Just because summer is coming to an end doesn't mean we have to start all over with a new fall wardrobe. Believe it or not, there are pieces in your summer wardrobe right now that will help transition you into fall, look great in both seasons, and actually save you money by double dipping! Stacy London, “Today” fashion expert and co-host of TLC's “What Not To Wear,” presents the key pieces for both seasons.
We all want wardrobe items that give us a certain amount of bang for our buck. By choosing certain pieces this summer, you can extend the value of your clothing by choosing pieces that do double-duty and will easily transition into great looks for fall.
Cotton knit sweater
Summer
Cashmere and wool, unless they are very thin-ply, are really more for fall and winter. That's why a great cotton knit really comes in handy in the summertime. It's a great layering piece for cooler evenings in the summer or when they blast the air conditioning in mega-movie theaters. It would even look great as a cover-up for a swimsuit at the beach. And I love violet colors on red heads! Sweater: H&M, $16.90; shorts: Old Navy, $26.50
FallBut this sweater still has what I call a “transitional” or “neutral” weight to it — meaning that while it's light enough to wear in summer, it's substantial enough to wear into fall. By wearing it with lighter and fewer pieces, it works for summer. Instead of shorts pair it with the skinny jeans of the season and high boots, giving you that “Ali McGraw in Love Story” look. Adding accessories like a knit scarf and cap make this sweater perfect for fall. Sweater: H&M, $16.90; jeans: Mossimo for Target, $24.99
Denim mini
SummerDenim is another fabric that is multi-seasonal. And the mini has been a major focus this summer and continues into fall. A denim mini is a no-brainer in your summer wardrobe. It's great with a tee or a tank or even a fancier blouse. The canvas wedges breathe well in the heat. And try a small heel. A tight mini can look very vulgar and vampy if you pair it with high heels for day. Keep the heel height lower to look trendy, not trashy this summer. Shirt: Zara, $29; tank top: Urban Outfitters, $12; denim skirt: J.Crew, $78
FallLayering is a major trend this fall and that's what makes a mini skirt so diverse. Add leggings (big Trend for fall!), a great sweater and coat and the look can carry you through most of winter. You could easily pair the skirt with a flat boot, ballet slipper or pointy toe flat. Note: a word about leggings — they have also been a trend this summer and continue into the fall. However, I don't recommend wearing them as pants. They are a layering piece. Most real women cannot pull the look off well. This trend was started by Edie Sedgwick and Sienna Miller, who plays Edie in an upcoming movie. Instead of leggings, try a skinny trouser or jean. It will be infinitely more flattering and look a lot less like you are going to ballet class instead of work! Shirt: Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $19.99; denim skirt: J.Crew, $78
Black capris
Summer
A cotton canvas trouser (in any color) is a great wardrobe staple year-round in any closet. Most people don't realize how versatile a length it can be. A shorter pant is associated with summer. Add a great blouse and some cool sneakers and you've got a great weekend look. Scarf: Echo, $25; shirt: Parameter, $175; black capris: Club Monaco, $79
FallBut add a sweater vest, jacket and some heels and the same pant has a polished and professional look. A shorter length pant with a rounded toe heel has a modern retro feeling that works well for fall and gives a whole new life to the trouser. Vest: Anthropologie, $68; black capris: Club Monaco, $79
The dress
Summer
The dress has been a major piece for the last few seasons and every woman should own a range for day and evening. Microfiber and cotton dresses made a big splash this summer, but you're going to see them continue into fall. Part of the reason is that the weight of the material is so versatile for different temperatures. Dress: Forever 21, $27.80
FallWhile it may have been a fashion faux pas in seasons past to mix lighter weight materials with much heavier ones, it is a big trend for fall. Mixing a lighter weight dress with a colored, patterned stocking and boots or high heel platforms is a must this season. Or layer a dress over a thin knit turtleneck. It's about mixing opposite elements into the same outfit to exaggerate their effect. Jacket: Lucky Brand Jeans, $298; shirt: Express, $39.50; dress: Forever 21, $27.80