Fashion

Embrace the Fall Heat Wave in Style With These 9 Key Pieces That Don't Look Like You're Still Stuck In Summer

In case you haven't heard, last winter's Polar Vortex is now being countered with a formidable Indian Summer. So instead of curling up with your favorite cable knit sweater and throwing on those trusty fur-lined booties, you'll likely be coveting breathable layers and airier wares.

But what of those stalwart fashionistas who wish to start trying out the trends they viewed on the Fall 2014 runways? Luckily, each of autumn's cozier trends has a loophole — a less stifling option that will allow you to indulge in fall fashion without suffering from heatstroke. Here are the nine items you'll need to be au courant without raising your core body temperature.

by Tyler Atwood

Sleeveless Knit Turtleneck

If you had any doubt the ’90s are back in style, the sleeveless turtleneck is all the proof you need. As an added bonus, the style is breathable in the heat thanks to its thin weave and lack of bulky sleeves.

Helmut Lang Mohair-Silk Sleeveless Turtleneck, $220, cusp.com

A-Line Leather Skirt

Leather accents are one of fall 2014’s burgeoning trends, but the material isn’t ideal in the swelling sunlight. Dip a toe into the trend without inducing a fever by trying an leather a-line mini. The cut will keep the leather from adhering to your legs, and is a perfect fit for the season’s ’60s vibe.

Susana Monaco Madeleine Leather Skirt, $308, shopbop.com

Silk Scarf

Fall calls for warm layers and accessories to fight the drop in temperature. However, the thought of a woolen infinity scarf in eighty degree weather is nothing less than intolerable. The solution? A thin, printed silk scarf knotted at the neck.

Jonathan Adler Oui Oui Silk Scarf, $98, shop.nordstrom.com

Red Side Slit Blouse

This luxe-looking side-slit red blouse by Zara adds a trendy pop of rouge to your ensemble while its handy cut-outs offer much-needed ventilation. How’s that for multitasking?

Zara Asymmetrical Top With Side Slits, $69.90, zara.com

Leopard Print Tank

Add a splash of leopard print to your wardrobe without baking under the weight of a full-on coat with this Haute Hippie tank. The grey color way makes it less ostentatious than its more boldly hued, burnt-orange cousin.

Haute Hippie Leopard Muscle Tank, $145, piperlime.gap.com

Plaid Mini Skirt

Go on, indulge in your love of plaid without inducing a fever. The key to plaid in a heat wave? Embracing thin materials or using heavier wool fabrics judiciously, as with this chic Joie mini skirt.

Joie Deron Skirt, $224, joie.com

Menswear-Inspired Crop Top

If you adore the menswear trend but don’t wish to be smothered with weighty fabric, try a striped suiting-inspired crop top.

Jonathan Simkhai Pinstripe Neo Zip Crop Top, $345, shopbop.com

Sporty Trousers

Sporty trousers are in for fall, but who wants to wear thick, close-fitting pants when the temperature spikes? Choose a pair with a slouchy fit in breathable cotton, silk, or polyester with a sporty stripe down the side.

Boohoo Talia Sporty Contrast Side Trousers, $39.99, boohoo.com

Cropped Short-Sleeve Sweatshirt

From master of sweatshirt dressing, Alexander Wang, comes this handy cropped version that is a perfect cross between loungewear and couture.

Alexander Wang Scuba Double Knit Short Sleeve Top, $215, alexanderwang.com

19