We are right in the thick of Houston’s hot summer weather, so trying to look and stay cool is challenging. It’s all bare legs and sundresses, and yet the fall fashion season is just around the corner. If you are looking forward to slipping on those booties or carrying that clutch, shop for transitional accessories that will go the distance.
These five key accessories are definitely double-duty buys and go great with an iced coffee now or a pumpkin spice latte later.
1. Silver Cuff
Silver is a fall statement color and a popular metallic seen on the runways at Valentino and Chanel. Bracelets are my weakness and I have an unhealthy amount of bangles, wrap bracelets and cuffs, so the silver cuff trend is one I’m only too happy to follow.
Stylist and vintage expert Dawn Bell likes a cuff for its enduring style. “A classic cuff is timeless, it's classic and it translates from one season to the next season,” Bell said. “In the summer you can wear it with lighter weight fabrics because they anchor an outfit.”
Wear a cuff in the summer with a light and cool sun dress or pair it with a blazer to add pizzazz to a fall look. Add some extra sparkle for evening and go bold with silver cuffs on both wrists for a dressier look.
2. Booties
We all have a pair of favorite brown boots we just can't wait to dig out of the closet, so why wait to wear them? Stylist and fashion blogger Carly Lee wears her booties with jeans and Bell encourages women to slip on a pair of knee-high socks with booties in the cooler months.
I like booties with a floral dress or a pair of patterned shorts, but in the fall they will be a perfect fit with jeans and a sweater for a more casual look or dressed up with a pleated skirt.
3. Choker necklace
Celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Lady Gaga are wearing a choker necklace and now you can rock the look, too. Whether you're going out for the evening or headed to the office, the choker necklace gives your look an eye-catching boost.
A choker is a statement piece, so let it shine with a blazer for a preppy look or with jeans and a loose T-shirt for a soft and edgy look.
For summer, Bell likes a choker with a Bohemian twist with chains, but as the temperatures fall, she transitions the choker with a turtle neck and is especially digging Tory Burch’s '60s inspired mod styles. A choker is a statement piece, so let it shine with a blazer for a preppy look or with jeans and a loose T-shirt for a soft and edgy look.
4. Tennis Shoe
Whoever said you have to suffer for beauty never wore the slip-on sneaker. Forgo the stiletto and wear the sneaker instead.
From studded shoes to metallic stunners, there is a style for every look, and designers like Tory Burch and Rebecca Minkoff are betting this comfortable accessory will be a favorite for summer and fall.
“The tennis shoe is the must-have accessory for the fall. Pair the shoes with longer dresses or '20s style dresses for a modern take on wearing a sneaker."
“The tennis shoe is the must-have accessory for the fall,” Bell said. “Pair the shoes with longer dresses or '20s style dresses for a modern take on wearing a sneaker. The high top and platform sneaker looks ultra cool.”
5. Clutch
The clutch is an essential item, going from day to night, and a must in every woman’s closet all-year long.
"The easiest way to take an outfit or any piece from summer to fall is with your accessories,” Lee said. “To transition from summer to fall, choose a brown clutch because it will go easily with brown sandals and brown booties.”
Brightly colored clutches or geometric print patterns are another way to add visual interest, but if you want to play it safe, look for light earthy tones to carry you into fall.
Although it's still bikini season, that doesn't mean we can't rock the latest fall trends now. Whether it's a new pair of booties or a clutch, they can be worn or carried in the summer and you don't have to worry about leaving your favorites stuck in the closet.
