We think it’s safe to assume we’re all ready to put this pandemic behind us! After all, Labor Day has passed and it’s time to kick off our usual autumn season with football, cooler weather, and new clothes to wear out, right?! 

We can at least begin with some wardrobe additions! The past several months have been more of a casual time for a lot of us. If you feel like you’ve been wearing the same athleisure wear week after week, you’re not alone. With life still pulled back from our usual activity-filled calendars, what can we do right now to make a change in how we dress and feel in the endless Alabama heat and humidity? 

Here are some ideas that are easy to wear in this transition time. These are just a few of the many options all over Birmingham that are comfortable, quick to change out, and can be worn several different ways from casual to dressy over the coming months as we wait in hopeful anticipation of clear, crisp fall days!

Look 1: Romper

A lightweight quick-dry romper can go from paired with flat sandals on errands during the day, to dressed up with wedges and jewelry for outdoor dining in the evening. And, of course, it’s not complete without a great handbag!

Marlow Romper – Athleta, $73.99. Pierre Dumas Pewter Open Toe Platform – Flip Flops & What Nots, $29.99. Kut from the Kloth Kara Denim jacket – Mia Moda Boutique, $109. Lock and Key Wrapped Montana Agate on Chain – Mia Moda Boutique, $135. Lock and Key Grey Moonstone Set in Bronze Pendant with Draped Double Rosary Chain – Mia Moda Boutique, $230. Lock and Key Bracelet - Mia Moda Boutique, $210. Top Zip Clutch in White Rock – Noha Nadler, $138.

Look 2: Cargos

Pretty cargos in a tan sheen fabric are lightweight and easy with a flesh-hued tank and sandals during the day or paired with a black top and black suede wedges. Add in dressed up jewelry and a snakeskin bag to tie it all together.

Down to Earth Cargo Joggers – Mia Moda Boutique, $109. Z Supply Light Oatmeal Camo Tank – Mia Moda Boutique, $39. Musse and Cloud Sirita Wedge Sandal in Cue – Shoefly, $109. Made in the Deep South 1940s Sterling Silver Brooch Cuff Bracelet from
a Florida Estate –
Mia Moda Boutique, $158. Lock and Key Grey Moonstone Set in Bronze Pendant with Draped Double Rosary Chain – Mia Moda Boutique, $230. Made in the Deep South 1960s Coin from an Alabama Estate with 1950s Chain from a Washington Estate – Mia Moda Boutique, $160. Hat - Mia Moda Boutique. Aman Uptown Gold Leather Tote – Noha Nadler, $398.

Look 3: Jersey Dress

A flattering jersey knit dress is casual and cool enough for easy movement running around town during the day, and dressy enough to put with hoop earrings, a gold cuff, and a snakeskin clutch for drinks at night.

Veronica M Army Drop Waist Dress – Mia Moda Boutique, $96. Hobo Clutch in Snakeskin – Mia Moda Boutique, $158. Pierre Dumas Suede wedges – Flip Flops & What Nots $24. Brushed Gold Classic Engraved Cuff – Ex Voto Vintage, $79. Brushed Gold Large Hoop Earrings.

Look 4: Black Pants

These versatile and comfortable pants may go with nearly every top and pair of shoes in your wardrobe! Wear them during the day with a sleeveless jersey top and snakeskin platform sandals, then elevate the outfit with a soft, lightweight animal print jacket plus gold strappy heels for a night on the town.

Veronica M Jogger Pant in Black – Shoefly, $69. Veronica M Vanilla Cupro Tank – Mia Moda Boutique, $69. Lunch Sack Crossbody – Noha Nadler, $268. BlankNYC Black and White Animal Print Jacket – Mia Moda Boutique, $98. Ink+Alloy Luxe Stripe Gold and Black Earrings – Shoefly, $35. Pella Moda Cruz Gold and Multi Snake Heels – Shoefly, $165. Made in the Deep South Mid 1800s Shoe Clip Steel Cut with 1960s chain from an AL Collector – Mia Moda Boutique, $198. Lunch Sak Crossbody – Noha Nadler, $268.

Look 5: Flowy Pants

The coolest and simplest ensemble to throw on! These super soft and lightweight pieces are easy to wear on a hot day and later add a denim jacket for cooler temperatures.

Young, Fabulous & Broke Jungle Wash Palm Pants – Mia Moda Boutique, $129. Veronica M Essentials Toffee V-neck Tank – Mia Moda Boutique, $39. Silver Hoops – Shoefly. Lock and Key Bracelet – Mia Moda Boutique, $210. Made in The Deep South Mid 1800s Shoe Clip Steel Cut from an Illinois Estate with 1960s Chain from an Alabama Collector – Mia Moda Boutique, $198. Musse and Cloud Sirita Wedge Sandal in Black – Shoefly, $109.

Look 6: Relaxed Joggers

Light as air joggers are a great fall neutral to enjoy casually during the day with sneakers and a tank top or elevated to a relaxed outfit for drinks with friends in the fall.

Textured Brooklyn Jogger in Mountain Olive – Athleta, $59.99. Veronica M Essentials Toffee V-neck Tank – Mia Moda Boutique, $39. Echo Watery Plaid Floral Wrap – Shoefly, $59. Velvet Heart Riley Button Down Laramie – Shoefly, $87. Naked Feet Flow Pewter Wedges – Shoefly, $148. Hoop Earrings – Shoefly. Hala Leather Hobo Tote – Noha Nadler, $425.

Laura Steele of Steele Style is a personal stylist based in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. She helps women curate their wardrobes, cull down and corral their belongings, and curate their appearances on the journey to find their best personal style. Follow her on Instagram @steelestylebhm and Facebook @SteeleStyle.