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Stepping Up Style Should Be No Sweat

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By CLOE CABRERA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 5, 2008

The lazy days of summer officially have come to an end, but only on the calendar.

Stores have been full of fall merchandise for weeks, but when you live in the Sunshine State — where October temperatures can still reach into the 90s — you may want to wait and get some extra mileage from your summer favorites.

Unless you're booked as a makeover subject on "What Not to Wear," tossing everything out and shopping from scratch isn't happening.

Nancy Alderman, fashion director for Stein Mart department stores, says that by borrowing from your warm-weather wardrobe and adding a few key pieces, you can create a winning look for fall without breaking your budget — or breaking a sweat.

"There is so much to fall in love with this season," Alderman says. "Wearable styles that flatter every figure make the scene, with layering a key trend that works perfectly as we move through the seasons."

Layering works especially well in the South, where comfortable mornings can easily give way to tepid afternoons.

"It's all about using lightweight pieces," Alderman says. "And you can layer virtually anything: a mesh sweater over a longer T-shirt, a shrug or sweater over a sundress. Florida is perfect weather for layering."

Alderman also suggests taking your lighter, warm-weather clothing into cooler temperatures by pairing it with the things that make it current and fresh.

Add a pop of fall flair to summer dresses and skirts by teaming them with a pair of opaque tights in textured styles, polka dots or a bright fall hue. Dresses can be belted and paired with a cardigan sweater or coat.

Lightweight cardigan sets offer an effortless way to transition to fall. They give you a sweater look without adding bulk or being too hot for Florida. They're great with jeans on the weekends or with dress slacks for work. When it's warmer, you can wear the cardigan tied around your neck for a relaxed look.

Denim is a classic staple year-round, and a denim vest works for the menswear look that's a must-have for fall. Wear it with a short-sleeve T-shirt now and pair it with a long-sleeve top as the mercury starts to dip.

Even your cropped pants can be worn through the fall when teamed with tights and boots.
A short- or three-quarter-sleeve sweater slipped over a tank or long-sleeve knit top can take you through the season. The same goes for the new "boyfriend cardigan" style. With its loose-ish fit (meant to look like you borrowed it from your man), it's great over a short-sleeve tee or later over a turtleneck or long-sleeve knit top. And it's perfect with jeans or dress slacks.

Ruffles are also big for fall. A sleeveless ruffle top can be worn on its own when it's warm; top it off with a jacket or cardigan when the temperatures start to cool.

"If you're going to buy something new, buy it in purple," Alderman advises.
It's the color for the season, in shades ranging from amethyst to eggplant and deep plum to orchid.

And it's fabulous paired with black, charcoal, navy, camel or winter-white pants.

You also can update the basics you already have with accessories. A chunky statement necklace can add sparkle to T-shirts as well as sweaters. Lucite, silver, pewter, gold, bronze and copper are all popular looks right now. You also can update a look with a new tote or satchel.

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