September Style: Outfit Ideas for When You’re Between Seasons
By Maren — Home cook energy. Not chef energy. Let's make something good with what you've got. ·
Transitioning Your Wardrobe Without Losing Your Mind
If you’re anything like me, September is a weird time of year. In Minneapolis, the air starts getting that crisp, apple-cider-morning bite, but by 2:00 PM, the sun is still acting like it’s mid-July. My sourdough starter, Gary, seems to be thriving in the cooler temps—he’s getting bubbly and active again—but my closet? It’s having a full-blown identity crisis.
As a middle school teacher, I’m back in the classroom, which means I need outfits that can handle a day of standing on linoleum floors, grading papers, and maybe—if I’m lucky—sneaking home to whip up a batch of something comforting before the sun goes down. I don’t have time for complex fashion rules. I need "home cook energy" for my clothes: reliable, comfortable, and made from the stuff I already have.
Here is how I’m navigating the September transition without buying a whole new wardrobe.
The “Ingredient List” Approach to Your Closet
Think of your closet like your pantry. You don’t need a fancy new grocery haul to make a good meal; you just need to know how to combine your staples. When I’m putting together an outfit, I look for three things: texture, weight, and ease. If I can’t move in it, I’m not cooking in it, and I’m definitely not teaching in it.
My go-to formula right now is the "Layering Sandwich." It’s the fashion equivalent of a really good grilled cheese: bread (the base), cheese (the layer), and more bread (the outer layer).
Outfit Idea 1: The Teacher-to-Kitchen Uniform
This is my absolute favorite for those days where I’m teaching until 3:30 and then heading straight into a recipe testing session.
Start with a high-quality cotton midi skirt or wide-leg trousers—something that feels like pajamas but looks like you put in effort. Pair it with a slim, ribbed tank top. Here’s the key: throw an oversized, slightly worn-in flannel or a thrifted denim shirt over the top, but keep it unbuttoned.
Why it works: When the school building gets that weird afternoon heat, the flannel comes off. When I get home and start chopping veggies for dinner, the sleeves roll up easily and stay put. It’s practical, it’s cute, and it’s basically bulletproof.
Outfit Idea 2: The "Sunday Morning Sourdough" Aesthetic
We all have that one pair of oversized linen pants we bought in July. Don’t pack them away yet! September is the perfect time to give them a second life.
I like to pair mine with a heavier knit—think a slightly chunky, oversized sweater that’s seen better days (or one you stole from your partner’s drawer). Tuck just the front of the sweater into the waistband of the linen pants. Add some clogs or those beat-up leather loafers you keep by the door.
It feels like a Sunday morning, even if it’s a chaotic Wednesday. It’s soft, it’s cozy, and if you happen to get a little flour on your sleeve while feeding Gary, it just looks like you’re a professional baker.
Outfit Idea 3: The Midi-Dress Hack
If you have a floral summer midi dress that feels a little too "vacation-mode" for September, don’t donate it. Just change the silhouette.
Take a cropped, fitted sweater and wear it over the dress. If the sweater is a bit too long, tuck the hem up into your bra strap to create a faux-crop effect. Suddenly, your summer dress looks like a skirt, and you’ve got a cozy outfit that’s perfect for a chilly classroom or a walk to the farmer’s market. Throw on some ankle boots, and you’re set.
A Note on Comfort (and Why It Matters)
I’ve spent a lot of time in my grandmother’s kitchen, and she always taught me that if you’re uncomfortable, you’re not going to be present. That’s true for cooking, and it’s true for getting dressed. If you’re constantly tugging at a hemline or adjusting a strap, you aren’t enjoying your day.
My wardrobe philosophy is simple: if I can’t bend over to pull a heavy cast-iron skillet out of the bottom oven drawer without my outfit fighting me, it’s not staying in the rotation.
Keep It Simple, Friends
At the end of the day, style is just another way of showing up for yourself. You don’t need to follow the trends or break the bank. Just find the pieces that make you feel like you—the version of you that loves good food, good company, and a cozy kitchen.
What are you reaching for in your closet lately? Do you have a "uniform" that gets you through the school year, or are you still trying to figure out how to dress for this weird, in-between weather? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what’s working for you (and maybe steal a few ideas for myself).
Stay cozy, and happy cooking!