Move your wardrobe from summer to fall                                                            Back to columns list

My first job after college was in New York City. Coming from Colorado, there were plenty of adjustments to make — the public transportation was cramped; the tiny apartments were quaint; but the weather dropping 35 degrees on exactly September first was the most shocking.

I quickly learned that the East Coast does not ease into the seasons, it plunges headfirst. There are no in-between days to slowly pack up your summer clothes and pull out the fall wear.

However, in the bubble of Boulder, seasons meld into each other, and a day in September can easily be ten degrees warmer than one in August. So what is a girl to do? Well, think of yourself as lucky. Keep your summer wardrobe out and start shopping for fall! With twice as many clothes, it's easy to mix and match seasonal pieces for an up-to-date look. Here are some of my favorites:

Layer a fitted tee or tank over a button up shirt. This is a great collegiate look. The button up is polished but the tee gives it a downtown feel. Tres chic for a day in class or studying in the library after hours.

Better yet, channel your inner sexy librarian by wearing a pencil skirt and fitted cardigan with close-toed heels. Make sure everything you wear for this look is super tight or you will look dowdy, not diva. Add black plastic rim glasses if you're feeling naughty.

Wear capris with leather heeled boots that fit close to the ankle. A capri in black is an easy choice, but you can also pull off this look with summer brights like fuchsia, white* or turquoise if you choose a neutral top/sweater in taupe or chocolate. Top it off with a leather jacket or handbag.

* Yes, it is true, I did suggest wearing white after Labor Day (gasp!). The old adage about no white after Labor Day is as out dated as not wearing black to a wedding. Consider it a "winter white" and move on.

And speaking of color, here are a few color combinations that make traditionally spring/summer colors transition into fall:

-Pastels like light pink and baby blue look fab with grey, chocolate or tan.

-Fuchsia looks great with burgundy and chocolate.

-Aqua looks fall fresh with chocolate or navy.

Wear a summer mini skirt with a fitted sweater. A fitted sweater is key this season whether it has full length or a 3/4 sleeve. The point is to mix textures: soft and heavy on top and light and airy on the bottom will hint at fall, but will be light enough for warmish weather.

And finally, for a nighttime look, strappy or strapless tops from summer are fab since skin is always in after dark. Pair with velveteen corded pants or dark denim and closed-toe heels with ankle straps that peek out only when you cross you legs!