Despite the sultry weather, summer is drawing to a close and before you know it you’ll be pulling your cozy sweaters out of storage. But don’t start rearranging your drawers just yet; it’s time to take advantage of all those end-of-summer sales. Savvy shoppers can find some fantastic summer bargains that work no matter what the season. With a little ingenuity, you’ll be able to transition your end-of-summer steals into the building blocks of a perfect transitional wardrobe.
Tanks & Tees • Do stock up on pretty tanks and tees. Transitional dressing is all about layering. You can never have too many.
Maxi Dress • Toss a downy, cropped cardigan over your floor-skimming, strappy frock you’ll look divine through the brisk autumn days. Opt for dresses in heavier cotton knits, or deeper hues that won’t clash with your fall shoes and accessories.
Swimsuits • If you find a bathing suit that makes you look and feel fantastic, don’t hesitate, buy it immediately! Any desire to be ‘in’ pales in comparison to the numerous agonies suffered in dressing rooms across America by women desperately trying to find an acceptable suit for that last-minute pool party. In fact, the end of summer may be the best time to swimsuit shop—you’re already tanned and accustomed to showing a little more skin. Then you can spend the winter fantasizing about how gorgeous you’ll look on the beach next year.
Shorts • Think fall when it comes to buying shorts at end-of-summer-sales. A pair of knee grazing, tailored Bermudas make a gorgeous fall look. Pair denim or canvas twill short, shorts with tights in cooler weather. As long as you stay away from beachy prints or super lightweight fabrics like seersucker, shorts can work year ’round.
Sandals • Much like the short, when done properly sandals still work in post-summer—as long as they’re platform wedges or heels. Wait until next year to buy flat sandals and thongs, you never know when gladiator straps will be pronounced dead and it’s all about ribbons and frills. A chunky sandal with opaque tights and a mini-length skirt is pure magic.
Flip Flops or Havaianas • They never go out of style—at the beach, at the gym, or the nail salon. Keep them so you have a fresh pair the instant next summer rolls around.
