It’s officially October, and, while I’m fully aware fall actually began September 22, I was busy celebrating homecoming and embracing the last hints of summer weather. Now, though, the leaves are changing, and the air is crisp; autumn is here. The problem is, I still have a wardrobe that centers around summer.

Sure, I brought some gloves, a shearling hat and a faux fur coat or three, but I think I’d look legitimately insane sporting any one of these pieces on the arts quad so early in the season. I’d still like to be able to transition my wardrobe into fall more gracefully. So I’ve come up with a couple of guidelines for bridging the gap between summer and fall style.

1. You don’t need to pack up all your brights and florals yet! Layering them with a blazer or denim jacket will not only keep you warm, but will shift such pieces into subtle fall territory, by creating a perfect balance of extra fabric and opposition with the lighter pieces underneath.

2. One word: boots. I live in them all year long (not advocating this...I can get away with it because I won’t go within 500 feet of sand or the beach). They are the perfect shoe in which to step into fall. And there are so many choices! Combat, western, platform-lace ups (why not?) — all of these can make even the most summery ensemble posses an undertone of autumn.

3. Darker hued accents are incredibly easy to incorporate into any look, and are even more incredibly effective. Anything from an oxblood (THE color of the season) tee-shirt to a plum shade of lipstick completely transforms the mood of any outfit. The further into autumn it gets, the darker your entire look should be. For now, though, as much as one noticeable hint of a dark hue is all you need.

4. Tights are a gift from God for us girls. For starters, they scream fall, so even under a floral summer dress or a short chiffon skirt, they evoke a colder weather look. Secondly (and most importantly), they keep us warm! Collegetown is a far walk in a dress that hits above the knee, especially when my iPhone weather report mocks me by displaying 50 degrees or lower. Tights really do make a difference, as far as comfort and appearance. Black tights with black heels or boots create a killer leg line, too — elongating and slimming your gams is always an ideal, no matter what the season.

5. Accessorizing is always your friend. I already mentioned darker accents as a vital component of a wardrobe transition, but key accessories can be just as effective. Bowler hats are so in this season, and look good on pretty much anyone. Scarves are always reminiscent of colder weather, and also work perfectly for those days when the air is crisp but a jacket is simply too heavy. Jewelry (collar necklaces!), makeup and even bags do the trick as well.

So there you have it! Don’t discard that gorgeous chiffon tank top or frilly floral frock just yet...just complement them correctly, and you’ve got yourself a fashionable fall.