Transition Pieces: What to Wear Into Fall

August-September: they’re not exactly sweater weather, but they’re far from the heady days of spring. The key to transition dressing is finding lightweight materials in more somber colors, in styles that give a few hints of the fall trends to come. These pieces for day, night, and office can all be worn right now, then layered with tights, cardigans, and jackets as the weather starts to turn.

Transition Pieces: Day

The skin-baring cut of these clothes may look like summer, but the colors are somber enough for fall. One exception: the flash of bright-orange red in these jeans, since bright colors are still in the mix for key pieces.

Clockwise from top left: Florals are still going strong through autumn. This LaRok Mauve & Multi Ruffle Dress ($298) recalls the wild Balenciaga patterns for fall 2009 but is lightweight enough to wear right now. Love the back-to-school feel of this plaid Elizabeth and James Schoolboy Shirt ($195), and the short sleeves keep it feminine. Spring colors are also big for fall, so make a statement with House of Cassette Women’s Skinny Denim ($187). 80′s style zippers are front and center, as with this Purple Label Women’s Joan Long Zippered Skirt ($26). Neutral gray is always a great transitional color; in this ArynK Charcoal Drape Tunic ($52) it gets the ruching treatment that was all over the runways for fall. Fashion folk love rocking quirky black tees: Topshop’s Eerie Trees Crop Tee ($36) has a cool True Blood vibe going on.

Transition Pieces: Night

You may not want to wear ’80s power suits to the office, but this decade is going to be the party-girl look for night. Think flirty, punky, with an eff-it-all attitude – you know, kind of like Madonna in the ’80s (or now).

Clockwise from top left: The must-have jacket for fall 2009 is (again) the biker jacket. Get one now as a great layering piece for evening, since it looks even better worn over a sexy dress. This S.W.O.R.D. Motorcycle jacket ($902) is the bomb, but if you’re looking for something less expensive, there’s a Michael Michael Kors black leather motorcycle jacket for $267 on Bluefly. Deliciously ’80s party girl: the sparkly cobalt blue and zipper detail of this Vena Cava Elixer Dress ($473). Also back? Tube skirts, like this Members Only Tube Skirt ($50). Ruffles with metallic edge make this Mmmunt Silver Ruffle Tier Top ($88) particularly kick-ass. Diane von Furstenberg does draping and a fabulous velvet leopard print in one Wilma Joon Dress ($298). One of the cutest ’80s party outfits may be this F Foe Origami Ruffle Skirt ($96), Aryn K Avant Rosette Top ($64), and Dome Studded Belt ($20), all on Nasty Gal.

Transition Pieces: Office

There are two major forces at work here: the figure-enhancing ’40s looks on the runway, and the return of Mad Men. Either way, expect a lot of va va voom at the office this fall.

Clockwise from top left: this great boyfriend blazer is available at…drum roll please…Ann Taylor Loft, for just $89.50. There are so many tempting pieces in Alexander Wang’s fall 2009 collection, but his versatile  Leopard Washed Georgette Blouse ($320) may be our favorite. Get a pencil skirt with a little embellishment in this Sariah Esra Skirt ($450), which is silk and lightweight enough to wear right now. A friend of ours has this J.Crew Silk Frances Cami ($88), and the gorgeous frilly collar makes it look much more expensive than it is, particularly when layered under a blazer or black cardigan. Speaking of, a boyfriend cardigan like this J.Crew Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan ($168) is extremely practical for fending off autumn chills and excessive office air conditioning. The bow tie of this Urban Renewal Knit Secretary Dress ($68) gives a nod to 9 to 5, but the short length and high waist puts it in more stylish territory.

Transition Pieces: Accessories

Accessories in particular have a tough, punk edge for fall. Anything that looks indestructible or pieced-together will fight off any bad-economy karma. On the flip side of the coin, things with absolutely no practical value say “I can afford to indulge” – even if they’re faux.

Clockwise from top left: When the going gets tough, the tough wear Doc Martens boots ($99.95), spotted at many a rainy concert this summer. Cross body bags are an absolute must-have, and we like the flash of blue in this Topshop Leather Foldover Satchel Bag ($100). Citrine by the Stones has crafted a tough-but-beautiful Chain Wire Ring ($155) and naughty girl Kelly Killoren Bensimon has a new line of real-looking faux jewelry at Intermix, like this Crystal Double Headed Snake Ring ($88). Leggings have not gone away; they’ve just gotten more elaborate, like these Mesh Slasher Leggings ($38) from 80s purple with a real punk edge. Add to that another flash of cobalt blue in the Ray Ban style of the moment, a colored variation on their classic Wayfarers ($120). The bootie/sandal hybrid is not going anywhere anytime soon, and this Matiko Fringe Sandal ($127) puts a cool Native American spin on fall footwear. And of course, there’s nothing as kick-as as a Wonder Woman-esque Studded Leather Cuff ($28) to fight off evil. Or dress up last year’s LBD in an instant with this gorgeous Lee Angel Jen Multi-Strand Necklace ($330) with a found-objects feel.