At the beginning of each season, a fashionista bestows a vow to retail to buy a whole new wardrobe for each season. The fact of the matter is that we don't have to re-stock our closet each season. Pieces that can be worn all year, called transitional pieces are an easy way to save some extra money when you're planning out your seasonal gear. It's surprising how many spring/summer pieces can be worn through the colder months without realizing it! Alexa Chung, resident VJ and style icon, has quite a knack for this. Let's take a look at how she transitions her summer buys:

DENIM SHORTS

Wear them with...Black or coloured tights (opaque), loafers, patent high heels, ballet flats, schoolboy blazers, button-up blouses (solid or patterned), collared shirts (Oxford, peter pan), oversized cardigans, striped boat neck tops or sweaters.

Foolproof outfit...Denim shorts, black opaque tights, patent high heeled loafers, white silk button-up blouse, black blazer or cardigan, black or statement coloured handbag.

LITTLE WHITE DRESS

Wear it with...wool cardigans, crepe blazers, wool/acrylic tights, ladylike flats, vintage-inspired scarves, denim jacket, oversized anorak, engineer boots, ankle boots, quirky brooches.

Foolproof outfit...Lace dress, oversized denim jacket, black wool tights, black Frye engineer boots, purse with a long strap worn over the shoulder.


POLKA-DOT/PATTERNED BLOUSE

Wear it with...coloured denim, skinny trousers, circle skirts, silk pants, close-toed wedges, high-heeled boots, dinner jackets, neutral blazers, handbag or shoulder strap purse.

Foolproof outfit...Navy polka dot (or any pattern) blouse, black metallic skinny jeans, leather close-toed wedges, black handbag.


SUMMER LEATHER

Wear it with...Chunky knits, collared shirts in neutral colors, pieces with unique details (studs, sequins, etc.), patterned blouses, blazers, dinner jackets, biker jackets (when worn well, you can turn it into a leather skirt/short suit!), creepers, close-toed wedges, ballet flats, chunky jewellery, opaque tights.

Foolproof outfit...Camel fisherman knit sweater with a black button-up collared shirt underneath, black opaque tights, leather wedges, a neutral handbag, a statement necklace or cuff.

*Note: This will work with either a leather summer dress, leather shorts (as seen above), or a leather skirt.

What pieces from your summer wardrobe are you planning to transition into fall? I'm thinking a feminine maxi dress (worn with a leather biker jacket), a button-up shirt (I'm going to DIY stud the collar - look for a post on that soon) with silk trousers, and a black silk jumpsuit worn with a crepe blazer.

(Images via various sources. None belong to me.)