Check out this fashion-forward article along with several amazing photos from inforum.com, which showcases some of the latest trends in women’s apparel and features tips and outfits from Clothes Mentor Fargo.

These fashion staples will transition from summer to fall

By Alexandra Floersch

Keeping up with ever-evolving fashion trends can be hard, especially as the seasons change. Just when you feel you’ve finally mastered the spring look, summer gives way to 80-degree temperatures and a whole new world of creativity. But collecting a closet full of fashionable pieces isn’t always easy.

“Trends are scary,” says Shantelle Peterson, store manager at Clothes Mentor in Fargo. How does the average Midwesterner know what works in our conservative neck of the woods? How can one manage to stay on trend without breaking the bank, considering how quickly summer gives way to fall?

The key is to spend most of your clothing dollars on pieces you’ll use often — staple items.

“Never invest (too much) in trendy pieces. If you’re going to invest in things, make sure they are staple pieces and buy your trendy pieces on the cheap,” Peterson says.

Summer lends versatility, according to Samantha Hayes, store manager of Kittsona in downtown Fargo. “You can wear skirts, tank tops, T-shirts, long sleeves, kimonos and rompers, rather than just the big, chunky sweaters and jeans,” she says. “There’s just a lot more to play with in the summertime.”

This summer, like many before, florals have been especially popular. The bright pops of color in a tank, dress or skirt can liven up an outfit. Hayes says feminine, intricate details such as lace and embroidery are also trendy. When it comes to jewelry, turquoise is the color to have.

When it’s all said and done, fashionistas must start somewhere. If you’re looking to buy just a few pieces, start with some of these staple items:

Denim dresses

“Denim will never go out of style — any variation of it: colored denim, denim vest, denim jacket, denim shorts,” Peterson says.

This season, denim dresses and skirts are a must-have. Hayes says one way to wear a denim dress is with ankle booties, a watch, layered necklace and sunnies.

For a quick transition to fall, pair it with knee high socks and booties or with tights and a long jacket or sweater.

Off-the-shoulder tops

According to Hayes, off-the-shoulder tops in beautiful, vibrant florals are both trendy and versatile. Paired with white jeans, a statement necklace and wedges, the top adds a feminine flair.

For fall, simply swap the white jeans for darker denim and add an army green cargo jacket over the top.

High-waisted skirts

For a more business-formal look, Peterson and Sam Muzzy, assistant manager at Clothes Mentor, say to add a high-waisted skirt to your collection. The versatile bottom can be paired with a crop top, tassel necklace and bright colored clutch.

For fall, slip on patterned tights, a moto jacket or blazer, gladiator shoes and bold accessories.

Blocked heel ankle booties

Summer fashion allows for much more versatility in shoes. “You can wear flats, you can wear a wedge heel, you can wear a square heel — it’s very wide open,” Peterson says.

In addition to a simple sandal, Hayes says blocked heel ankle booties are making a splash and the conversion from summer to fall to winter is an easy one. They can be worn with a dress, skirt or even shorts in summer and, in fall — to add warmth to otherwise bare legs — slip on knee-high socks or tights.

Bodysuits

Though bodysuits are one of the trendiest items, many consumers are confused over when, why or how to wear them.

Hayes says not only do they appeal to every body type, “they’re more form fitting. You don’t have to constantly tuck them in or pull them down. It stays in place.”

A bodysuit can be worn under many garments, including high-waisted denim or as an extra layer under a dress. Hayes suggests pairing it with a tapered cotton pant, blocked heel and choker necklace — a ’90s fad that made its way back in 2016.

For fall, throw on pants and an oversized denim jacket or long sweater to complete the look.

Kimono

Kimonos are perfect for summer in that they’re lightweight as opposed to a chunky sweater. When paired with denim shorts, cold-shoulder top, a long necklace and fringe booties, they embody a flowy, boho look.

While vibrant summer colors may not transition as smoothly into fall, a darker colored kimono paired with a chambray button up and high-waisted jeans will do the trick, Peterson and Muzzy say.

Layered necklace

Jewelry can dress up even the most seemingly casual outfits; it can even play up a tee. Hayes says a layered necklace, specifically, is a great piece to have. This year, turquoise and tassel details are in.

While tassel necklaces can add flair to the most simplistic pieces, you must be careful not to overdo it. Choose an outfit where the “other two pieces are subdued so you can go bold with the necklace,” Peterson says.

Makeup

Peterson says another fun thing about summer is that women can experiment with makeup. “You can wear a lot more bright colors as opposed to in the winter time,” she says.

Lipstick is especially popular. Hayes says deep purples — like black cherry and berry — are trending as well as browns and nudes, which go with almost any outfit.

Come fall, those same colors in darker tones such as dark plum, chocolate and shades of red will be trending. Metallics like gold will also make a breakthrough when the trees change color.