Hinting at fall with a red poplin maxi dress and a cashmere cardigan.
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September in Kansas City still feels like summer, but there’s a little shift in the air—perfect for pulling out dresses that can handle both afternoon heat and a cool evening. I wore a red poplin maxi dress with spaghetti straps to showcase one way to achieve this in the September issue of Kansas City Homes & Style.
The dress is lightweight, but the poplin gives it structure. Normally a fabric found in button-ups, poplin adds a crispness to a look. And this bright red? A showstopper.
A pair of trendy black mesh flats and a black cashmere-blend cardigan helped this look inch more toward autumn than summer. The flats are breathable and have a little edge— mesh gives the classic Mary Jane a modern update, and they’re surprisingly comfy. The cardigan is perfect for both aggressive AC environments and early fall September days. A sweater draped over the shoulder is an easy and super chic styling choice.
What I love most about this look: it’s just three simple pieces, and boom, you’re out the door.

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Even though I’m ready for cool-weather outfits, I’m milking my summery pieces like this red poplin maxi dress while the weather holds here in KC and adding some elements that make things feel more like fall. Find this look in the September issue of Kansas City Homes and Style.
Linking up with The Fashion Canvas, I Do DeClaire, Style Splash, Is This Mutton, Curated by Jennifer, This Blonde’s Shopping Bag + Doused in Pink, Mummabstylish, and Nancy’s Fashion Style.






I love it! One of my blogger friends titled a post, last chance outfits, and shared outfits she wanted to wear one more time before putting them away till next summer. I love the idea of wearing something summery one last time with a few seasonal adjustments. This dress is beautiful!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Yes! I haven’t quite pulled out my fall clothes, so adding fall-esque elements to summery looks is the way to go!
Ashley!! This is just gorgeous! I love the red dress, but the mesh flats are such a surprise! It’s a classic look but modern!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Aren’t the mesh flats super fun? I’ve been loving wearing them lately! Thank you so much, Marsha!
Love this breezy dress and how you transitioned it nicely into fall! I adore the mesh flats!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine!
I love this look so much, Ashley!! Red is so your color! That black cardigan is beautiful too and so cozy.
Wishing you a wonderful rest of your week!
Make Life Marvelous
The cardigan definitely adds a cozy factor! Thanks, Ashley!
This red is gorgeous on you and I love these mesh flats with it! So chic!
I hope you are having a great week so far!
Amber
Visit AvecAmber.com
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Thank you so much, Amber! Hope you’re having a great weekend!
This red dress is so stunning on you
Thank you, Melody!
I love how you styled this. That red poplin maxi sounds absolutely stunning bold but still practical for the transitional weather. The mix of lightweight dress with the structure of poplin is genius, and pairing it with mesh flats and a cardigan makes it so effortlessly versatile. Three pieces and such a polished look that’s the kind of style inspiration I adore.
Annie,
https://www.anniesfooddiary.com
I’m so glad you liked this look, Annie!
I’ve not seen those shoes before. I love the bold red color.
The shoes are definitely different- they add a fun touch! Thanks, Lux!
waoooww very beautiful dress
Thank you!
This red dress is fabulous on you! I love the mesh flats too! So glad you linked up with Jill and I!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you so much, Kellyann!
You look stunning in this dress, Ashley, and I love the mesh ballet flats.
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Aren’t the flats super fun? I’m digging them, too! Thank you!
So pretty! Red is definitely your color! Love the necklace too!
Thank you, Laura! Hope you’re having a good weekend!
I love the dress! Red looks so good on you! The mesh shoes are fab too. Thanks for linking!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you so much, Emma!
You can always get wear out of a classic black cardigan Great outfit, too! x/Madison
Let’s Autumn on FASHION TALES
Definitely agree- a good black cardigan works with almost everything!
Nice red long dress for Fall season and the flats are so cute. Great outfit.
Thank you!
Such lovely dress!!!
Totally love it, and I can understand why you want to try to wear until the last warm day!
Of course you’ve found the perfect way to style it for the middle season, this outfit really suit you!
XO
S
https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com
Thank you so much, S!
Classic! The red and black combo is a match made in clothing heaven and those mesh flats are a nice touch. It’s not something you see daily and I love how different it is. A great way to stand out for sure in a good way.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I’m so glad you like it, Maureen! I think it was a fun combo, too.
You look so pretty.
Thank you, Hena!
The red and black combination is so stunning. And I love your shoes.
XOOX
Jodie
Lindo vestido. te mando un beso.
This color and fit is so cute on you and I LOVE those shoes!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
It’s a good transition to the real sweater weather. I also love to wear the summer clothes as long as possible.
The dress is gorgeous!!
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
Wowza! You look gorgeous! I’m still wearing summer outfits and our weather here in southern Ontario is warm and sunny!
❤️carmen
https://fashionableover50.wordpress.com
Oh WOW, a red poplin dress what is not to love. What a gorgeous dress and it looks so good on you. And a cashmere sweater is the perfect choice and the mesh flats are a nice touch. Just love this look here!
Allie of
http://www.alliemyc.com
Beautiful.
rsrue.blogspot.com
These mesh flats are wonderful and go perfectly with that red dress. You’re the real woman in red!
xoxo
http://www.marisasclosetblog.com
This look is giving dinner date, for Valentine. Effortless red dress.
http://www.benitajames.com
This is such a gorgeous look! You look beautiful in red! And I love it paired with black – those mesh flats are adorable!
Jill – Doused in Pink
That red is absolutely stunning! Pairing the bright poplin with the cozy cardigan is the perfect transition look. And those mesh flats are so chic!
This dress is great on you! Love the red color on you 🙂
https://www.mariannyc.com/5-pumpkin-patches-to-visit-in-new-york-this-fall/