Transition to Fall Fashion on a Budget

Fashion is one area that people don't like to skimp on, but in these economic times, it's smart to get clothes that can transition easily from one season to the next.

On "The Early Show" Thursday, fashion writer Sarah Haight of Women's Wear Daily shared how to bring some summer wardrobe staples into your fall look.

Haight suggested buying classic, staple items that can be recycled throughout the year and pair them with various items already in your closet.

She added you shouldn't be afraid to mix and match fabrics, such as cotton and jersey, cotton and wool. Also, layering pieces and adding accessories always changes the feel and look of an outfit.

Haight said another inexpensive way to change up your look is to change your shoes, bags and statement jewelry to stretch your wardrobe and transcend multiple seasons.

Women's Wear Daily's Haight showcased these looks on "The Early Show":

Printed Summer Dress: A flowy chiffon Donna Ricco sundress in red, purple, white and black, worn with cute flat sandals.
Transitioned look for fall: Worn with belted black vest, black tights and high heels.

* Printed summer dresses are definitely a staple in most women's wardrobes. The best way to take this look into fall is to layer and add opaque tights; wearing tights is still a huge trend and an excellent way to transition your summer dresses into the colder weather. We've added this great Betsey Johnson vest for warmth, and the cinched belt keeps the hourglass silhouette.

White Jeans: Esprit white jeans worn with a blue and white striped nautical top, red scarf for a pop of color, light brown bag and white keds.
Transitioned look for fall: Worn with a black chunky sweater, a button-up top underneath to add a little color, khaki trench and flat, black knee high boots.

* White Jeans are a wonderfully casual piece for summer, yet most women think that you can't wear them after Labor Day. This is no longer true. This look is a great example of accessories making a difference: by tucking these jeans into knee high boots, and by adding a great trench, you're automatically ready for the colder weather. Also, wearing a chunky wool sweater over denim is always classic.

The Boyfriend Blazer: Light weight cotton oversized INC International Concepts blazer in black, worn over a colorful jumper dress that zips in the front.
Transitioned look for fall: Paired with a tank and high-waisted pants.

* A major trend that we've been seeing all summer is the Boyfriend Blazer - most woman wear the blazer with the sleeves rolled up over cute little dresses. For fall, we took the same blazer and paired it with these high-waisted pants; it creates a sleek look that we saw a lot on the runways. This is what's considered the "new suit." If you don't have a pair of high-waisted pants like these, you can still wear this blazer with jeans, silk trousers, wool pants, and other pants in your wardrobe for fall. For women who live in warmer climates a blazer can even be worn as outerwear all year.

Bermuda Shorts: Khaki Lacoste Bermuda shorts, worn with a light blue, v-neck t-shirt, flat sandals, and a straw hat.
Transitioned look for fall: Worn with a brown and gold peasant top, with brown slouchy boots.

* Bermuda shorts are most often worn casually all summer long. To transition this look to fall, it's important to remember that bare legs are more than okay for the cooler months! Here we've added a beautiful peasant top and great brown slouchy boots; these boots dress up the shorts without having to add a pair of tights. This would be a great outfit to wear out to brunch or even to the office.

Light Weight Summer Silk Top: A J. Crew silk top paired with printed mini skirt and gladiator sandals.
Transitioned look for fall: Silk top paired with black beaded skirt, black cardigan and black pumps for an evening look.

* Sleeveless silk tops are very versatile. For summer, a blouse like this one can be both casual and formal, but for fall, we'd like to see it as a staple in one's evening wardrobe. To do this, we paired the top with a gorgeous, paillette-covered Naeem Kahn skirt (a timeless piece), along with a basic black cardigan and these fantastic black pumps. This outfit is simple yet elegant, and perfect for a date or a cocktail party with friends.

To Get These Looks:

1. PRINTED DRESS - Donna Ricco $158

Summer Look
Bernardo Sandals: $169
Sequin Cuff: $ 68
Sequin Earrings: $48
Michael Kors Sunglasses: $ 250

Fall Look
Betsey Johnson Long vest: $298
DKNY wide belt: $145
Hue tights: $12.50
Christian Louboutin booties: $995
Sequin Earrings: $48
Kenneth Jay Lane silver cuffs: $ 65
Erickson Beamon ring: $200

2. WHITE JEANS - Esprit $69.50

Summer Look
Tommy Hilfiger tee: $44.50
Express orange scarf: $29.50
Kenneth Jay Lane hoops gold: $70
Dolce & Gabbana aviators: $300
Michael by Michael Kors bag: $298
Keds Classic sneakers: $35

Fall Look
Burberry trench: $975
Adam sweater: $325
Ann Taylor top: $80
Versace sunglasses: $230
Coach boots $348

3. BLAZER - INC International Concepts, $99

Summer Look
French Connection floral dress: $148
Trash and Vaudeville oxfords: $108
Giles & Bro by Philip Crangi necklace: $115

Fall Look
Alternative T-shirt: $24
DKNY pant: $295
Another Important Culture belt: $138
DKNY leopard/ocelot booties: $335
Giles & Bro by Philip Crangi necklace: $145
Hobo International, clutch: $168

4. BERMUDA SHORTS - Lacoste $115

Summer Look
Lacoste, blue tee: $50
Motif belt: $120
Jutta Neumann sandals: $250
Jennifer Ouellette straw hat: $210

Fall Look
Alice Ritter, top $140
Hobo International tote: $248
Melissa Joy Manning earrings: $88
Melissa Joy Manning necklace: $935
Sonya Renee, hammered bangle: $36
Loeffler Randall boots $695

5. SILK SHELL - J. Crew $88
Summer Look
Strenesse Blue skirt: $300
Jutta Neumann sandals: $260
Giles & Brother by Philip Crangi earrings: $88
Melissa Joy Manning bangles: $165 each
Melissa Joy Manning rings: $485 - $960

Fall Look
Naeem Khan, skirt: $1990
Naeem Khan, earrings: $275
La Crasia, Gloves: $ 25
Aldo satin pump: $90
TSE, cardigan: $425