29 Secrets

It seems as soon as you finally find a great swimsuit, hunt down the latest designer sunglasses, and buy a chic beach tote to hold it all, the upcoming fall season is just around the corner. It's true that trends change at a rapid pace in the world of fashion, but your wardrobe doesn't have to! Transitioning from the sunshine-filled days of July and August to the slightly more windy days ahead shouldn't clear out your savings account. The trick is to combine sophisticated, timeless pieces with summer clothing made of lighter fabrics, while thinking creatively and wearing the latest trends according to your personal taste.

Opaque tights are a must-have item and are perfect for layering under shorter sundresses and accessorizing with a pair of knee-high leather boots. While basic black is classic, white, patterned, and lace tights are also making a return to the runways this year. For a casual weekend ensemble, your tights can also be paired with denim shorts (or that romper normally worn on its own during the warmer months) and a pair of ankle booties.

Dark wash skinny jeans and jeggings are also essentials for Fall 2010. When paired with a chic cardigan and a brightly coloured scarf, a fabulous pair of jeans can reduce the summery appearance of a lightweight top.

Speaking of tops- no need to put away frilly sleeveless blouses just yet! The boyfriend blazer, popularized last fall and part of the growing menswear-inspired trend, is back again for round two. The oversized jacket can look bulky and masculine if not styled correctly, but a shirt with feminine detail provides visual interest and leaves you looking like the stylish lady you know you are. Cream, grey, and beige are predicted to be popular colours for this fall, so a blazer in a neutral tone such as these would be a useful piece to build outfits around. Add black leggings, a long necklace, and you're good to go.

Wrap cardigans, cropped military-style jackets with bold buttons, and both shawl-collar and draped sweaters are also perfect to throw over a skimpy tank for mornings when the temperature drops. If you do plan on buying some new knitwear, here's a hint- luscious, eye-catching red is supposed to be huge for autumn and adds glamour to an otherwise simple colour palette.