Fall holds so many joys. The brutal heat of summer has let up, and the brilliant hues of the season are starting to show up on trees, bushes ― and in clothing. But for the working woman, the return of autumn can lead to questions.

Is it time to pack away all the lightweight skirts and tank tops? If it’s 10 degrees at 8 a.m. and 27 degrees at 3 p.m., what to wear?

Fashion expert and style guru Sharon Haver has the answers. Visit her site, focusonstyle.com, for specific picks and information, but in general, the fashion guru says don’t pack away your summer wardrobe just yet.

“You can stretch out your summery skirts,” she says. “If there’s a bit of black in them, wear tights and ankle boots.”

Your legs, she says, are the “iffy” part of the equation this time of year. If you’re losing that golden tan and your legs are a bit pasty, opt for skirts that hit a bit below the knee. Better yet, look for a pair of pants.

“You don’t have to worry about being too warm or cold,” Haver says. “Look for cropped or ankle-grazing pants and a nice pair of pumps with a sturdy heel, and you’re set.”

The right footwear is essential to making the season work, she says. Knee-high boots look pretty with a silk dress. Put away those strappy sandals, but don’t turn to the heavy boots yet.

“Whatever you do, don’t wear those opaque tights with sandals,” she says. “With the tights, wear stacked heels or a wedge.”

If you’re still in love with silky short-sleeved or sleeveless blouses, no need to retire them. It seems obvious, but a sweater will carry you gracefully through the season.

“And scarves are great for this time of year,” she says. “If it’s too cold inside or hot outside, try a big scarf you can wrap around you. Find one in a rayon blend or a lightweight silk, and that will keep you warm.”

South Florida stylist Nikole Powers (nikolepowers.com) agrees that a scarf is one of the essential transitional items of clothing this time of year.

“It’s easy to throw on, and can be stored easily in a purse or bag during the day,” she says.

Another trick? Pair shorts with a long-sleeve button-down blouse. Those sleeves are easy to roll up and down as the weather changes.

Powers also is a fan of ankle boots, which she says can be paired with dresses or skirts. And don’t be afraid to be adventurous when it comes to lengths of skirts, she says.

“A mid-calf length is good on most,” Powers says, adding that harem pants in light fabrics are great for hot days and chilly nights. “They’re loose-fitting to avoid trapping heat.”

By Maria Martin

(ShopAtHome.com)

(MCT Information Services)