Trend Tracker: 3 Summer Staples to Wear Into Fall

There were three pieces I wore all summer long that I love so much, I want to keep wearing them into fall.

Here they are, and here’s how you can rock them into autumn, too.

Dark jean jacket. Denim is a perennial style staple, but this year’s focus is on the jacket. Not the washed-out look from years past, mind you, but one that’s polished and tailored. It should be dark blue, simple and well-fitted (not boxy!), with a bit of stretch. Some nice options are available from Levi’s ($88), NYDJ ($140) and (at right) Old Navy ($40). You can wear a dark-blue denim jean jacket over an airy floral dress, with black slacks or tan khakis and a crisp white shirt, or even over an LBD (little black dress) for a night out. Think of it as a hip addition to your closet — and as something you’ll wear through summer and into the fall.

Tote bag. Women carry around more stuff than men — why is that, by the way? — so thank God for handbags! (Or “purses” or “pocketbooks,” depending where you live.) And now that we can’t seem to leave home without our iGadgets and who knows what else, tote bags have never been more in vogue — nor more welcome. Every fashion house has its own take on the tote, but wow, can they get pricey! So I tracked down a few styles sure to make you smile every time you swing them onto your shoulder.

A tote in metallic — or in any shade of a trending color such as blue, such as the one at left from Calvin Klein ($92) — could be a nice change. Before you buy, look for lots of inside pockets to put all your techie stuff — that’s crucial! Finally, for added security, please consider those that close on top. Other attractive options include a faux leather metallic tote by Zita ($89) or a nylon tote in fun colors from Marc Jacobs($198).

Culottes. They’re back, making me grateful I held on to my favorite tan Theory culottes from about eight years ago. Not to be confused with cropped pants, culottes — often called “gauchos” — are much wider at the leg and should extend no lower than mid-calf. (Note, however, that they also look nice when they fall right below the knee.)

The ideal pair gives you a snug fit at the hips but a loose (or even flowing, depending upon the material) feel in the legs. Culottes look best when paired with wedge sandals or flat gladiator-type sandals when it’s warm, but once it’s fall, try them with booties or even thigh-high boots. Despite what you see in certain fashion magazines, never wear them with pumps! A terrific go-anywhere look, even for the office, is a pair of tan or sand-colored culottes, a white tank or tee, and your new dark  jean jacket. Brands to try include Chico’s ($89), Eileen Fisher($278) or Target ($12, and yes you read that right).

What other trends are you thinking of trying out this season? Please share your style plans (or implosions!) with fellow readers by leaving a comment below.

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Photos: Polyvore, 6PM, ChrisellFactor

(Note: this is an edited version of an article that originally ran on AARP.org)