Transition to fall clothes in 3 easy steps

Fall is here! It’s my favorite season because we get a break from the sweltering temperatures, the air is crisp, and we don’t need coats – yet.

Time to take out your fall clothes. But what if you really don’t have ‘fall’ clothes? Perhaps your closet is filled with ‘summer’ clothes and ‘winter’ clothes, but very little in between. How do you bridge the seasons?

No need to panic. Here are three steps that will make the transition easy – for both women and men.

First, put away any clothes that just yell summer: cotton shorts, linen slacks/skirts and sandals. If you have any doubt regarding whether an item is too ‘summery’ to wear into fall, ask yourself a couple of questions about the garment:

1. Is it white? I know, I know. The new fashion ‘rules’ dictate that you can wear white after Labor Day. I gave you a few weeks; it’s October now. Time to give up white pants. (White shirts and blouses - not made of linen - are fine year-round.)

2. When the temperature was in the upper 90s, did you wear this item because it helped keep you cool? If so, pack it away until next year.

Second, bring out the clothes that you packed away at the first sign of spring… sweaters, jackets/blazers, scarves and boots. Before you put these clothes into your closet and dresser drawers, ask yourself, “Did I wear this last winter?” If you did not wear it, why not? Is it because the item is out of style? Or have you simply grown tired of it?

If you did not wear it last year, how likely are you to wear it this year?

The item is just taking up space in your closet. If it is in good condition, donate it to charity. If it is not in good condition (i.e. torn or stained), toss it in the trash.

The third and final step is blending your summer wardrobe with fall items to add warmth. Go for a streamlined V-neck, crew neck or cardigan made of merino wool. (Do not raid your grandfather’s closet for one of his bulky cable-knit sweaters!) Or you can add a jacket made of heavy canvas or a lightweight blazer.

Finish the transition by switching to fall shoes, such as leather boots or a nice pair of suede chukka boots.

I think you’re ready for your close-up!