That dress you lived in all summer? It’s not done yet. The trick is knowing how to layer, texture, and color-shift it for cooler days. Here are five ways to get more mileage out of it before the snow flies.

1. Throw a chunky sweater over it

This is the easiest move in the book. Take a big, oversized knit—something in a warm neutral like oatmeal, rust, or charcoal—and pull it on over your dress. Let the hem of the dress peek out below. If the sweater is long enough, you can even belt it at the waist to keep some shape. A slouchy turtleneck works especially well if your dress has thin straps or a low neckline.

2. Add tights and boots

Swap your sandals for ankle boots or knee-highs, then slide into a pair of opaque tights. Black is foolproof, but don’t sleep on deep burgundy, navy, or forest green. If your dress is light and flowy, a pair of structured leather boots grounds it. If it’s fitted, try a chunkier boot to balance things out. This combo takes you straight through October.

3. Layer a long-sleeve tee or turtleneck underneath

This works best with sleeveless or spaghetti-strap dresses. A thin, fitted turtleneck in a contrasting color—cream under a floral print, or black under something bright—gives you warmth without bulk. Push the sleeves of the tee up a little so they don’t bunch at the wrist. It’s a ’90s look that still feels fresh.

4. Belt it and add a jacket

Moto jacket, denim jacket, cropped blazer—any of these instantly makes a summer dress feel fall-ready. Cinch a wide belt over the dress first to define your waist, then throw the jacket on top. Leave the jacket open so the belt shows. This is the move for dinner or a casual Friday at work.

5. Swap your accessories for autumn textures

Sometimes you don’t need another layer at all. Change your bag to something in suede or dark leather. Trade your straw hat for a felt fedora or a knit beanie. Add a chunky scarf in a plaid or herringbone print. Even your jewelry can shift—swap bright beads for wood, brass, or tortoiseshell. The dress stays the same, but everything around it says fall.

One last tip: if your dress is white or pastel, don’t fight it. Lean into the contrast. A white summer dress with black tights and a heavy cardigan looks intentional, not out of season. The key is committing to the layers.