04 Nov Maximize Your Closet: How to Stretch Your Summer Wardrobe Through Fall

Some people see fall as a time to store summer clothes away until next year. I’m not that person and you don’t have to be either. Why not maximize your closet and extend your clothes’ wear?

No, that doesn’t mean you should wear linen shorts this fall and winter, but you certainly can rock some of your summer clothes throughout this season and even next. See a few easy styling tips that make it simple and fashionable to wear your summer threads a bit longer.

Shorts or Minis
Baring your legs has such a summer feel, but you can still show those legs this season. Well, with the addition of tights or leggings. I wore the thrifted Banana Republic shorts a few weeks ago in Atlanta, but this is a look I can and WILL wear again soon. All thanks to tights! The same can be done with a mini skirt. It’s all about the proper material. Cotton or wool will keep you warm, but linen and other flimsy material will leave you shivering and looking less than seasonally appropriate.

Spotted at Macy's: this is how you wear your ripped jeans throughout fall and even winter. Extend the wear of your denim with fun leggings.

A photo posted by Patrice J. Williams (@patricejwill) on Sep 16, 2015 at 9:44am PDT

Ripped Denim
This mannequin I spotted at Macy’s got the memo about adding tights under ripped jeans. Instead of  your slivers of skin being exposed and cold, you have a layer of insulation. See a common theme? Basically, tights are a must have for transitioning your summer style to fall wears.

You can buy tights for a few bucks and in a ton of colors and prints. I’ve always found good options at H&M and you can never go wrong with Hue. Also, if you want to inject color into your otherwise neutral wardrobe, tights are the way to go.

Maxi Dress or Skirt
Finally, the maxi is another summer staple that can still come out to play. The length keeps your legs covered and you just have to winterize the top portion, either with chunky knits or layers. The black maxi dress above is a favorite in my closet and I usually wear it until early fall, with the addition of tall boots that peek from underneath the hem and a cozy sweater.

It’s all about making your wardrobe work for you and stretching your buck.

How do you maximize your closet? Do you wear summer clothes through fall and winter?