Now & Later: Wardrobe Transitioning 101

Katie Holmes, Lily Allen & Kate Moss wearing shorts & tights on People.com

Fall is synonymous with shopping for new, transitional wardrobe items, but maybe we can skip some of the shopping? 

With the arrival of the fall season, many of us tend to re-arrange our closets, relegating our summer clothing towards the back and bringing the darker hues forward. 

But as temperatures fluctuate, it is possible to continue making good use of summer favorites with just a little bit of thought and flexibility. 

With the state of the economy, Dawn Del Russo, fashion expert and author of 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle (as told to The Costco Connection, September 2012 edition) advises: "It would be a shame to go and buy new clothing just for fall and then possibly not get to wear it because there's a sudden unexpected hot spell.  Better to save your money and splurge on solid winter pieces like boots or a coat instead of buying in-between clothing you don't necessarily need to have."

So here are some tips to extend the life of your summer wardrobe as outlined in The Costco Connection by Rachel Stafler, a fashion and beauty freelance writer:

Don't be short on shorts:  Keep shorts long into fall by wearing them with tights.  Legwear is also key to transitioning summer skirts and dresses into fall.  Look for shimmering metallics and geometric prints.  "You can completely transform your look by changing what you wear on your legs,"stated Laura Godsall, founder of online tights retailer AlexBlake.com. "With a couple of new pairs of tights you can make a statement and follow the latest trends."

Layer upon layer:  Keep your t-shirts and tank tops around in fall by adding layers like blazers, button-down shirts and cardigans.  According to Lucy Sutherland Knaus, a New York-based fashion stylist, "Start with a bright tank top, throw on a button-down shirt and then top with a sweater if needed. ........you can peel off or add layers as the weather changes through the day."

Winter brights:  Jewel colors are abundant this season.  However, don't ditch the neons ......a brown sweater works well with coral jeans.  Surely we all are aware that the "don't wear white after Labor Day" "law" has been repealed, so think white pants with boots or with a darker top and heavier jewelry. Winter white is always right!

If you do go shopping... : According to Del Russo "If you want to buy a few new pieces, keep an eye out for embellishments, like pyramid studs on jewelry and gold rim on scarves and clothing.  Fall can be a great time to reinvent the wardrobe you have."