Surviving the Summer to Autumn Transition

Why does it always seem like summer months make up such a small percentage of the year?  It was not that long ago that I was sitting here writing about spring and summer trends, yet here I am, writing about the arrival of autumn.  Fashion moves quickly.  Guess we should know that by now!

Photo via Angelo González

To hang on to the last, receding shreds of summer, learn to transition between seasons like a fashion pro.  So, without further ado, here are some examples of how to take the hottest summer pieces you likely have hanging in your closet and dress them up for AW13.

Romper: In Love with Fashion | Denim jacket: Zara | Bag: Shopbop | Oxford: Charlotte Russe | Tights: House of Fraser | Scarf: Jades 24 | Earrings: Dorothy Perkins | Ring: Debenhams

You can still romp your way into autumn in a romper—even a floral one.  Add a light washed denim jacket, a pair of tights, and a light scarf to protect exposed skin, and exchange your strappy sandals for a pair of oxfords.  A smooth brown leather bag gives a taste of autumn, but the neutral, pastel palette harks back to sunny days by the ice cream stand.  Reference warm weather even more explicitly with a 3-D floral ring that tells the world you’re still in the summer mood.

 Skirt: OASIS | Sweater: Pure Collection | Boots: Zappos | Bag: Debenhams | Bangles: Forever 21 | Lipstick: YSL Beauty

A huge trend for Spring/Summer 2013 was the sculpted skirt.  If you invested in the perfect one this season, then get the most mileage out of it as possible by bringing it into autumn.  The sweater and skirt look is not only widely popular, but practical for those in-between days.  However, a word of caution: look for sweaters with a looser, high-low hem.  These will look best against the cut of a skirt.  Pull on a pair of ankle boots and to add a dash of sultriness for autumn, swipe on a deep red lip.

Crop Top: Nelly | Blazer: Net-A-Porter | Trousers: Ted Baker | Heels: Rupert Sanderson | Clutch: Lulu Guinness | Mascara: Saks Fifth Avenue

Midriffs – whether you liked it or not – were on display all Spring/Summer!  Crop tops had their moment, but as we move into autumn, even the thought of an exposed midriff can send chills down your spine.  Yet where there’s a will, there’s a way.  Ensure ample coverage with a chic tuxedo blazer and a pair of cigarette trousers.  The crop top  trouser suit was on the rise this summer, but let’s be honest, blazers and trousers aren’t practical for the sweltering heat anyway.  This is a look more suited to autumn weather, and with drop dead gorgeous eyelashes, you’re good to go.

Maxi Dress: Harvey Nichols | Jacket: All Saints | Boots: Steve Madden | Bag: Coach | Belt: Amazon | Earrings: Stella & Dot | Ring: Bloomingdales

Nothing is as easy as wearing a maxi dress in the summer.  One piece of fabric and you’re ready to step out the door.  For autumn, it’s just as easy to wear a maxi dress; all you need are a few tweaks.  Shrug on a leather jacket and slip on a sturdy pair of ankle boots.  Belt your maxi dress to make the silhouette more structured for autumn, but keep your accessories bright to retain a sense of flair.  And remember: auburn and turquoise = a great colour combo.

Cardigan: Uniqlo | T-shirt: The Outnet| Sweater: Ark | Jeans: Conleys | Boots: Tory Burch | Bag: Piperlime | Glasses: Madewell | Watch: Hermes

Cardigans are fashion gold.  They work with so many different looks, and are the perfect thing to throw on when you want to cover up.  Yet those cardigans that were so perfect are now too light for windier days.  Become well versed in the art of layering, and do as effortless street style setters do: wear another cardigan on top of your cardigan.  Go with a thicker, possibly knit, cardigan to create an interesting mix of texture.  A pair of skinny jeans and slick riding boots will complete the look by making it sleek and uptown.

Shorts: Monki | Sweater: Topshop | Boots: My Wardrobe | Bag: Zara | Tights: H&M | Bracelet: Amrita Singh | Ring: Net-A-Porter

Shorts are probably the last item of clothing you think of when dressing for autumn, but it doesn’t have to be anymore.  Tights are your friend in cooler weather, and a chunky knit sweater may just be your best friend.  Some have a clear distinction in their minds that shorts are only for warm weather, but a killer pair of ankle boots show that you’re serious about making the most out of your summer wardrobe.

Denim Vest: Stylebop | Sweater: Shop Les Nouvelles | Maxi Skirt: Warehouse | Bag: Etsy | Boots: The Dressing Room | Necklace: Nasty Gal | Earrings: Simply Soles | Peace Ring: Nylon Mag | New York Ring: Bloomingdales

Vests are an interesting fashion item.  You’re constantly debating what kind of top you should wear underneath – sleeveless, ¾ sleeved, or long sleeved?  At least for autumn, the choice is obvious.  A knit, long sleeved turtleneck is the way to go!  In this case, a denim vest acts as a decorative piece, adding interest to an otherwise boring sweater. And a bold maxi skirt (which is another summer item you can carry on into autumn) evocative of crisp autumn leaves just calls for a cluster of quirky accessories.

Sandal: Luisa Viaroma | Dress: Nelly | Coat: Far Fetch | Socks: Opening Ceremony | Earrings: Macys | Clutch: Savannahs

I couldn’t put together a bunch of outfits without including a more high fashion look – just for fun!  When transitioning sandals for autumn, a great solution is to embrace the socks and sandals look.  No, I’m not talking Birkenstocks and tennis socks.  I’m talking intricate Dolce & Gabbana wedge sandals with sheer, patterned fashion socks (or your version of it).  This is a look that requires major fashion chutzpah, but if you’re looking for an audacious look fit for a trendy evening, this is it.  A faux fur coat will keep the chill at bay, but the inevitable gawks of admiration will likely be enough to warm you up.

Dress: A|Wear | Coat: House of Fraser | Boots: New Look | Bag: F.Tape | Watch: Nordstrom | Necklace: Shopbop

You can never go wrong taking inspiration from the ever-chic Kate Middleton.  A pretty summer dress can be brought into autumn with the simple addition of a trench coat.  In keeping with the femininity of the dress, forgo the typical military trench for a posh one with concealed buttons and a sleek exterior.  Cutting is key.  Other accessories should be sophisticated and sweet, and darling, never forget your pearls.

Blouse: New Look | Jacket: Miss Selfridge | Trousers: Coggles | Boots: Ssense | Backpack: Zara | Scarf: Modcloth | Ring: Forever 21 | Earrings: H&M

You can’t walk into a store anymore without coming across a sheer button-up.  It has become a summer essential, done in every possible design imaginable.  Instead of stashing it into the back of your closet once the temperature dips, a utility jacket with a fur collar helps to minimise the chill of a sheer torso.  If more coverage is needed, an infinity scarf is always the way to go.  Stomping down cold pavement, a pair of sturdy military-inspired ankle boots show you mean business when tackling the summer-to-autumn transition.  Forward march!