This time of year, we browse fashion magazines and see new styles…and out inner-diva starts to long for sweaters, boots and pants.  But wait – it’s still 80+ degrees outside!

What do you wear when it’s too late in the year for summer fashion, and too warm for fall trends?

• COLOR – Color can do a lot to help you transition your wardrobe to Fall. Think of Autumnal colors – warm tones, jewel tones, black and brown. This fall, the color trends are more amped up. The typical evergreen of fall is now Teal, and the typical maroon is now Magenta.
• SHOES – Shoes can make or break an outfit. The wrong shoe can destroy delicate lines of a well tailored dress, or can punch up a simple black pant. Transitioning into fall is a great opportunity to wear your favorite flip flops one day, and your favorite boot the next. Boots with a summer-weight skirt and cami, or sandals with jeans and a jacket are very simple ways to transition with the weather.

• SKIRTS/DRESSES – Go ahead and get one of those cute fall geometric skirts in a fabric that would be appropriate for this time of the year (i.e. anything except wool). Pair it with sandals and a cami instead of a sweater or jacket.  The same philosophy can be applied to dresses.
• SWEATERS – v-neck cardigans (AKA boyfriend sweaters) are very on-trend this fall. Wear them now…but skip the turtlenecks and long sleeve tops as layering pieces. Keep it cool by pairing with a cute short denim skirt and a tank with a pop of lace, and a jeweled or animal print belt.
• SUMMER LAYERS IN FALL HUES – Interesting layers is a big trend for fall. One way to start wearing this trend now is by taking your summer dress (in knit for example) and mixing it with a boot. Even if it is 80 degrees outside and the calendar says September, wear that cute black knit dress you wore all summer with an equestrian inspired boot. Add some punch with a denim jacket, animal print belt or long layers of necklaces.
• LEGGINGS – Another way to get the multi layered look is to wear a flippy skirt with ankle leggings or a stovepipe legged jean. Pair the look with a wooden heeled pump or wedge. You can also achieve the same look with a bright colored or textured tight.  This trend is VERY hot right now, and I promise looks good on LOTS of body shapes.
• ACCESSORIES – specifically, scarves. Scarves or wraps are HOT this Fall, and we’re seeing them on all the celebs in Hollywood. You can start wearing them now. [note: stay tuned for ideas on ways to wear a scarf!]

PHOTO CREDITS: Photo 1 Photo 2

Kathy Friend is a wardrobe coach, fashion stylist and personal shopper. She has clients throughout the country, and is based in the Midwest. She would love to help you with your specific fashion dilemma! Visit Kathy’s blog at www.FashionAnswers.blogspot.com – or website at www.KathyFriend.com