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If you’re like me, you’re probably chomping at the bit to bring out all of the fall items we love like scarves, sweaters, boots, and jackets, all in rich fall colors and textures. But here in the Southwest, our temperatures can still be a bit warm for some of our favorites, so what do we do, how do we get past that, and what is the best means to transition our wardrobe on into fall?

The use of Transitional colors is one way to ease your wardrobe into fall. Just take a look at mother nature for clues on the best colors to use.

We will see deeper greens, golds, pales, beiges, apple reds and dusty mauves as the colors begin to softly turn, before reaching their magnificent peak.

As for clothing items, vests are a perfect addition to ease into fall. They allow for a it of layering and if paired with a tank can still function easily on the warmer days.

Pair a standard denim vest with a tank in a shade of one of the transitional colors and for a real southwest look, add a lightweight but darker leather belt, perhaps in a braid for a fun look.

For a dressier look that can go from office to evening, look for a vest in a print containing some of the transitional colors mentioned above. Add a silk tee, a dressier belt and some short cuff boots and it’s another easy southwest look for early autumn.

For a fun, faux, fur vest, see our recent blog on the latest this season from Fossil available online. Though it is a bit much yet for days,  a faux fur vest is a great transitional piece for evening outings in the cool southwest air when you're not quite ready for a jacket.  Pair with a tank or tee for another easy transitional fall piece.

It’s too early for scarves yet but one way to bring in that same feeling is with the addition of headbands to your outfits. There are as many as there are outfits and they can also add a fast, fun, southwest look to your attire.

This headband was made in about ten minutes. Take a look at the fabric counter for remnants in your favorite fall shade or in one of the transitional colors. Select your length and width, turn right sides of fabric in, and all you need to be able to do is sew a straight seam down one side. This may be done by hand or with a machine. Turn right side out and sew up the ends and you will have a nice transitional piece to bring your wardrobe on into fall.

Another headband idea is a long piece of lace in an autumnal shade. Wrap it around and it makes a quick, easy headband with a dressier feel.

Lastly, a beaded or braided leather narrow leather belt like mentioned above can also make a fun southwest headband with a fashionable fall look.

Shoes and boots are favorites and though it may be too early still for anything other than a short cuff as mentioned above, an option to a full boot would be the new peep-toe booties, like this pair from Stuart Weitzman  or an open-toed pair of clogs would be another alternative.       (Peep toes are available at Stuart Weitzman located at Biltmore Fashion Park, 24th St & Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona)

Of course you will want to switch to your favorite fall handbag in a richer, deeper shade and texture.

And then you may want to update your makeup colors to reflect some of the transitional colors mentioned above. Also see last month’s article Makeup from a Southwest Palette for more ideas and shades.

These are just a few ideas for a smooth and easy transition into a fun fall wardrobe.