I find myself standing in front of my closet perplexed on the mornings my weather app is telling me it is going to be 77 degrees and yet, it's September. Isn't this when I should start wearing more layers and bulky sweaters? It's true, I'm incorporating those pieces into looks when I can, but when it's feeling like a hot (soon to be) fall day outside, I'm gravitating toward my summer outfit options. But making these items of clothing appear fashion forward for fall is all part of the fun challenge!

In this last post of my Back to Fall Basics series, I'm talking about how to wear every lady's favorite summer go-to: the maxi dress during the fall. It's light, it's versatile and appropriate for so many different occasions.

Why I've struggled with wearing maxi dresses in the fall before is finding a style that is on trend with color palette and style.

I lucked out when I spotted this Jolie Ivory and Pink Floral Maxi Dress from Verity that encapsulates all of my favorite trends this season. While a floral pattern is often more suited for spring or summer on a maxi, this pattern is perfect for fall due to the rich hues of red, burnt orange and olive green. I also love the front wrap around tie that adds subtle detailing to the entire look.

This dress is extremely lightweight and perfect for hot days that require no need for layering. However, on cooler days I already have plans for how I want to style it: I'm thinking of layering it with my new army green military zip-up jacket or a lightweight sweater over the top.

For this look, I wanted to compliment my dress by keeping things simple but more dressed up for an evening look. My black Steve Madden peep-toe wedge heels were my shoe of choice for this look because they add some height (when you're 5'1 wearing a maxi dress it helps, trust me) and are extremely comfortable and stylish. For accessorizing, I threw on my rag&bone black floppy hat -- a perfect fall staple that compliments this outfit nicely. A hat is truly one of the best accessories you can wear this season!

I am also wearing my Seoul Little West Coast dainty gold necklace that actually makes quite a statement due to this dress' deeper neckline. This necklace has been my favorite to wear because it is so subtle and yet, it's such a fun ode to where I get to call home (and part of my blog name).

This outfit is truly a day to evening look and it's all thanks to this maxi! While summer items can be a struggle to wear in later seasons, it's all about how you decide to style these pieces in a way that they appear different when playing up season's individual trends and style. There's no such thing as a "one season only" item in my wardrobe.