by Buckytat

Created on: October 20, 2010

Fall is here but warm weather will come and go for the next month.  Instead of immediately storing all of your summer clothes, make the most of your wardrobe by transitioning your summer pieces into fall ensembles. 

Here are some 'rules of thumb' to remember while following transition tips. 

Cover about 1/4 more skin that you do in the summer.  If you go short on the bottom, go with long sleeves.  If you want to bare your arms, consider long pants or a maxi skirt.  Color and material make a difference.  Layer, layer, layer!  Balance light summery colors (like pastels and white) with darker, bolder colors (like cobalt blue, black, rust and gold.)  Good news, camel is an 'in' color this fall season, thus the perfect transitional color!  Pair a few summer items with a couple of fall essentials and you will have the perfect ‘summer to fall’ wardrobe.

Top transition:                                                                                                                                  

Shrugs or denim jackets- Great for adding to any maxi dress or capri and tank combo.  Keep the freedom of your summer look but block the breezes with a lightweight jacket or shrug.  DO NOT wear denim with denim unless you have a spectacular eye for color combinations.

Cardigans or thin sweaters for layering-  No matter what style you prefer when it comes to these layering options, your choice will look fabulous with tanks, T's and collared button-downs for cooler days.  However, this is only fall so keep your layers thin.

Pair light scarves with short sleeves or tanks. 

Bottom transition:

Boots-  If you prefer to show leg, pair boots with shorts, capris and short skirts.  The higher the hemline, the taller the boots need to be.  Don't wear ankle boots with an uber-mini!  That would call for an over the knee boot.  With capris and shorts,  try a cute pair of booties with a colorful pair of ankle socks for a fun everyday look.

Sandals/flip-flops-  If you like freedom for your feet then keep bottoms long and continue to bare your feet with sandals and flip-flops for as long as you dare into the cooler seasons.  White is also okay for fall but don't wear white sandals with a white outfit....that's summer overkill!

Tights or leggings- A colored pair of tights or plain leggings will pull any summer outfit together while keeping your legs warm.  Consider an all black outfit-black top and knee length or above skirt or shorts- with cobalt blue tights, sash and/or headband.  Sensational!

Follow these tips, remember the rules of thumb and you will get more mileage out of your wardrobe than you ever imagined for this unpredictable season!

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