Looks We Love // Summer Staples Turned Fall Essentials

Does the thought of relegating your cheery sundresses and comfy tanks to the back of the closet send you spiraling into deep despair? You’re not alone. Fall always creeps up a little too quickly, putting an end to lazy days in the sun. Just because crisp leaves and cool air are in the very near future, don’t ditch your summer duds all at once. Pieces that you’re too fond of to pack away just yet can easily be carried over into the new season. Reclaim that excited Back-to-School shopping feeling by searching for items that supplement your current wardrobe and will combat the chill come September.

Keep your denim! The denim shirts, vests, skirts, everything that were so on-trend this summer can flawlessly follow you into fall. Keep any denim that is not too light, white, summer hued (hot pink, neon green), pastel, or floral. Even the right pair of denim shorts can look brand new and weather appropriate when layered with tights. Layering is key for fall.

Keep dresses (especially maxis!) and your favorite tees and tanks to layer with cardigans or jackets. Follow the guidelines for keeping denim when deciding what stays and what goes. Make sure nothing is an easily identifiable summer piece. Your sandals and brightly colored crop tops will have to hide until next year.

This is the fun part, the part where shopping comes in. Don’t go overboard, but invest in definite fall essentials. Buy MORE denim. This summer may have felt like a denim overload, but fashion’s obsession with it is still going strong. Denim pieces rarely go out of style, so they can always be classified as smart buys. Fall boasts the coolest jeans yet, as evidenced by this lace printed pair.

Buy leather, or go faux. A classic leather jacket is the perfect addition to a fall wardrobe. You may have caught on to this trend early and bought a leather skirt or shorts. Add simple heels, a cozy sweater, and a cute beret, like style icon Alexa Chung to fall-ify the look. Sliding into leather pants or leggings is another way to embrace this trend.

Jackets, jackets, jackets are a definite fall necessity. With everything from a camo military jacket to prim and proper tweeds and blazers, Zara has got you covered.

Accessorize with scarves and tights. An outfit may look incomplete, but throw on an eclectically printed scarf or patterned tights for an instant improvement. Express provides great options in both those categories. Their infinity scarves last forever and are easy to wrap atop a tee or blouse, while their tights are durable and almost always “Buy One Get One 50% Off”! Forever21 is also a good place to stock up on tights. They’re cheap so you can play with different colors and patterns without feeling too committed. (P.S. Forever’s having a killer sale on fall finds in general, head over there!)

Finally, get inspired! Scour street style snaps for examples of fashionistas combining old with new and seamlessly transitioning into fall. August fashion mags can also be super helpful for the seasonal changeover and will prepare you for the big, fat September issues full to the brim with fall fashion goodness. Happy hunting!