The leaves are changing, the air gets crisp, pumpkin spice everything appears. Sounds like fall to me! Before you go throwing your summer clothes into a bin or the back of your closet, check out these style tips. Make the most out of your wardrobe by using your summer pieces with a few key items to smoothly transition into fall.

If you’re in Florida or the other southern states, this is especially helpful because it takes FOREVER for us to get consistently cool. We get tastes of fresh crisp air in the midst of humidity. Some days I can wear jeans and a scarf. Some days I have to go back to my shorts to avoid melting. Keep reading to find out how I style my summer and fall items together.

Transitional Style Staples

I love a good striped T-shirt dress with sandals for summer. It’s cool and comfy, while still looking put together. To make it fall appropriate, throw on your favorite denim jacket (there’s a reason both of these items are in my capsule wardrobe post.) Add some cute brown or black booties and you’re golden. Layering the denim jacket allows for you to take it off and tie it around your waist in case of a sudden heat wave.

Denim jackets are a staple piece for anyone’s closet. Blank NYC has some really nice options and they fit well – aka they give you a shape other than a square box. I’ve linked some from American Eagle that are on sale right now! Mine is from American Eagle, and it’s probably 8 years old. No joke. Make sure you pick one you like, it’s definitely an investment piece!

My easiest tip for you is to ditch the sandals and start adding flats or booties. Every girl should invest in a pair of good, comfortable flats. These are a staple for any wardrobe and can be used again as a transition for winter to spring. My favorites are these Tory Burch Minnie Flats. Yes, I realize they’re very expensive, but OMG they’re like wearing butter! I got blisters on the back of my heels in every pair of flats I owned until these. Worth every penny ladies. I plan to pick them up in black…if I find them on sale…or save up.

Mix it Up

Next swap your shorts for jeans. If you were living in those holey boyfriend jeans like the rest of us, keep on rocking them and once again add booties. Mix your floral patterns with jeans and boots. I like wearing my airy floral tops and swapping shorts for jeans. This allows me to look like I have a long sleeve on, but without committing to a sweater and sweating in the afternoon.

Another great option is adding a cardigan or shawl to your summer dresses. This is my personal favorite for work. I stay warm in the freezing conference rooms while still being able to wear my dresses a little longer. I throw on a pair of more fall-looking heels/wedges and I’m good to go.

Don’t forget a scarf! A simple T-shirt and jeans can be amped up by adding a fun scarf. Leopard is great because it can still act as a neutral. Wear it with any color you like! I’d even add it to that T-shirt dress and jean jacket.

Finally, white denim and a flannel or plaid shirt. I don’t own any white jeans at the moment, But you can still make this work by pairing white shorts with a slouchy sweater or a plaid shirt.