That sundress you lived in all July? It doesn’t have to retire just because the air gets crisp. I’m all for squeezing every last wear out of pieces I love, and with a few styling shifts, the same floral or cotton slip can carry you straight through October. Here’s how I do it without freezing or feeling costumed.

1. Layer a thin turtleneck underneath
This is the easiest trick, and it works best with sleeveless or strappy dresses that have a bit of room in the bodice. Grab a fitted, long-sleeve knit—ideally in a contrasting color like burnt orange under a navy floral, or cream under a deep green slip. Pull the dress over it, add a belt at the waist, and you’ve got a whole new silhouette. The key is keeping the turtleneck thin; cashmere or a merino blend won’t bunch up under the arms. Roll the sleeves once or let them peek out—either way, it looks intentional, not like you forgot your jacket.

2. Swap your sandals for ankle boots and add opaque tights
Shoes change the entire vibe of a dress. Trade the strappy heels or white sneakers for a chunky Chelsea boot or a pointed-toe ankle boot. Underneath, wear opaque tights—black is safe, but dark brown or oxblood adds warmth. If your dress is shorter, tights let you keep wearing it without feeling exposed. For midi dresses, try a sheer-to-opaque tight in a smoky charcoal. Just make sure the boot shaft doesn’t cut off your leg; a boot that hits right at the ankle with a tiny gap of skin looks modern, while a taller boot works if the dress has a side slit.

3. Throw on an oversize blazer and cinch it with a belt
A summer dress often has a breezy, unstructured shape. An oversize blazer—think menswear-inspired, not fitted—gives it structure and warmth without weighing you down. Choose a wool-blend in camel, olive, or even a subtle plaid. Leave it open for a relaxed look, or here’s my favorite move: put the blazer on, then add a thin leather belt over the blazer at your natural waist. That belt creates a curvy shape out of a boxy dress and keeps the blazer from feeling sloppy. Roll the blazer sleeves to show your forearms; it lightens the whole look until the temperature really drops.

4. Use a lightweight scarf as a wrap or a top layer
Not a heavy winter scarf—think a large square or rectangular silk-cotton blend. Fold it into a triangle and tie it loosely around your neck like a vintage kerchief, or drape it over your shoulders like a shawl for evening. Let the ends hang long down your back. If your dress has a pattern, pick a solid scarf in a rusty tone or mustard. If it’s a solid dress, go for a floral or paisley scarf. For a more pulled-together look, knot the scarf at your chest and let it tuck into your belt line. This adds a pop of color and keeps your neck and chest warm without a full jacket.

5. Add a cropped cardigan and define your waist
A cropped cardigan (just reaching your natural waist) is perfect for dresses with a full or A-line skirt. Wear it buttoned all the way, but then pull the bottom hem through a skinny belt—that trick makes the cardigan look like a vest. Or leave it unbuttoned over a slip dress and let it frame your collarbones. The trick for fall is to choose a cardigan with some texture—ribbed, cable-knit, or with wooden buttons. Pair it with heeled loafers or knee-high boots. If the dress is floor-length, add a chunky cardigan that hits just above the hip to avoid overwhelming your frame.

None of these require buying a new dress. Just rummage through your closet for these basics, and your summer favorite gets a second life. Try one or mix a few—like a thin turtleneck under a midi dress, then add a blazer over that. You’ll stay warm, look sharp, and honestly, you might like the fall version even better than the summer one.