If this fall’s heat wave doesn’t trick you into thinking summer is endless, the explosion of flowers in your local boutique’s latest window display just might.

Storefronts are literally blossoming with exhibits more reminiscent of a colorful spring garden than a hearty harvest scene, and it’s because florals are an obvious way to execute the soft-meets-hard styling so popular this season.

To really play up that contrast, choose flowery pieces that are frilly and flutter in a light breeze to offset the masculine boots and blazers that are marching their way into your closet.  It’s about creating a delicate, swathed femininity that can still stand up on its own to command attention.  Deep fall colors on accessories like headbands, bracelets, and belts are the secret to transforming the floral-printed pieces you snatched up last spring.

You’ll be surprised when, thanks to your season-appropriate styling, your BFF doesn’t remember exactly where she’s seen those shorts that you’ve been wearing all summer long.

Florals, FTW.

To see other pages from the Look Book I put together for this fall, visit my Flickr page.

This fall’s fascination with layering is great for those of us on a tight budget and/or unwilling to part with our much-adored spring and summer pieces.  Keep those warm weather clothes in rotation a little longer because when you layer them with a few new things, you can create a completely updated look that– as an added bonus– will prepare you for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at you.

As always, there’s a few rules to play by.

Make sure you go easy with the fluffy, puffy, thick, and woolly pieces.  You want to add color and warmth, not bulk that makes you look thirty pounds heavier than you actually are.  Three layers are usually plenty, and minimalist, simple accessories will help you avoid looking like you lost a fight with a bejewler.

A successful attempt at layering will accentuate the waist by topping everything off with a structured piece, like a fitted jacket.  Definitely feel free to pull together different textures and combine a healthy mix of solids, neutrals, and patterns.  Deemphasize areas you’re not particularly proud of with dark colors, and use those same hues in slim bottoms that balance the congregation of cardigans, vests, scarves, and skinny belts you’ve got going on above your hips.

It’s pretty basic, friends.  When it doubt, pile it on.

To see other pages from the Look Book I put together for this fall, visit my Flickr page.