Layer Cake: Transition Your Summer Dresses into Fall

*You’ve bought so many beautiful summer dresses…and you only have about a month left to wear them?! The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of your warm-weather wardrobe. By adding just a few basics you can keep wearing your summer frocks into the fall. Here are some fantastic (and affordable!) tips from our Trendsetter Alice of Flat Broke & Fabulous**. *

One of the hardest things to swallow when the temperature takes that inevitable downturn is giving up the little summer dress. As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing better than slipping into a breezy frock on a balmy day. Thankfully, the arrival of fall doesn’t mean having to bid adieu to your favorite flimsy dresses anymore. Layers are very much in this season and that means getting more wear out of those shifts and slips. By strategically piling on various other elements, mostly from your own existing wardrobe, you can end up with a look that is not only cozy but cost-effective and best of all, chic.

The key elements:

Tights

Channel It-girl Zooey Deschanel and her favorite red carpet looks by adding a pair of black tights to a colorful and festive dress (try Hue’s Super Opaque Tights, $12.50, available at hue.com). To add a little interest to a simple shift, while keeping your legs warm in the process, opt for J. Crew’s Herringbone Tights ($22.50).

Long Cardigan

Throwing on a cardigan before heading out the door to stave away the chills is a no-brainer. Try to shake things up a little this fall by choosing interesting shapes like Forever 21’s modern, draped Alesha Open Front Cardigan ($22.80) or by pairing unexpected patterns, like stripes and florals (go for their Bold Striped Cardigan, $24.90, with a lovely floral frock).

Long Sleeved Tee/Turtleneck

Worn with or without a cardigan on top, a long sleeved shirt or turtleneck can provide an extra layer of protection from the cold (or over-air-conditioned office) – and lend a very Rumi Neely meets Empire Records feel to your ensemble. American Apparel’s Sheer Rib Long Sleeve Turtleneck ($28) or Unisex Baby Thermal Long Sleeve T-Shirt ($22) will do the trick. ****

Over-the-Knee Boots

The most daring of all options is the very on-trend over-the-knee boot. These give you those extra few inches of cover from the cold and are oh-so-edgy and cool right now. I prefer the flat styles out there like Nine West’s Husky ($149) or the SM Luxe Lizzy Suede Over-The-Knee Boot ($129.95), that are more Chloé, less* Pretty Woman*.