How to make your summer clothes work for fall

Summer Trend: Peek-a-Boo Lace

Your Transitional Helper: A Leather Jacket

Toughen up the sweet candy-colored fabric, as seen on Carven and Eva Mendes, with a leather topper. Zip up in a warm caramel hue or keep cool with straight-up classic black. From cropped bombers to moto styles, they deliver the right dose of downtown chic while covering up off-season cutouts.

 

Topshop

Summer Trend: Leather Dresses

Your Transitional Helper: A Knitted Cover-Up

There’s no question that warm-weather leather is a summer statement (Proenza Schouler and Emmy Rossum), but don’t let your investment piece stay confined to three months of the year. Introduce a textured piece, like a cozy cardigan, to juxtapose the all-over leather. For a more formal approach, pick a structured blazer in a similar soft material.

 

Milla Schon Concept

Summer Trend: Cropped tops

Your Transitional Helper: High-Waisted Pants

Midriff seemed to be theme of the summer, from the runway (Balenciaga) to the red carpet (Elizabeth Banks). You can rest easy—your belly-grazing top isn’t up for retirement just yet. Pair it with tailored high-waisted trousers in darker hues, wintry fabrics (like jacquard) and moodier prints.

 

River Island

Summer Trend: Backless dresses

Your Transitional Helper: A Long Vest

Backless dresses are great because they’re demure from the front and surprisingly sexy from the back, like on the Azzaro runway and on Kate Mara. Since skin exposure in the fall (and winter) is generally a no go, keep your back under wraps with a lengthy vest. Treat it like an accessory: Experiment with colors, fabrics and styles. Try belting it or layering it under a jacket.

 

2nd Day

Summer Trend: Pastels

Your Transitional Helper: Jeweled Tones

In the summer, pretty pale shades pair perfectly with other pastels (Nina Ricci) or even bright, bold colors (Maggie Gyllenhaal). To prep your wardrobe for fall, partner your usual lights with a rich, jeweled palette. Got a blush-colored top? Team it with an emerald skirt. Button up a navy wrap over a lilac dress or pull on an oxblood-red top to complement a lemon-hued maxi.

Zara