Mirror, Mirror: Tips to transition from summer to fall

You've invested in new fall clothing and makeup, and, darn it, you want to wear it. After all, it is the second week in September.

But with temps expected to top 90 degrees throughout the end of the week, the weather won't be letting you say goodbye to your summer duds just yet.

But when the mercury finally does start to drop, how do you transition your closets from summer to fall steadily and stylishly?

I asked some local fashion experts for their advice.

Don't pack away your sheer maxi just yet. Mary K. Dougherty, owner of the Center City and Manayunk Nicole Miller boutiques, is a fan of slipping chunky, oversize knit cardigans over a flimsy summer dress or blouse to add a layer of warmth and a dose of cool-weather texture.

Need to dress up your slightly boho look? Ellen Shepp, co-owner of Joan Shepp, a local high-end boutique, is all for wearing summer-weight dresses with a fitted blazer.

Mix summer prints with winter ones. Dots, florals, and nautical stripes can totally lighten up a fall ensemble.

The key, said Susan Tessler, owner of Hippy Spirit, a Maple Glen knitwear company, is to keep the combos - like warm-weather polka dots and fall plaids - in the same color family, meaning: It's not OK to mix eggplant with lime green.

But do feel free to create an ensemble that features navy and white stripes in cotton with nubby wools in slate gray or midnight hues.

A heavier-weight, floral-print scarf can keep the summer look in rotation when it's not so summery, too.

Work with your white. White - whether ecru or bright, corduroy or cotton - can maintain its front-and-center spot in your closet through the fall months.

White jeans, leggings, or wide-legged cotton trousers go instantly cozy when paired with a chunky (or distressed) sweater or long duster, said Ann Gitter, owner of Knit Wit.

Not quite ready for that level of snug? Try a fitted chambray or jean shirt. They are a must-have this fall and "an unusual piece of denim is the perfect way to transition," Shepp said.

Keep wearing eyeglasses in blush tones. Despite the deeper hues we are drawn to come fall weather, Matt LaBar, store manager at SEE eyewear in Ardmore's Suburban Square, encourages light colors all year long. "Bright faces are happy, and happy is attractive," he said.

Time to fatten up. Wearing multiple slim bracelets on one arm finished many an outfit this summer. You can keep the trendy look going by swapping out a few of the delicate ones with a chunky cuff, said Maddy Rovinsky, co-owner and stylist at Bernie Robbins Jewelers in St. Davids and Marlton. And, Rovinsky said, "a thick gold cuff looks extra-chic when placed over the sleeve of a finger-grazing knit."

Jewel tones get bigger. That sliver of midi-knuckle ring in yellow and rose gold could probably use some bold company. "Try a cocktail ring with a sapphire, garnet, or emerald stone," said Rovinsky. "The colorful textures will make your hands sparkle."

Gloss up your mane. After a summer of sun and pools, our hair is dry and brittle. Giovanni Mele of Center City's Giovanni & Pileggi recommended getting a gloss treatment to repair the follicles and add a generous dose of needed shine.

Your gloss need not be tinted, Giovanni said - although brown highlights are an easy way to tone down summer blonds and coppers. "A clear gloss will smooth the pesky fly-aways and boost dull, lifeless hair."

Merge your eye shadows. Nude, peach, and yellow eye shadows still work for the center of the lid, said Ursula Augustine, owner of Center City's Ursula's About Phace. But you must merge them with warmer shades like brown, olive, or golden hues in the crease of the lid. Use deep winter hues - navy, marsala, or heather gray - along the lash line. "Don't forget to add that black liner after 6 p.m.," Augustine advised.

Up the dramatic lip. Late summer, early fall calls for a matte lipstick, said Andre Baldini, owner of Andre Richard Salon in Center City. But just because the shine is gone doesn't mean the lip need go completely dark.

"Bright and almost nude tones help us take the journey into fall," Baldini said. And remember, he added, "if blending warm and cool shades, use a brush."

Messy lips aren't good for any season.

215-854-2704@ewellingtonphl