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Five simple ways to take your summer wardrobe into fall.

Labor Day has come and gone, and while summer isn’t officially over for a few more weeks, it’s time to start thinking about fall style. But if the weather still calls for shorts, how do you get a little autumn in your closet?

Simple.

photo via Banana Republic

1. Color. Summer is all about saturated, bright colors; for fall, pair those shades with classic dark neutrals, or replace them with jewel tones. Try turquoise and brown or gray and orange. And pink — especially fuschia — goes perfectly with black.

2. Texture. Fall is all about texture. Wear light summer tops with more structured skirts in heavier fabrics, like a wool blend or thick cotton, or — weather permitting — layer light pieces under a jacket with some substance. Herringbone is a classic, but plaid is back for Fall 2010.

3. Layers. Adding layers is an easy way to move your summery pieces into fall. Pair a light sundress with a simple cardigan and ballet flats (rather than sandals). Or add a substantial belt and a pair of boots to the same dress — no tights needed — for an easy cool weather look that won’t leave you sweating.

4. Accessories. Too hot for a jacket? Try a lightweight scarf instead, in a jewel tone or a classic fall plaid. Or pile on big, dramatic jewelry — fall’s more substantial silhouette is the perfect background for layered necklaces and bracelets, and adding them to a basic jeans-and-tee outfit gives it an easy cool weather vibe.

5. Handbag. Technically, your handbag is an accessory, but if you’re like me, it’s so much more than that. Fall calls for a more substantial, more structured bag; it’s time to put away the bright colors and light fabrics. Ellington has a delicious selection of leather totes and purses, in beautiful colors and classic neutrals, that will carry you (and all your stuff) from Labor Day to Memorial Day.

What’s your favorite fall transition strategy? Other than moving to a place where the weather is tights-appropriate in early September, of course. (Although I am willing to entertain that as an option, just so you know.)

9 Comments so far

Perfect! Move to Boston and you’ll be easing into fall right now. (The leaves are starting to turn!)

OMG, usually in MN in September, it’s bright and sunny and warm (even hot) still. Last night a cold front moved in and we currently have 55 degrees, clouds, and a 50 mph wind. I am not joking. This–for the first day of school and a VERY chilly bus stop!

So, fall clothes are a timely topic for me (even though it will probably be in the 80s again before too long, for awhile).

I almost put on boots with my black twill straight skirt this a.m., but went with bare legs and cute skimmer flats instead. (Brrrr…I was cold at that bus stop.) And I wore a great scarf—that orange one from Old Navy you featured the other week!–to punch up a basic long-sleeved white T.

As for a bag, I went with an iffy choice this year, but one I’m happy with. Every summer I carry my beloved J. Crew canvas tote. But it is pink and navy and has a flip-flop-printed lining. It is really a beach bag, I think, but I use it for ALL my stuff, and love it. But it’s not fall-appropriate. Usually I switch to my navy or brown leather handbags after Labor Day. But this year I ordered a Land’s End fall tote–their smallest, handbag-like size–in cream with bright gold trim. It’s autumnal in its own way–the yellowy gold–but still pretty bright. It fits my SAHM-preppy-casual style. My only complaint is that the straps are not long enough to go over a shoulder. Just over my arm or in my hand.

Tights totally would have been an option today, but I went for khaki’s and a long sleeve shirt. (damn work)
I love wearing jeans again, that has to be the best part of fall for me. Second is scarves. I put off wearing winter coats too early by wearing large scarves. Read somewhere that is how French women do it, and well, I think it is brilliant. They work great in the office when the temp is off or to dress up a plain t-shirt style top. I also keep one around for the lab, because it is always so cold.

I am ready for fall! I have a stylish, lightweight turquoise jacket (bought with the Macy’s card I won here!) and I am almost finished knitting myself a cardigan. Now I just need the weather to cooperate. September in LA means it is 80 instead of 90. Except when it is 90.

Opaque tights make the summer to fall transition so easy. And I do live in Seattle and it’s very much tights weather today.

It has to be all color palette change for me - at least until the temperature matches the season. Out with the hot pink, in with the army greens, wines and greys.

And, yes, accessories are key - I’m about to switch over to my new burnt orange suede bag (thank you, Mr. Kors). Off with you, woven straw! See ya later, sandals! Be gone!

Now if only I could get it cold enough for my new military jacket DYING to make it’s debut… {sigh}

My strategy consists of shorts to jeans and flip flops to flats. Otherwise it’s whatever is clean and looks decent. I’m not good at fashion in cold weather–here in northern Iowa it gets really cold!

How’s the training going? I’ve got a half this Saturday which I am really looking forward to. Much more manageable to train for than the full marathon.

Susan: check the scarf you recommended I buy!

http://mamainwonderland.blogspot.com/2010/09/first-day-of-school.html

Thanks for the style advice, lady!

As a New Yorker by birth, southerner by the grace of God’s ironic sense of humor, I spend the Summer months literally counting the days until Fall. We’re JUST NOW getting into the upper 80’s/low 90’s with lower humidity and it truly feels sexual compared to what our Summer was like. This is Columbia, SC, btw, aka the Seventh Circle of Hell. I’ve been buying up every Fall issue of every magazine out there and while slowly transitioning from shorts & capri’s to cropped pants and 3/4 length sleeved shirts but it will be another month before I can get into boots, tights and sweaters. Glorious October.

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