by Laura Milligan
Whether you’re sad to see the lazy days of summer pass you by or psyched for fall’s marathon of holidays and back-to-school shopping trips, the wardrobe transition from summer to fall is a challenge unto itself. End-of-summer sales trap you into adding to your warm-weather wardrobe while tricky weather patterns make it impossible to dress comfortably until fall officially settles in.
The secret lies in figuring out the balance between saving a couple of your favorite summer pieces — like tank tops, shorts or sundresses — as you experiment with fall accessories and newer basics that will come to dominate your look for the next couple of months.
“Keep out your favorite summer dresses and pair them with a jacket and boots,” recommends writer Alex Seifert, a Texas native who recently moved to Ithaca, NY. “Or throw on some tights and flats under dresses, and you’re good to go.”
Depending on where you live, you’re going to have different challenges for outsmarting the changing seasons, but keep in mind these general tips:
• Accessories are your new best friend. This is the optimum time to play with tights, socks, knee highs and leggings before you settle into a “look” for fall and winter. Try bolder colors to mimic the lighter, sunshine-y mood of Indian summer and complement your summer brights.
• Scarves. Keep an array of scarves handy – including lightweight cotton and heavier, wooly scarves – to pile on over tank tops and cardigans as the weather shifts from balmy to blustery.
• Boots or booties: September might still be too hot in your part of the country for over-the-knee boots, but you can be strategic about transitioning to fall footwear. Trade out your gladiator sandals for booties, which will anchor miniskirts and cocktail dresses without making your legs sweat.
• Keep your basics light and cool, and carry heavier layers for later. If you hate freezing in the morning and burning up all afternoon, stick to tank tops and lightweight trousers that you can add chunky cardigans or pashminas to in order to stay comfortable.
• Fall handbag. You’ll need a new fall handbag with plenty of pockets and storage space as you tote your umbrella, cardigans and scarves around with you. Try experimenting with bright colors like deep orange, olive, or plum instead of traditional brown or black.
Rachel Bilson: An expert at staying comfy and stylish during LA's spotty seasonal transition. Photo credit: ShopStyle
Michelle Williams' transitioning smoothly with her boots. Photo credit: Camp Comfort
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