Labor Day is always the last hurrah of Summer. With its passing, Summer is officially over. But that doesn’t mean the end of warm weather. Just as the temperature fluctuates from hot to not hot and back again, so will your transitional wardrobe fluctuate.

So just how do you go about dressing for both the warm Summer-like days and the cool Fall-like evenings during this ‘tween timeframe? It’s easy when you know how to mix and match seasonal pieces.

Here are “Seven Transitional Wardrobe Must-Haves”–closet staples that will take your Summer wardrobe from drab to fab right into the Fall:

Summer Outfit                   Fall Outfit

 

1. Short cropped jackets

Whether it’s a fashionable leather moto-style, a short jean jacket or simply a cropped cotton military-inspired version, your jacket will keep you warm and add visual weight and durability to your après-Summer wardrobe. And their darker colors will add needed contrast to the pastels and neon hues of Summer, signaling a return to the burnished colors of Autumn.

Note how the Summer attire, above left, gets a seasonal update with the addition of a leather moto-jacket, warm pants and a bootie in place of Summer sandals, above right.

Or pair your jacket with a Summer skirt or dress like the one below, or simply sling it over a long T-shirt with your favorite jeans. Just remember not to pair a blue jean jacket with jeans of the same color.

2. Blazers

A tailored boy-cut blazer with simple lines, below, not only visually slims your silhouette, it helps transition your wardrobe into the cooler Autumnal months. Choose one in a solid classic color, such as gray, midnight blue, black or brown, and wear it atop your flirty Summer dresses and skirts. It also makes a classic statement when worn with a simple T-shirt and your favorite Fall jeans–simply throw in a colorful scarf for a pop of color.

3. Classic T-shirts

The temperature changes this time of year make it too soon for turtlenecks and too late for tank tops. So why not try a classic T-shirt top, below, instead? Whether long- or short-sleeved, T-shirts in white, gray and black can help you fall into Fall in style. Wear them with your favorite jeans and cropped jacket. Or throw one on under or over a breezy summer dress to add warmth.

4. Sweaters and more sweaters.

Snuggle up to your post-Summer wardrobe with a bevy of lightweight sweaters in Merino wool, cotton or light-weight cashmere. Wear a cardigan version buttoned up to the top under a summer dress (buttons can be worn in front or back) or tie it tennis-sweater style over your favorite T-shirt for a pop of color and a whit of warmth.

 

Or take a heavier weight, long sweater like the one below and wear it with your lightweight Summer skirt. Add booties, with or without tights, for the full Fall effect.

5. Boots and booties

Nothing says substance like a pair of knee-high riding boots or the ever-popular short-cropped booties, below. Team either with a floaty feminine Summer skirt or dress and a pair of dark matching tights. Then add your favorite jacket for an on-the-go, in-the-know Fall wardrobe.

6. Legging, leggings, leggings

This is your go-to staple for extending the life of your Summer wardrobe. Whether you choose a light-weight or heavy version, they’ll keep your legs toasty warm and extend the visual length of your torso when worn with matching boots or booties.

 

Leggings alert! Leggings and tights often pill when worn with boots or booties. To prevent wear and tear on your favorite pair, either wear socks over your tights or purchase more than one pair of leggings–one to wear with booties and the other to wear with knee-high boots.

7. Scarves

This wardrobe staple can take you from season to season in style.  Wear it as a signature accessory, as a shawl to keep warm–even as a belt. They add color and pattern to even the most casual of outfits. But make sure your scarves are in the rich, earth tones of Autumn rather than the icy pastels of Summer.