There’s that one dress. The one you wore to every picnic, every beach day, and that one dinner where you laughed too loud. The cotton feels like a second skin, and the print just screams sunshine. But now the mornings have that crisp bite, and the sun dips earlier. Don’t you dare shove it to the back of the closet. That dress has more life left, and fall is just a styling game. Here’s how you keep the party going without freezing your shoulders off.

1. Throw a Turtleneck Underneath
This is the old reliable, but you have to do it right. Think of your dress as a skirt with a top attached. Pick a thin, ribbed knit turtleneck in a creamy ivory or a deep chocolate brown. Let the sleeves peek out past the dress’s sleeve hem. If your dress has a lower neckline, no problem. The turtleneck fills that space like it was meant to be there. The trick is to keep the layers sleek—no baggy sweaters under strappy sundresses. It smooths out the transition and instantly gives that “I planned this outfit” vibe.

2. Belt It and Add a Chunky Cardigan
Summer dresses often hang loose or flare out. Fall is all about structure. Grab a wide leather belt and cinch it right at your natural waist. Suddenly, that flowy floral piece looks like a sophisticated tunic. Then, layer a long, open-front cardigan over it—something with a bit of weight, like a cable knit or a brushed wool blend. The belt keeps your silhouette defined, while the cardigan adds the warmth and texture that fall craves. Leave the cardigan unbuttoned, so the dress’s pattern still gets its moment in the spotlight.

3. Swap the Sandals for Knee-High Boots
Feet are where the season changes the most. Flip-flops won’t cut it, but that doesn’t mean your dress has to go. Slip on a pair of suede or leather knee-high boots with a low heel. The dress’s hem should sit right at, or slightly above, the top of the boot shaft. This keeps your legs covered and breaks up the skin exposure, making the whole look feel grounded for cooler weather. If you’re feeling bold, add a pair of opaque tights in a rusty orange or a dark forest green underneath. The boots do the heavy lifting, but the tights add that extra layer of coziness.

4. Layer a Denim Jacket and a Scarf
This one’s for the days that start warm and end chilly. A classic, slightly oversized denim jacket is your best bridge between seasons. Wear it open or buttoned halfway, depending on the temp. The key here is the scarf. Not a light silk one—a thick, chunky knit scarf or a soft plaid blanket scarf. Wear it draped over the jacket’s collar, not wrapped tightly. The volume of the scarf contrasts nicely with the flowy fabric of the dress. It adds that autumnal weight without making you look like you’re drowning in fabric. And if the sun comes out, just whip the scarf off and tie it around your bag.

5. Go for a Long Blazer and Sneakers
Forget the structured, stiff blazers—that’s for boardrooms. Look for a blazer that falls past your hips, with a bit of drape. Wool or tweed works perfectly. Wear it over your summer dress with the sleeves rolled up to your forearm. Then, put on a pair of clean white or cream leather sneakers. This combination hits that sweet spot of polished and relaxed. The blazer gives the dress a more tailored, serious look, while the sneakers keep it fun and unpretentious. It’s the kind of outfit you can wear to a coffee meet-up and then to a casual dinner without feeling over or underdressed.

So before you pack away that beloved dress, give it a new season. A few layers and the right shoes can turn a summer staple into your autumn favorite. It just takes a little thinking outside the sandal.