How to Dress When the Weather is Unpredictable

September in New York City can be pretty unpredictable when it comes to weather which can make getting dressed for NYFW a challenge. Sometimes we can get fall-like weather pretty quickly after Labor Day, sometimes it can be hotter in the first few weeks of September than it was all summer, and because it’s hurricane season, it can also rain tons.

What’s a fashionista to do?

I teamed up with AccuWeather MinuteCast, minute-by-minute forecast, an app that is pretty much every fashionista’s life saver whether she’s pounding the pavement during NYFW or if she’s in any town, USA plotting on her Sunday brunch ensemble.

Having the AccuWeather MinuteCast, minute-by-minute forecast is a must-have especially during New York Fashion Week. Some days you can be out going from show to show all day and we know how it is in NYC—it can feel super chilly in the morning, unbearably warm by afternoon, and then back to chilly at night. No one wants to be caught out there in a super chic (yet super short) off the shoulder romper when the temps drop 20 degrees.

One of the many things I love about AccuWeather MinuteCast, minute-by-minute forecast is the “RealFeel” index which tells you what the temps really feel like. Things like wind chill factor and being close to the water of course greatly affect what the weather feels like despite what the barometer says. Another thing I love is the MinuteCast feature. Say I have a show at 1 P.M. but then I’m meeting with friends for lunch at 3 P.M. and then I have a show at 5 P.M. followed by a party at 8. I can check the MinuteCast and see if there’s a chance of rain so I know if I need to prolong lunch to avoid getting drenched or run to buy an umbrella. GENIUS!

(And we didn’t even talk about how major this is for hair and makeup, too!)

pics I snapped during Harlem’s Fashion Row at NYFW

So one morning before I headed out to NYFW shows, I snapped some pics to show how you can tweak the same base outfit for whatever NYC in September weather should throw your way.

You know, because sometimes you have a specific outfit in mind that you really want to wear OR you’re a wardrobe minimalist and want to be able to get tons of wear out of your gear. I’ve always been a fan of seasonless pieces ;)

Base outfit

So I’m starting with a cotton top (perfect—a breathable fabric especially up top makes dressing for just about any weather a cinch) and then I love this skirt because not only is it easy to style from season to season with just a few wardrobe tweaks, but it’s one of my fave kinds of pieces: classic with a touch of edge thanks to the split and origami fold.

This base outfit is also great for a day when temps hit 80 and above.

Top: Vince Camuto (plus size option available here) | Skirt: ASOS | Shoes: Forever21 (old) | Shades: boutique in Memphis, Tennessee | Clutch: ASOS (old)

Scenario: Chilly, fall-like weather

Sometimes September can be good to us and be cool and breezy. You can still of course rock the same base outfit, but with a few additions you’ll be ready for actual fall-like temps. I topped it off with a moto jacket (one of my favorite layering pieces for fall) and a pair of statement shoes.

Jacket: MissGuided via Nordstrom (similar here) | Sunglasses: Celine | Shoes: JustFab

Scenario: Oops, it’s going to rain

Hey, it’s bound to rain (thankfully though you’ll know ahead of time with the AccuWeather MinuteCast, minute-by-minute forecast app) so add a cool short-sleeve trench and some closed-toe shoes to protect your from the elements yet still look fashionably chic.

Jacket: Monki (got this on super sale when I was in Stockholm in July!) | Shoes: NineWest (old) | Umbrella: AccuWeather

There—weather-related fashion dilemmas solved for fall. But you know what you need to do, right? Get more info and download the AccuWeather MinuteCast, minute-by-minute forecast app here. You can also follow AccuWeather on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Photos: Nasilele Photography
Hair: Gabrielle Corney

How do you dress for unpredictable weather? Tell me in the comments!

Disclosure: This post was created in sponsorship with AccuWeather. As always all opinions are 100% my own.