm or purely as an accessory, I always make them the statement piece, as in, I maintain the rest of my outfit [somewhat] neutral to allow the scarf to stand out. For example, wearing a basic white tee or shirt with jeans, and a colorful scarf, or a [sweater] dress coordinated with a scarf.

• Cardigans.

At the very least, during the fall months, I make sure I grab a cardigan sweater when leaving our home, just in case. They are must-haves for me to easily put on and take off, as needed, and I definitely purchase them in neutral colors (white/off-white, grey, black, etc.). As I generally wear colorful clothes, I want my cardigans in neutrals to easily wear them with anything in my closet. I’m not a fan of mixing prints and/or wearing several colors at once (unless they are in a specific pattern).

• Sweaters.

For those chilly and gloomy days — this striped sweater is perfect, as well as this cotton-wool blend one if you feel like embracing your wilder side!

• Jeans.

Normally, I only wear jeans when it’s chilly or cold. Call me crazy, but living most of the year in 80-90+ temperatures, anything below 75F (and cloudy) feels cool for me, and that’s when I pull out my jeans. It’s been rare for me to wear them during the fall months, but I have them ready in case of that one-off cool day.

• Linen pants.

Most of the time, it is too hot for me to wear jeans but it may be a bit too chilly for dresses (temperatures in the mid-70s with no sun). In those cases, or on very windy days when my flowy dresses won’t cut it, linen pants are my go-to.

• Button-downs.

If I need to get dressed quickly, either for errands or whatnot, a button-down with jeans or pants and flats is the default outfit when the temperatures start dropping. Hence, shirts are always handy and a must-have for a not-a-T-shirt fan like me.

What are your fall-style staples?