As the leaves begin to change, and the air gets crisp, I can’t help but feel a sense of longing to be able to wear some of my favorite looks from summer – the frilly dress, high wasted shorts, tight skirts, maxi dresses, and strappy wedges. Fortunately, this woe-begotten feeling is completely unnecessary. With a few simple alterations, with pieces you probably already have in your fall repertoire, these summer staples can be worn well into the chilling fall months.
For that frilly, feminine dress that you wore all summer long, and are desperately trying to sport to class or on a dinner date, simply add a belt and a blazer and you’re golden for the next few months! Add dark tights and heeled booties to dress it up, or keep it casual with boots and cable-knit socks. **Insider tip: for a great pair of legwarmers to wear with boots, check out a dance wear store and pick up a pair of long ballet legwarmers!
Shorts, an obvious go-to for summer, can still be your obvious go-to for fall with a few quick and fun variations. For a funky vibe, layer the shorts on top of patterned or colored tights with socks and boots! Or keep it classic with black opaque tights and a pair of lace-up oxfords. Either way, you’ll be sure to start some trends with this chic shorts saver. Target always has fun options for colored and patterned tights, and check out these oxfords from Forever 21 for only $25!
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This past summer, almost every ensemble revolved around the tight high-wasted skirt that practically every fashionista invested in – in every color. I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to pack those pieces into my clothing storage. Ready for the quick fix? Grab a chunky sweater and a skinny belt and start layering! Mix and match bright colors with fun patterns to keep with the F/W trends. See how H&M pulls of this look here:
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Maxi dresses and floor length skirts stole the summer scene, and with a simple addition to your shoe rack, you can keep on rockin’ this look as long as the sidewalks are cleared of snow! Instead of pairing this piece with the strappy sandal like you have been all summer, go for a chunky ankle boot instead. It’s bold, it’s bohemian – it’s completely fabulous! I love this look with the Lita from Jeffrey Campbell, but if you’re not willing to drop $160 on a pair of booties, try this other style on for size for $50!
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Typically, I don’t condone favoritism, but when it comes to my shoe rack, I feel as if I’m unable to control the fact that I have a clear favorite. A pair of strappy wedges was my summer shoe staple – I seriously wore them at least once per week. To integrate them into my fall wardrobe, I love pairing them with socks folded down to the ankle. It’s a super chic and feminine way to warm up a pair of summery heels! Check out the Marc Jacobs FW11 RTW collection for some inspiration…
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So walk on, be chic, and continue to make the world your runway.
XOXO,
Lauren