Fall is upon us, and to some that means packing up favorite tanks, shorts, and dresses and dreaming of summer’s return. But not you. Not this season. With these few simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your summer clothes into fall outfits.

 

Dresses

• Add a Belt and Cardigan

Unfitted strapless dresses were huge this summer. I couldn’t go anywhere without seeing someone wearing one. A great way to transfer this carefree summery look is to simply add a thin belt around your waist and pull on a neutral cardigan. Depending on the shade of your dress, you will want to go lighter or darker on the cardigan (lighter dress, lighter cardigan; darker dress, darker cardigan). Old Navy has a great little sweater, and you can find a black belt virtually anywhere (probably in your own closet).

• Pair with Blazer and Pumps

If you are trying for a dressier look with a flirty summer dress, this is a great way to make the transition. Switching from strappy sandals to closed-toe pumps instantly changes the way a dress looks, and a blazer is a cute way to get even just a little extra warmth on a breezy day. I am really liking nude and black matte pumps for this season. Steve Madden has an absolutely adorable pair.

• Switch from Sandals to Boots

Another super easy fix: simply wearing boots with your short summer dress can be enough to give it a fall-ish feel. Riding boots are in right now, and DSW has some great pairs. I highly suggest investing in a pair of these.

• Sweater Layering

If you have a tight-fitting dress, a great way to wear it through fall is to simply throw a sweater over it. Make sure to layer it in such a way that you can’t see the straps of your dress if they’re thick, or you’ll be looking more eighties than intended. This is also a great way to stay warm and cute at the same time. Eddie Bauer has a great looking sweater for this style.

 

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Shorts

• Tucked in Long Sleeves

A favorite look of mine this fall is to simply just wear a long sleeve shirt under your high-waisted shorts. Soft shirts in plain rich colors are so easy to find, but I really love this style from Old Navy.

• Layering with Tights

Another great way to extend the wear of your shorts is to slip on some tights underneath. I love doing this with my “fancy shorts,” which are pleated and sort of a trouser material, and my Oxford-style shoes for a bit of a preppy classic look. H&M has a ton of cute styles of tights to choose from.

 

 

Tops

• Pair Your Neutral Pinks with a Surplus Jacket

Pale pinks were really big this spring and summer, and with olive surplus jackets being so popular, this great color combo is an A+ way to extend the season for your pink tops. This looks great with neutral-patterned shorts or with dark jeans. Urban Outfitters has a really cute style on their website right now as well as another one that is a little less expensive.

• Add a Scarf

Just adding an infinity or pashmina (or really any) scarf to an outfit can take a summer tank top and make it look like it was made just for fall. This is really great for those days when it is like the Arctic in the morning and the Sahara in the afternoon. Charlotte Russe has some really trendy looks on their website right now.

• Change Your Cami Color

One of the simplest things you can do when trying to prepare you wardrobe for fall is to exchange all of your neon, bright, and pastel camis and tanks for deep rich ones when you are wearing them under sheer tops. Darker tones are amazing for fall, and you can find them anywhere!

• Wear with a Sweater and Jeans

One last quick fix to get you ready for fall is to add a cardigan and jeans to your favorite tank top.  It will instantly change your outfit. Shorts and a tank top make you ready for iced tea while jeans and a tank top make you ready for a pumpkin spice latte. It’s as simple as that. You can find some great jeans for this fall on Levi’s website.