Fashion forecast
Transitioning your wardrobe
from summer to fall
By Rachel Stafler
AS THE WEATHER starts to cool, we slowly
start to put our favorite summer clothing to
one side. The colors we wear get darker, the
fabrics heavier and the accessories bigger. But
the transition from summer breeze to winter
wind is often a gradual one, and you may get
more use out of warm-weather favorites than
you’d think, with a few simple changes to the
way you wear them.
“In the fall it’s often hard to predict the
temperature from day to day, which means
that your wardrobe has to be flexible,” says
Dawn Del Russo, Costco member, fashion
expert and author of 101 Glam Girl Ways to
an Ultra Chic Lifestyle (BookSurge Publishing,
2009). “It would be a shame to go and buy
new clothing just for fall and then possibly
not get to wear it because there’s a sudden
unexpected hot spell. Better to save your
money and splurge on solid winter pieces like
boots or a coat, instead of buying in-between
clothing you don’t necessarily need to have.”
Here are a few easy tips to get the most
out of your summer clothing, while still looking fresh for the new season.
Legging it
Shorts are probably the first thing to head
to the back of the closet post–Labor Day, but
this fall keep them front and center. Tights
under shorts are set to be one of this season’s
hottest trends, say fashion experts.
Legwear is also a great way to spice up
those summer dresses and skirts that can transition into fall. Keep an eye out for bold colors
like Bordeaux, shimmering metallics and geometric patterns.
MEDIA BAKERY
“You can completely transform your
look by changing what you wear on your
legs,” says Laura Godsall, founder of
online tights retailer AlexBlake.com.
“It’s a lot less daunting to wear a pair of
fashion tights than an entire up-to-the min-
ute outfit, and it’s cheaper too. With a couple
of new pairs of tights, you can make a state-
ment and follow the latest trends.”
“It’s a lot less daunting to wear a pair of
h
ti
Pile it on
Men and women can keep their favorite
summer T-shirts and tank tops around a little
longer by slipping on a classic blazer, sweater
or cardigan. Likewise, summer dresses can be
transformed into fall skirts if teamed with a
light sweater or long-sleeve shirt, advises Del
Russo. For a more distinctive look, slip a long-sleeve shirt under a bathing suit cover-up and
then pair it with leggings or skinny jeans.
“With the economy the way it is, people
are very conscious of getting the most out of
their clothing and recycling what they have,”
says Lucy Sutherland Knaus, a New York–
based fashion stylist. “Layering is a great way
to do that. Start with a bright tank top, throw
on a button-down shirt and then top off with
a sweater if needed. This practical look works
for either sex, and you can peel off or add layers as the weather changes through the day.”
Russo. For a more distinctive look, slip a long-
Winter brights
Jewel colors are all the rage this fall, but
don’t put away those bright summer pieces
just yet. Neon was particularly in fashion during the warmer months and pairs well with
darker shades. Coral jeans, for example, will
The Costco
Connection
This fall check your local
warehouse for all kinds of
cool-weather wardrobe
essentials, including cardigans,
camisoles, blouses, dress
shirts, long-sleeve T-shirts,
jackets, pants and boots.
look great with a brown sweater or other
jewel-toned top.
Tones of white—especially cream and
ivory—are always hot over the summer, and
can stick around into September, October
and beyond. Wear a pair of white pants with
riding boots, a darker top and heavier jewelry.
Men, meanwhile, can wear their light-colored summer blazers deep into the fall by
slipping them on over a collared shirt and
dark sweater.
“Don’t be afraid to take chances and play
with what you have,” says Del Russo. “If you
want to buy a few new pieces, keep an eye out
for embellishments, like pyramid studs on
jewelry and gold trim on scarves and clothing. Fall can be a great time to reinvent the
wardrobe you have.” C
SEPTEMBER 2012 ;e Costco Connection 47
Rachel Stafler is a freelance writer who often
writes about fashion and beauty.
