There’s a moment as we hit mid-September when you step outside in the morning and realize the air has finally shifted. The humidity is easing up, the light feels softer, and suddenly your summer uniform doesn't cut it anymore. Early fall is tricky—it's not quite sweater weather, but shorts feel a little too optimistic. The key is layering strategically with pieces that can handle both ends of the thermometer in a single day.

Think about versatility: a breathable jacket that works over a tee or a lightweight henley, pants that are soft and relaxed but don't feel summery, and shoes that can handle a damp sidewalk without looking too heavy. You want an outfit that looks sharp, feels effortless and adapts to cooler evenings just as easily as it does to warmer afternoons. Here's a lineup of smart picks that, together, give you a foolproof early fall uniform.