Fall fashion: Extending summer styles into a new season

Even though autumn and cooler weather are just around the corner, there's no need to retire your spring and summer clothes. With a few strategic styling tips, your favorite warm-weather pieces can be transitioned into your fall wardrobe.

Layering is one of the easiest ways to transition from summer to fall, as innovative layering can bring new life to old pieces.

Courtney Gibbs, owner of Urban Blues' Salt Lake City and Draper stores, suggests adding a vest to your sheer summery blouse, while maxi dresses and sundresses can be transformed with a leather jacket, denim shirt and boots. Adding color with accessories is another transitional technique, as scarves and jewelry will instantly make over your wardrobe.

Sundresses

Floral sundresses are a classic summer staple and a perfect piece for fall layering. Whether short or long, plain or patterned, once the weather starts to cool, layer over a long-sleeve tee, add tights or leggings, and throw on a sweater for a great autumn outfit.

Wear it now • Keep it simple and simply chic with oversized sunglasses. Add pops of color with bright sandals and a waist-cinching belt to tame extra fullness and flatter the figure.

Wear it later • The breezy flow of a summer sundress flows easily into fall when paired with a darker color palette; neutrals will balance bright patterns and pretty pastels. Toughen up feminine florals with motorcycle boots and a leather biker jacket. Top it off with a floppy fall hat and fringe scarf.

White patterned pants

Yes, says Gibbs, you can wear white all year round. The houndstooth pattern plays into the printed-pant trend, and that's expected to continue through fall. These printed pants are more versatile than they might appear; you can wear them with almost anything from a tee for a casual look to an elegant blouse for office wear or a dressy ensemble.

Wear it now • Roll up the cuffs for a cropped look. A brilliant blue sleeveless blouse keeps you looking and feeling cool during hot summer days. Simple brass buttons add a touch of glam to the comfy day look. Play with the neon trend and try an electric envelope clutch.

Wear it later • Blazers are hot for fall, and smoky gray is a great alternative to the standard black. For a sophisticated spin, pair with a teal chiffon blouse and classic patent pumps. Enhance the look with edgy accents, such as a black studded messenger bag and jeweled chains.

High-low shirt

One of the latest trends to pop up — and down — is the high-low shirt, shorter in the front and longer in the back. The asymmetrical hem typically seen on dresses and skirts has been transformed into shirt form, also known as the mullet top. Gibbs has seen this summer trend fly off the racks of her store.

Wear it now • Emphasize the "high" and sport it with a chic summer mini. Many styles of these shirts are sheer, so wear a layering camisole or bandeau underneath. Dress it up with a classic patent purse and rose gold watch and definitely pair with a statement-making shoe like the gladiator flat.

Wear it later • The lowdown for fall is to swap the barelegged summer look with leggings. As the days turn colder, finish off the look with a colorful print scarf and buckled riding boots.

Crochet top

Crochet tops are a perpetual summer trend, thanks to their lightweight material and casual feel. The breathable top adds a touch of vintage charm to an outfit, whether worn over tanks and camis or as a swimsuit cover-up.

Wear it now • Modernize the macramé and color-block style with cropped coral skinny jeans and a bold colored cross-body bag. Printed canvas sneakers work well for a range of activities, including bike rides or picnics in the park.

Wear it later • Take advantage of the texture, and wear a crochet top as a vest layered over a crisp white button-down blouse and dark denim. Switch out your summer bag and tote a heavier style, such as a chocolate brown bag, that will go with everything you want for fall. Punctuate the neutral palette with ruby red studded flats.

Of course, certain summer items should be retired once the season ends. Hilary Soter, sales associate at Urban Blues, recommends that when cold weather rolls in, short shorts and strappy sandals are best left in the closet. And, she says, be sure to cover bare legs with leggings or tights.

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Catching the fall fashion trends

All clothes and jewelry for this fashion shoot are from Urban Blues, 2919 E. 3300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-486-5326; and Draper, 278 E. 12300 South, Draper, 801-767-0203. The model wearing the summer version of these looks is Hilary Soter, while Katie Kelson wears styles for the fall season. Both are sales associates at Urban Blues.

Accessories • The jewelry in these photos is priced from $4.99 to $36.99, with scarves ranging from $9.99 to $24.99, and belts from $5.99 to $15.99.