Transitioning Summer Pieces For Fall

It's officially fall, but it feels more like a lukewarm sauna in Austin. While I yearn for the days where I don't perspire daintily (ok maybe not so daintily) the second I walk out the door, I am kind of devastated to say goodbye to some of my favorite summer styles. While you won't be able to work that off-the-shoulder romper this fall/winter, you can get some mileage out of some other summer staples.

THE SLEEVELESS JUMPSUIT
My green halter jumpsuit makes me feel like a 70's disco goddess, so pushing it to the back of my closet makes me want to weep a like a Fawcett...see what I did there? Okay for those under 30, I'm referring to feather haired 70's sexpot Farrah Fawcett. Now google her, so you can ask yourself how
on earth someone who looks as young as myself could know who she is.

Jumpsuits have a long shelf life due to the full length leg, so before you cast aside this fab frock, give it a fresh fall spin by pairing it with rich textures and earthy autumn hues. If you checked out my blog post Chambray Shirt 3 Ways, then you know I'm all about mixing prints, textures, and colors to take your look from basic Brenda to bombshell Beyonce.

This fall and winter is all about velvet, so break out that blazer you reserve for holiday parties and rock it everywhere this pumpkin spice season. Round out your look with a print satchel, chandelier earrings, and leather booties to instantly transition your look while keeping that dancing queen vibe intact.







THE CROPPED PANT
Cropped pants are pretty plausible year-round in Austin due to the mild climate, except as soon as it dips below 75 degrees I freak out and pile on the layers. What can I say? I come from a tropical people. If the thought of baring your ankles during the cold season makes you want to bury yourself under your leopard print snuggie and drink hot cocoa while binging on the latest season of Project Runway, then I've got a styling tip for you. Try pairing those cropped pants with tall boots. It keeps those ankles covered up without having to bring back that head-scratcher-of-a-trend leg warmers.

I know what you're thinking, "Cropped pants with tall boots? She's lost her breathtakingly beautiful head." And maybe this short-pant-tall-boot-trend may not be for everyone. At least not the fashionably feeble, but I have faith in you that you can, as the pope of fashion Tim Gunn says, "Make it work." The key to making this trend look as fetch as Gretchen's gold hoops, is to pick a pant with a wider leg and that hits a few inches above your ankle. No skin should be visible.

Playing with different lengths adds to a more dimensional ensemble. Pull together a fierce fashion-forward cropped pant look by styling them with a rich fall colored blouse and a textured jacket in a sassy print. Jackets are great for making a statement. They are a non-commitment piece you can work into your outfits according to your fashion mood. Don't forget to finish off your look by adding a complementary colored bag and a chunky gold necklace. This last accessory adds a glam touch while keeping the muggers away. Don't mess with a lady with a gold chain. It doubles as a weapon.

THE BREEZY SKIRT

Ahhh the breezy summer skirt...its flirty, feminine, and fabulous! My green peasant skirt (in case you hadn't noticed I'm quite fond of green) is lightweight so it works well during the make-up melting-sweat-fest that is summer in Texas. However, as soon as the temps begin to dip, I'd never dream of wearing it sans layers. As soon as a wind kicks up, I start shivering like a chihuahua after a bath, or a chihuahua anytime really. Why are they so cold?

Instead of swearing off your favorite breezy bottom this fall, layer it over tights and tall boots for a cool-weather-friendly-outfit. Playing with length for added dimension is less risky than cropped pants. Anyone can "make it work". The key to transforming this lightweight piece is by pairing it back to heavier fabrics and transitional silhouettes for added coverage.

Style this lightweight piece with a turtleneck, a cozy textured cardigan, and leather boots to build up the interest factor. Complete the look by adding a wool hat, a suede bag, and fringe earrings for a little dangling action.

These tips are great if you're on a budget or just can't say goodbye to those warm weather faves. So layer up to keep those chihuahua chills from getting the best of ya this fall!