How to Transition Your Casual Summer Wardrobe to Autumn

Early fall is a wonderful time to live in New York City. The weather is almost perfect, well, sometimes. It's a bit topsy turvy. A few weeks ago, the cold weather hit and it almost seemed like we were going from summer straight to winter. It was so cold in my apartment that I begrudgingly broke out my UGGs. Yet, within a week I was out wearing sleeveless tops and ballerina flats again. No matter where you live, this time of year is bound to have some ups and downs which can make getting dressed so difficult. Yet, it doesn't have to be.

During the transitional months it's all about layers and using those layers with some of your summer pieces to create some really cute and weather appropriate outfits. I happen to love getting dressed this time of year because some of the simplest of additions, like a scarf or cardigan can make my summer basics feel fresh again. Below are five different casual looks styled two ways, one for summer and one for fall, showing how you can transition your summer wardrobe to autumn.

How to Transition Your Casual Summer Wardrobe to Autumn

Outfit #1- T-Shirt and Jeans
You loved your basic t-shirts and boyfriend jeans during the summer and aren't quite ready to pack them away. These are pieces that can easily be worn year round. Styled on the left, I took this olive J. Crew t-shirt and pair of Lucky Brand boyfriend jeans and paired them with a pair of orange sandals from Tommy Bahama, a coganc bag from MICHAEL Michael Kors, a brown leather bracelet from Cole Haan and Robert Lee Morris drop earrings.

To create a cooler weather look for the weekends, all it took was changing the shoes for a pair of booties from Nordstrom, a cashmere cardigan from Theory and a colorful scarf. The other accessories stayed the same.

Outfit #2- Skinny Ankle Pants and a Sleeveless Top
Depending on where you live, skinny ankle pants can have a bit of a short shelf life once the weather gets cold, but they are excellent for transitional months where socks and heavy boots still aren't required. On the left, this burgundy pair of skinny ankle pants and sleeveless top from T Tahari looks great for a warm day with gold sandals from American Rag, a blue handbag from Lodis Accessories and long gold tassel necklace from Bauble Bar.

For fall, the simple addition of a navy blazer from Reiss, berry colored scarf from Urban Outfitters and leopard Ivanka Trump flats makes this outfit perfect for crisp days.

Outfit #3- A tunic dress or Top
Tunic tops and dresses are great in the summer with bare legs, white jeans or shorts. In this look, I styled this denim popover dress for summer with red wedges, a metallic crossbody bag from Kate Spade and gold drop earrings from Lisa Stewart.

For autumn, these types of tunic tops and dresses can be paired with leggings or even tights, like I styled here using this burgundy pair from Merona. For warmth, a slim turtleneck, like this one from Majestic,can be layered underneath the tunic. For shoes, boots, like this pair from Vince Camuto, can finish the look. You can certainly use a metallic bag in the fall, but if you are looking for something more autumnal, try a bag in a darker color, like this deep green handbag from Fossil. It's such a popular color for fall.

Outfit #3- A Printed Summer Dress
If you have printed summer dresses in colors that are richer and darker, you don't have to say goodbye to them just yet. Your bright, tropical print dresses may not work, but a style like this dress from Modcloth can easily be worn into the autumn. On the left, I styled it for hot weather with these blue wedges from Lucky Brand, an orange bag from Milly and gold necklace from Stella & Dot.

For fall, you can try layering a slim turtleneck under the dress, or you can just grab a cardigan, like I did here with this style from Zara. With the addition to dark chocolate tights, these waterproof brown suede booties from Bos. & Co., and teal wrap scarf from Nordstrom, the dress doesn't have a hint of summer left in it. You could also keep the gold necklace, or you could use a darker and heavier one, like I did here with this chunky link style. For a bag swap, I used the same cognac style as in the first look.

Outfit #5- Your Summer Skirts
Wearing a denim skirt year round is a no-brainer. If you haven't thought of it, take a look at how the summery look on the left, consisting of a Boden denim skirt, grey tank, yellow bag from Vince, gold necklace and tan sandals from Sam Edelman gets changed up with a grey cable knit sweater, the same burgundy tights as used previously, a printed scarf, burgundy booties and the same Lisa Stewart earrings used earlier.

When getting dressed during the transitional months, think in terms of adding on to your existing outfits, not changing them entirely. It may be a a while before it is full-on autumn, coats required, so be sure to take advantage of this period where some simple wardrobe changes are all you need to look great and be dressed for the day.