What to Wear After Labor Day when it Still Feels like Summer

It may still be 80 degrees out and fall foliage is still nearly two months away, but according to the fashion world, Labor Day is the start of the Fall season. Traditionally, white, straw handbags and linen have been off limits after Labor Day. While some of the traditional rules regarding post-Labor Day fashion have relaxed in recent years, the fact remains that Labor Day is the dividing line between summer and Fall fashion, and certain looks are seen as out of place come September regardless of weather. Here is a guide for transitioning your wardrobe to Fall when it still feels like summer.

Replace Flip Flops With Ballet Flats. Flip flops conjure up images of hazy days by the pool or beach. Instead of flip flops, opt for ballet flats after Labor Day. Just like flip flops, ballet flats are light and easy and can be worn without socks or tights. You will be equally comfortable in ballet flats as in flip flops in hot weather, but you won't look like you're desperately clinging to your summer wardrobe.

Black Capri or Ankle Length Pants. When it's still too hot out for full length pants, try a pair of capri or ankle length pants. Capris and ankle length pants are great transitional items. Worn in a dark color, they don't scream summer like shorts, but the extra space between the hem and the ankle can keep you cool on a hot day.

Three-Quarter Length Sleeves. Tank tops are a hallmark of summer and simply look out of place when it is supposed to be Fall-even if it is still hot out. If it's not cool enough for long-sleeved tops yet, try a top with three-quarter or bracelet length sleeves. You won't suffocate, but your top will still look appropriate for the new season.

Solid Colors. Just because it's Fall doesn't mean you have to put away all your pastels and confine your wardrobe to muted neutrals, but you should stay away from big, splashy prints. Big, brightly colored prints featuring flowers or palm trees (à la Lilly Pulizer) are the antithesis of Fall fashion and are best avoided after Labor Day.

Keep the Pastels on Top. It's fine to wear light colors after Labor Day, but try to limit yourself to light colored shirts and sweaters. A pink top is still perfectly appropriate when paired with grey or brown pants, but pink pants are simply out of place come September.

Store the Straw. Nothing says summer picnic on the lawn like a straw bag and big straw hat. For this reason, it's best to retire these items after Labor Day. Also pack away any bag that is too reminiscent of a beach tote. This category includes raffia bags, bags with clear plastic parts, stripes, or grosgrain trim.

If You Must Wear White, Switch to Winter White. No white after Labor Day is perhaps the best known post-Labor Day fashion rule, although there has been much talk recently about how this well established rule is becoming outdated. In any case, the no-white after Labor Day rule originally applied only to shoes and handbags, and has long made an exception for "winter white" clothes. If you want to wear white after Labor Day, but aren't thoroughly prepared to buck convention, replace your stark white pieces with winter white, which is more of a cream based white.

In general, take a common sense approach to transitioning from your summer to your Fall wardrobe: let the temperature be your guide, but don't be oblivious to the season. If it's 80 degrees and sunny, you will look ridiculous decked out in a grey tweed suit and camel hair coat, even if it is October. Conversely, you will also look ridiculous in cut-off jean shorts and a tank top in October, even if it is 80 degrees and sunny. Instead, try to transition your wardrobe gradually. After Labor Day, when it is technically Fall in the fashion world, pick out pieces that don't scream beach-wear but in which you can still be comfortable in hot weather.