How To: Transition 2 Key Work Pieces From Summer to Fall

Wear Now Coordinating Item. As the weather is still warm, this sleeveless Theory top is a perfect layer under the featured black blazer in this outfit. This is no ordinary collared shirt. Instead of the typical buttons down the front, it actually buttons down the back. All those fears of gapping or a button popping open have now been banished. Thank you, Theory. You’ll love the sleek contemporary fit, crisp white cotton, and clean lines that are perfect under the sleek blazer – tucked or untucked. We’ve tested it out on ladies with various chest sizes and it fits like a dream. (And it’s a great layer under a cardigan or pullover sweater later on in the season, too.)

Wear Now Coordinating Item. For the end of Summer, pair the jacket and sleeveless shirt in this outfit with Theory’s black and white pants. Oh, are these comfortable. They are Theory’s typical contemporary fit, but instead of customary wool that so many work pants use, these are made of a high-end knit. They are as professional looking as any wool, but you get all the comfort of a knit. The herringbone pattern is subtle, and a great pairing to a solid black jacket. The cropped length, just above the ankle, gives them a tailored look that pairs with flats or heels – and any tailor can easily shorten them, if needed. Just don’t forget to bring your shoes when you get them altered.

Wear Later Coordinating Item. Floral patterns are deep and sophisticated for Fall, and this one from Equipment has a lovely, even pattern that provides just the right amount of feminine appeal to offset the clean lines of the featured black blazer in this outfit. The combination of black, white, and grey is utter sophistication and keeps the floral feeling really powerful, not too girly. Equipment is known for their beautiful silk blouses in a modern, easy fit. We are directing you to straight Equipment’s own website, where they offer free shipping and returns - and the packaging keeps wrinkles down to a minimum.

Wear Later Coordinating Item. Bootcuts and flares are back in a big way, and these tailored Alice + Olivia pants translate it in such a professionally subtle way for work. This is style that has been a best seller of the line for good reason – the fit is impeccable. The wider waistband helps to eliminate the dreaded muffin top, and the contemporary fit is slim, yet not too trim – we’ve seen these pants look truly amazing on ladies of all shapes and sizes. In this outfit, the subtle bootcut is an ideal balance to the shape of the jacket. Alice + Olivia does make the same style with a straight leg, if that is your preference. They both work with the jacket.

KEY Transitional Item #2. Update your ballet flats with a modern pointy toe loafer. It’s a style statement that you can wear now and it’s a polished look for Fall. We’ve talked about Everlane before – it’s one of our favorite new sites. They are all about the customer, with a focus on pricing transparency and quality basics, keeping their prices down by only selling directly to the customer. And the quality and styling of this loafer is as good as many of the luxury brands out there…at a fraction of the price. It comes in some beautiful rich leather colors, and the burgundy we’re picking here is amazing. They break in beautifully, and have a tailored look that is the perfect expression of menswear inspiration. They look great worn casually, with jeans, but today, we’re all about the work wear interpretation. Whether you choose to wear them with black, camel, navy, olive, white, or beige, this is a color that is just as versatile as your favorite black shoes. If you are between sizes, we suggest sizing down, especially if you have a narrow foot.

Wear Now Coordinating Item. Vince’s cropped pants are made of tropical wool, so they breathe in warmer weather and will still be cozy once the tempature starts to drop. They have a touch of stretch for comfort to get you through a long day at the office, but these aren’t a skinny fit. The high quality fabric and cut just skims the body, with a pintuck detail down the front of the legs that takes these out of the ordinary, and gives them a little more style than your average grey work pants. The rich heathered grey looks great with the burgundy color of the featured loafers, and the slim, cropped leg style really shows them off. They are cut in Vince’s typically relaxed, contemporary fit and available in 00-14, so if your size is sold out through the ‘shop it’ button, Saks carries it, too.

Wear Now Coordinating Item. The pattern on this silk Theory blouse has a retro feel and menswear inspiration that is so fresh – we are pretty obsessed. And it’s a dream with the grey trousers and, of course, the burgundy loafers in this outfit. Don’t let the black leather trim throw you- sure, that gives you the option to tie this top back to black, too, but it's not limiting to just black. The contemporary fit is loose and flowing, great for the warm weather – and easy to layer in the cold months, too. Wear it tucked in or show off the shirttail hem for a more casual look. Shopbop also carries this blouse, if your size is already sold out at Nordstrom through the 'shop it' button.

Wear Now & Later Coordinating Item. This Tory Burch bag will have other women doubletake with envy now, and for months to come. The chic stripes on the navy leather (including burgundy, a quiet nod to the featured loafers in this outfit), give it endless versatility – it’s the perfect combination of stylish pattern and professional polish. It fits over your shoulder with ease, even when you have to start wearing a coat. And it fits a 15” laptop, extra shoes, and all the necessities a lady needs to get through the day or an out-of-town meeting.

Wear Later Coordinating Item. We showed you a slim, cropped trouser with the featured Everlane loafers in this look. And they look just as good with a wider leg. The fluid drape looks really fresh for Fall, especially with flats – the updated look is for wider pants to almost "puddle" at the bottom, with the length of the pants just skimming the ground. That’s what makes these loafers look so good with it. The pointed toe and rich burgundy color just peak out. Vince is really showing off their design chops with these pants – they have a side zip closure and rise that sits at the belly button, with a faux belt and fly detail that accentuates the waist and creates a really slimming balance to the wider leg. In 00-14, the relaxed contemporary fit will win over everyone.

Wear Later Coordinating Item. Blouses with bows, also called Secretary Blouses, have a retro feel and feminine nod that makes a basic work blouse feel special again. It looks great with a pencil skirt or flared jeans, and takes on an added level of sophistication when paired with the black fluid Vince pants and burgundy loafers in this outfit. The ivory color works really well with the other colors for a cozy, cold weather palette. Tuck this Theory blouse, with its easy shape, into the trousers to show off the waist details of the pants and balance the subtle volume of the bow. Add a cami and don’t be afraid to have some fun with the bow – button it up or tie it loosely, with the collar unbuttoned.