How to... take your summer wardrobe into autumn without spending a penny

As the weather gets colder and the high street continues to tempt us with their new Autumn/Winter offerings, it can all get a little overwhelming, not mention the abuse of the old credit card. But there are a few ways you can take items from your summer wardrobe and create on trend looks for autumn 2010.


1. Waist belts - which have been around for a few seasons now - are still in for the autumn. Burberry's Autumn/Winter 2010 collection confirmed that waist belts are most definitely one of the must have accessories of the new season:

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If, however, you do need to invest, there are plenty of options out there on the high street: this zebra print one from Topshop, or this tan, studded one from Dorothy Perkins, or this skinny boyfriend belt from Asos.

2. Maxi dresses and skirts - which shot up the trend charts this summer - are here to stay this autumn. If you're loathed to buy more maxi dresses for the cold weather, fear not. If you have a plain black maxi dress, why not add a t-shirt over it and cinch it in at the waist to create the illusion of a maxi skirt. I am hoping to try this out soon - so watch this space!

If, however, you are looking to upgrade your summer maxi with something a little warmer, why not try this scoop back maxi from Topshop which is also currently in the sale, or this knitted maxi dress Asos, or even this belted maxi from Dorothy Perkins?

3. Socks. Before it becomes that time of year when you live in opaques, that time of year that seems to last for so much of the year, break out the socks. Over-the-knee, knee-length and ankle socks. Team them with brogues, sandals, boots, anything goes.

Socks will make your summery tea dresses and playsuits last that little bit longer.

If you want a cheap new accessory for your autumn wardrobe, try Tabio who have a large collection of sockettes, footless socks, thong socks, toe socks and, of course, bog-standard "normal" socks.

4. Brogues are still the shoe of choice for the fastionista this fall. They've been around for a while now and continue to be right on trend. Team them with ankle socks (above).

If you still have yet to make your purchase of a pair of brogues, don't hesitate, there are some fabulous pairs about - and none are very expensive. These from Marks and Spencer are a bargain and bloggers' favourite Kate Kanzier has a large collection of cheap and chic brogues.

5. Purple has been brightening up the wardrobes of the fashionable this summer and the colour is not going anywhere. So if you have invested in pieces in this colour, keep wearing them this autumn.

Of course, if you really want to upgrade your wardrobe for autumn, the piece du jour is another of Burberry's offerings: the aviator jacket. But they don't come cheap.

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Everyone on the high street has their own version of the aviator jacket: Topshop, River Island, Asos, Marks and Spencer and Next.

The "How to..." series is here to stay, if you have something you think I should include in one of the weeks posts, just drop me a line and let me know.