As the weather gets colder, you might consider packing away your summer clothes. But why not work last season's favorites into your autumn wardrobe? With a few key additions and some clever styling tricks, you can wear many of your pieces through the fall and even into winter. And the best news? You can do it all on a budget. Alison Deyette of stylebakery.com pinpoints how to get more use out of your summer collection:
Summer piece: Printed dress (Banana Republic), sling back black peep toe pumps (Fashion Bug)Style it for fall: Chunky knit cardigan (Fashion Bug, $32.99), wide belt, black tights (DKNY), peep toe pumps
Printed dresses were a summer staple this year, worn with sandals and bare legs. The good news is, you don’t have to retire yours from your wardrobe until the weather warms up again – just add a pair of tights and a belted chunky knit cardigan and you can wear your dress all year round. Peep toe pumps were another hot summer trend. Wear yours through the fall with tights – just be sure to tuck any visible seams underneath your toes.
Summer piece: Menswear vest (The GAP, $49.50)Style it for fall: White tie neck button down (Marshall's, $49.99), knee high boots (ECCOUSA.COM $200) and skinny jeans, burgundy patent handbag (Anthropologie.com)
As worn by our favorite celebrities, the menswear vest was a hot trend this summer, and luckily it returns for the fall. We paired it with a long tie-neck feminine button down, skinny jeans and knee high boots for a chic menswear-meets-equestrian look. Skinny jeans tucked into knee high boots helps balance body proportions.
Summer piece: Floral skirt (Liz Claiborne, $99), gray silk blouse (Liz Claiborne, $79)Style it for fall: Black turtleneck and burgundy textured tights (DKNY), pumps, structured black patent tote
Floral skirts are a summer favorite worn with everything from tanks and tees to lightweight cardigans. Short sleeve blouses are also a summer staple. We gave both of these summery items a second life by layering a turtleneck underneath the blouse and wearing opaque tights to keep legs covered. A skinny patent belt and chic pumps pull the whole look together, creating a look that’s perfect for the office.
Summer piece: Sheer feminine blouse (Fashion Bug, $27)Style it for fall: Pastille purple plaid trench coat (Lane Bryant, $79.50), dark denim jeans (Lane Bryan, $39.50), gray suede booties (KOHL’S, $59.99)
A short sleeve sheer feminine blouse can be worn long after Labor Day when used as a layering piece. We paired ours under a chic cropped plaid belted “trench” that easily subs for a traditional blazer. Plaid is a huge hit for Fall plus this jacket will work well into November. Dark denim jeans and stylish gray booties complete the look.
Summer piece: Short sleeve cropped jacket (TJ MAXX, $19.99)Style it for fall: Red turtleneck (KOHL’S, $40) and tweed wide leg pants (TJ MAXX, $29.99), brown suede boots (ECCO from Dillard's, $200), clutch (Elezar)
A short sleeve cropped jacket was a big trend this past spring and summer, paired with everything from jeans to dresses. The perfect piece for air-conditioned offices and dinner dates. No need to shelve yours for fall — just layer a turtleneck or thin long sleeve top underneath to make it appropriate for chillier temperatures. We paired ours with a wide leg tweed pant — another big fall trend which also helps to add some warmth to the look.
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