The end of August has always felt like a natural turning point for me. Maybe it’s because my birthday falls on August 26, 1958—right in the middle of back-to-school season. Growing up, my mom and I had a tradition: shopping trips that felt like little adventures, and looking back, they were my first lessons in reinvention. When life feels like a closet clean-out, those memories remind me that change is exciting, not scary.
This post is part of my Life Beyond Style series, where I share reflections that go deeper than outfits—about reinvention, resilience, and rewriting our own stories. If you missed the first essay, Life Beyond Style: Rewriting the Script is a great place to start.
We’d head to the mall (back when malls were THE place to go), try on outfits, and I’d inevitably fall in love with something I just had to have. One year it was a pink mohair sweater and a suede wraparound skirt. I remember staring at it in the bag all the way home, counting down the days until the temperatures dipped low enough to wear it.
The afternoon always ended with lunch, and my mom—never one to pass on nostalgia—would order us chocolate Cokes. It was her little throwback to her own childhood, and it felt like a rite of passage for me. Shopping bags at our feet, sticky-sweet soda in our hands, and the promise of a new season ahead.
That tradition stuck with me. And even now, decades later, late August still feels like a reset button.
Transitions in the Closet, Transitions in Life
Back then, it was all about the thrill of new clothes for a new school year. Today, it’s about transitioning my wardrobe from summer to fall—but the feeling is the same. Optimism. Freshness. The sense that change is on the horizon.
And if you’ve been around here long enough, you know I always treat this season like a closet clean-out. Not just because my wardrobe demands it, but because life does too.
If you’ve ever stared at a closet full of clothes and thought, I have nothing to wear, you know the overwhelm. Too many pieces jammed together. Too much clutter to see clearly. And it’s the same with life. When I let things pile up—old routines, obligations, even outdated expectations—I lose sight of what actually fits me now.
If you’re looking for practical tips, don’t miss my posts on wardrobe detox and the summer-to-fall closet reset. I also filmed a YouTube walkthrough so you can see the whole process in action.
Because here’s the truth: when we clean out the closet, we’re really practicing for the bigger transitions in life.
A Denim Skirt and a Lesson in Change
Today’s outfit is my own little nod to transition: a button-front denim skirt that feels timeless, paired with a printed blouse in late-summer hues. The look is still light enough for August but hints at fall with suede slingbacks and a camel tote.
Here’s what it teaches me: change doesn’t have to happen all at once. Just like moving from sandals to suede shoes, life shifts can happen one small step at a time.
Holding On, Letting Go
I think back to that pink mohair sweater and suede skirt and smile. At the time, those pieces felt like treasures I’d wear forever. But like everything else, they had their season.
Life is the same way. We hold on to habits, relationships, or routines long past their expiration date because it’s easier than letting go. But when we do make space—whether in our closet or our calendar—the new always arrives.
That’s what a clean-out really is: not loss, but making room for better.
Beth’s Style Tip
When transitioning your wardrobe—or your life—don’t try to do it all at once. Start with one swap:
- Trade straw totes for suede handbags.
- Layer a denim skirt with fall textures.
- Add warm accessories like gold hoops or camel slingbacks.
Small swaps = sustainable change.
FAQs
Q: Can I wear denim skirts past August?
Absolutely. Denim is a year-round fabric. In fall, pair it with boots, blazers, and cozy knits.
Q: How do I know when it’s time to let something go?
If it doesn’t fit, flatter, or reflect who you are now—it’s time.
Q: What’s the fastest way to refresh a wardrobe without replacing everything?
Accessories. Switch handbags, shoes, and jewelry before buying new clothes.
Q: I get overwhelmed by closet edits. Where should I begin?
Start small. Ten minutes, one drawer, one rack. Momentum builds from there. Add a good playlist and a glass of wine! Works every time.
A Challenge for You
This week, I challenge you to clean out something. A closet. A drawer. A commitment that doesn’t serve you anymore. Because every time we let go, we create more space for the life—and the style—that fits us now.
And if you need a little encouragement? Remember that pink mohair sweater and suede skirt. My mom taught me back then that the best part of change isn’t what you give up—it’s the joy of stepping into what comes next, preferably with a chocolate Coke in hand.
xo,
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