5 Easy Ways to Transition Your Wardrobe Into Fall

3. Switch your accessories.

(Left to right) Olivia Miller Women’s Sonia Crossbody in Black; Ann Taylor Flannel Cap Toe Block Heel Slingback Pumps in Heather Onyx

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Macy's; Ann Taylor)

Swapping out shoes and bags are an easy update. You might trade your summery canvas slip-on shoes for an animal-print loafer such as Rothy’s The Driver in Amber Cat ($189, nordstrom.com). Just as comfortable, but the pattern conveys coziness. Replace your straw tote with a leather shoulder bag in a warm tone like ruby, such as the Staud Ollie Zip Leather Shoulder Bag in Pinot ($250, neimanmarcus.com) or saddle, or a cozy texture such as, Olivia Miller Women’s Sonia Crossbody in Black ($48, macys.com). Instead of wearing a sandal, try a slingback in an autumnal fabric such as these Ann Taylor Flannel Cap Toe Block Heel Slingback Pumps in Heather Onyx ($111, anntaylor.com) and you will instantly feel fall-ish.

4. Throw on a blazer.

(Left to right) Gap Relaxed Plaid Blazer in Brown Plaid; Eloquii Long Relaxed Blazer in Totally Black

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: The Gap; Eloquii)

A fail-safe trick for transitioning the seasons is to top off an airy print dress or a cotton shirt and jeans with a blazer, such as Eloquii’s Long Relaxed Blazer in Totally Black ($59, eloquii.com) or Gap’s Relaxed Plaid Blazer in Brown Plaid ($148, gap.com). A pinstripe one, such as the J. Crew Factory One Button Blazer in Navy White ($98, factory.jcrew.com) is just as versatile as a solid color. The structure of the jacket anchors the look. If the temperature rises, wear the blazer, capelike over your shoulders. This is a fashion-editor trick. Works every time!

5. Play with textures.

(Left to right) J. Crew Wide-Leg Corduroy Trouser in Deep Chocolate; Gap Factory Relaxed Crochet V-Neck Sweater in Ivory; Mango Tweed Jacket with Frayed Ends in Aqua

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: The Gap; J.Crew; Mango)

The simple contrast of a textured fabric to a flat one goes a long way in the shift toward fall. In summer, it’s all about keeping things light and airy. Come September, a little roughness in the mix conveys the change in the weather … even if it hasn’t happened yet. Feel free to add an open-weave cotton sweater, such as Gap Factory Relaxed Crochet V-Neck Sweater in Ivory ($35, gapfactory.com) to a crisp white shirt and capri pants — or pair a textured jacket, such as Mango’s Tweed Jacket with Frayed Ends in Aqua ($100, mango.com) with jeans and a cool cotton tee. A wide-leg trouser in corduroy, such as J. Crew’s Wide-Leg Corduroy Trouser in Deep Chocolate ($117, jcrew.com) says “Fall is almost here.”

Before you know it, you may be wearing a coat — so enjoy these balmy, changeable days while they last!