What summer clothes can I wear through fall? I don’t have money to buy a ton of new stuff!

Don’t let your budget throw your wardrobe out of whack. There are plenty of ways to stretch those summer threads into fall. Here’s how to get an awesome autumn look using your fave warm-weather clothes!

You’ve prob got a drawer full of t-shirts. But don’t box ‘em up yet! This season, tees look amazing under 90’s-inspired flannel shirts (get one at a thrift store for super-cheap). Or, wear a graphic tee tucked into a skirt and throw on your fave shoes (sneakers look funky, bootie feel trendy!). Chilly? Pop on a blazer from last year.

Or, get crafty and cut up old t-shirts into new looks or tie-dye a couple plain ones to add color to your wardrobe.

A sundress looks fab in the fall with a cute cardigan. To update it for cool weather, pair it up with some suede heels instead of the flip-flops you’ve worn all summer. For a more casual look, opt for some pretty flats. A lightweight scarf or a knit beret is a fun finishing touch.

So what are you supposed to do with all those tank tops you’ve lived in for the past three months? Go for layers. Wear fitted tanks under preppy button-ups, spaghetti strap dresses or a billowy tank top. Or rock one under a plaid shirt that you tie at your waist.

 

 

Pin-nacle of the Party, $14, modcloth.com

 

More into the punk thing? Designers fell for, yep, safety pins this season. Tack a couple massive ones just below the strap of a plain black or jewel-toned tank top.

 

 

 

Steel Safety Pin Set, $2, amazon.com

 

Shorts still make the cut

Don’t ditch your denim cut-offs, just ‘cause it’s after Labor Day. Give shorts and rompers new life by wearing tights under them. Our fall faves? Ones with texture or deep hues (like maroon or charcoal). Add a blouse, a cute jacket and loads of girly jewels.

What a gem

The accessories you loved in the hot, hot heat will still look amazing for fall. Wearing your rope bracelet from vacay or the friendship bracelets your camp bud made ya will keep the hazy days of summer close by. Or, buy a couple cheap pieces at the mall (think: anything with bows, pearls, studs or tonsa color!). Could it get any easier?

-Katie Abbondanza & Megan Parker

9/1/2009 4:05:00 PM