Lifestyle of a Fashionista

Volume 5: Issue 8: August 2026

“A positive attitude and a sense of humor go together like biscuits and gravy.” Dolly Parton

Back to School

It’s time to sharpen your pencils. Labor Day is on Monday, September 7th. The kids are back in school and summer vacation is over. The first day of fall is September 22nd, and the summer temperatures are lingering. September weather is not quite conducive to a full fall wardrobe. You can start to wear your favorite fall pieces with some summer staples.

Tennis anyone?

The U.S. Open is in full swing (pun intended), running from August 30 to September 13. Sporty clothes have been trending all year, these pieces are perfect for summer to fall weather. Tenniscore dressing pops up around the big tennis tournaments. September is a good month to wear tennis-core clothes like polo shirts, white sneakers, cable-knit cardigans, and baseball hats.

If you want to dress for tennis:

From Elle: 5 ELLE Editor-Approved Outfits to Wear While Watching the US Open

The Polo Shirt

For men:

From GQ: 17 Polo Shirts Under $150 That’ll Make Your T-Shirts Jealous. The sweater/knit polos are perfect for summer to fall weather changes.

For women:

From Glamour (May 2026): Preppy Short-Sleeve Polo Shirts Are Replacing All My Tees This Summer

From Who What Wear: Dad Hats and Jeans Are Cool, But This Dad-Shirt Trend Is What Will Be Everywhere This Fall (long-sleeve polos)

Windbreakers and Track Jackets:

Another sporty, trendy item for September is the windbreaker.

From Wirecutter: The Best Men’s and Women’s Rain Jackets and Raincoats

For women (dress it up) From Glamour: How to Style a Windbreaker This Fall Without Looking Too Sporty

What would Dolly do (and wear)?

There is a reason why Dolly Parton’s death has been all over your news feeds and social media sites. People loved Dolly Parton, not just for her music. She was celebrated for her charity work and her attitude about life. The phrase, “What would Dolly do?”, came from fans, journalists, and country musicians who used it as an informal moral yardstick. The reason it became popular is because it reflects her public persona of radical kindness, self-made business savvy, humor, and inclusivity. Even if you aren’t a fan of Dolly, you can be a fan of the way she lived her live, and try to be kind to others.

From Vogue: “I’m Not a Fashion Icon—I’m an Eyesore!”: Revisiting Dolly Parton’s Six Fashion Rules

Don’t follow trends

“I never cared what other people did, and I never cared what other people said about what I wore. It was more important that I be comfortable in my own clothes and in my own self. I couldn’t afford to be fashionable, and I wasn’t smart enough to follow those trends—nor did I have the time to do it. I was more interested in my music and in my work.”

I know this is an odd choice to share on my blog as I write about trends. I share trends, but I encourage everyone to wear what you love, trendy or not.

Read: 12 Dolly Parton Documentaries and Movies to Celebrate the Country Superstar’s Life

On Netflix: Celebrate Dolly Parton’s Lasting Legacy with These Movies and Series

Notes on Watching

To see lists of new, returning, and noteworthy movies and series, read: https://lifestyleofafashionista.com/2026/09/02/notes-on-watching-15/

Events

Labor Day on September 7th (Look out for good shopping deals around the weekend)

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on September 14th

Autumnal Equinox on September 22nd (First day of fall, equal hours of day and night)