Summer Fashion Guide: Melly’s Edits

Late Summer Fashion Style Guide

The end of summer will soon be here! Before too long, we’ll have to wait another year for warm summer days and nights. That’s why it’s the perfect time to take advantage of summer style, from shorts to skirts, fromcasual dresses to fashion tops. 

There’s still some amazing summer fashion out there. From colors to fabrics, every day to special occasion—we’ve built a summer style guide that makes it simple to craft eye-catching looks.

As the season comes to a close, get fashion advice from an expert for transition looks that go from summer to fall! Melly, Head of Design at Chico’s, offers her recommendations for the perfect pieces from the season’s most exciting styles. Let’s talk about end-of-summer must-have colors, fabrics, and accessories!

Melly head of design at chico's
More about Melly: Melly’s official title is VP of Design at Chico’s, and she’s a veteran in the fashion and retail world. She was also a senior instructor at Parsons School of Design in New York.

Summer Colors for August

Summer colors are all around us. Just look at the colors in the sunrise and the sunset—it’s easy to see where designers get their inspiration!

Summer hues undergo a transformation during this time of year. Warm, rich colors are a transition-season standards. Summer greens and blues transition into fall pinks and browns. “New for the season is our rich sable brown color, inspired by the warm landscapes and opulent spice markets of travels through Morocco,” Melly explains. “No need to wait for Fall, our new rich sable color is perfect for high summer and beyond.” 

Solid color dresses with breathable details are a big hit—and they’re perfect for the final days of summer and the beginning of fall. Melly loves Chico’s Poplin Eyelet Midi Dress. This dress comes in an almost-fall sable brown. Plus, it features eyelet details for an end-of-summer touch. 

late summer fashion guide
“Our favorite easy dress silhouette in the new fall forward shade.” – Melly, VP of Design at Chico’s

Summer-to-Fall Denim

The truth is out: you can wear jeans in the summer and the fall! The trick is choosing a style and weight that works for the transitioning seasons. First, pick a looser fit, like wide leg. Thankfully, wide leg denim is one of the big summer fashion hits this year. Also, consider a transition wash in a medium indigo rather than dark or light indigo.

For the perfect transition season wash, Melly suggests Chico’s High Rise Wide Leg Jeans. “A must have addition to your closet, wear our new wide leg jean with sandals now and later with booties,” Melly says. Plus, wide leg denim is super easy to style, and the high-rise fit reduces bulging at the waist. Just add a tee, fashion top, or tank to finish an in-style casual look. 

late summer fashion guide
“Be comfortable and cool in our new wide leg, in a perfect transitional wash.” – Melly, VP of Design at Chico’s

Modern Denim Jackets

Jean jackets are one of those perfect summer-to-fall transition pieces. From July 4th BBQs to Labor Day picnics, denim jackets are all-American favorites. Plus, they’re always in style, whether the fit is classic or modern. 

This season, Melly loves the Short Sleeve Denim Jacket for a two-in-one style with an updated fabric and fit. Made from very soft stretch denim fabric, this topper can also work as a shirt since it’s tapered at the waist. Just add a tank or camisole underneath.

late summer fashion guide
“In a buttery soft wash, it works as a shirt. With our matching jean, it’s chic to wear denim head to toe.” – Melly, VP of Design at Chico’s

Inspired Prints

Prints and details are making a big comeback this time of year. Easy-to-wear knit pieces that have striking style can be perfect for fashionistas who want that wow factor. To get in on this summer fashion trend, Melly recommends going with Chico’s Jacquard Pullover Sweater. This elbow sleeve knit top features crochet details and an eye-catching jacquard print in fall-forward colors.

late summer fashion guide
“In new fall colors, coordinate with white now and indigo when the temperature drops.” – Melly, VP of Design at Chico’s

Late Summer Accessories

Just like print and fabrics, late summer style brings newness to accessories. As the fall approaches, we love earth-tone shoes and earrings made with cool weather materials and unique details.

Transition Season Shoes

When it comes to complementing summer style, fashion sandals reign. Lace-up, thong, ankle strap, mules—they’re all fair game for 2023 summer styling. In the last days of summer, embellished ankle strap heels are making a splash. Maybe it’s because they have crossover appeal that can be styled with pretty much anything—jeans, pants, dresses, or skirts. When it’s put that way, it sounds like they’re a winning choice for summer fashion overall.

For summer to fall crossover style, Melly recommends Chico’s Studded Heels. Available in Melly’s favorite transition color, sable, these embellished suede heels can be styled for late-summer nights and early-fall days, from poolside drinks with the neighbors to breezy al fresco brunches.

late summer fashion guide
“Built-in comfort with all the glamor in a color that complements any outfit.” – Melly, VP of Design at Chico’s

Earthy Earrings

When it comes to adding a final touch, pick accessories that coordinate with a statement color. Also, transitional style means adding different textures and fabrics to your wardrobe, even your earrings and necklaces.

Melly picked our Brown Leather Linear Earrings as the favorite for their accent color and unique materials. Everything about them says it’s almost time to trade tees for sweaters. 

late summer fashion guide
“Light as a feather, no droop dangles.” – Melly, VP of Design at Chico’s

Transitional Summer Style, Simplified

Once you know the fundamentals, picking out new clothes, shoes and accessories for summer is fun and simple. This season, it’s all about fabrics and details. Shop Chico’s for the latest in summer fashion. For more tips on summer fashion styling, check out suggestions for what to wear where: