By Stephna Masters, of Closet Consulting with Stephna

Summer break is winding down, and moms are busy shopping for their kids’ school clothes. We often get so busy making sure everybody else in the family looks great that we completely forget about ourselves. So here’s your reminder: Your appearance is just as important, and, with a few insider tips and tricks, you can learn how to incorporate early fall trends while keeping cool during the hottest part of summer. You need to look for pieces that can be worn one way for summer and then totally different for fall and winter.

I’ve read several fashion magazines for August that feature articles on the “Wear Now, Wear Later” concept. I was trained to use this technique during the nine years I was employed with a clothing retailer, known for great customer service. I loved helping customers make smart purchases during season changes. When you’re reading fashion magazines, be careful when incorporating the suggestions and tailor them to the climate in which you live. I personally wouldn’t wear corduroy in Arkansas in early September. Choosing denim, cotton canvas or even a polyester/viscose combination would be better choices for staying cool.

Along with knowing which fabrics are appropriate, it’s just as important to know which colors are best for multiple seasons. Let’s say you have a brightly-colored skirt in your closet. (It may even be a printed skirt.) The skirt can be straight or A-line, depending on your preference. For summer, pair it with a crisp white blouse and sandals. To move the skirt to late fall and early winter, replace the white blouse with a sweater (even a turtleneck will work). Then add some tall, skinny black boots or black opaque tights and pumps to polish the look. Remember to adjust accessories like belts, necklaces, shoes and purses for the changing seasons as well.

A vest is also a great dual-purpose, multi-season piece for your wardrobe. During summer months, layer it with lightweight fabrics. Put a short-sleeved blouse or even a tank under a vest and then pair it with Bermuda shorts or cropped pants. For fall, I love the look of wool trousers, a blouse with some type of detail or embellishment with a vest on top for texture. You can complete the look with a great jacket, which will also accommodate the transition to cold weather.

When your kids are back in school and you’ve got more time to shop for yourself, keep in mind that retailers may already have new fall trends on display to tempt you, so be cautious. Before you buy, think about how you can wear it now and how you’ll wear it when the weather turns cooler. Remember that fabric and color are key factors when finding pieces that can be worn during multiple seasons. Choose wisely and you’ll end up with a closet full of versatile pieces that’ll keep you looking stylish year round. Happy shopping!

If you’d love a little help on your quest to find more versatile pieces, call Stephna for more info on personal shopping services. She can be reached at 479-751-1531 or 479-841-2360.