In answering a reader’s style question about wearing your floral dresses into the fall, I would have to say that the trend for fall florals is not as strong as it was last year, but it is still absolutely something that you can incorporate into your fall/winter dressing.

When you transition a piece that is bright and full of energetic pattern for the fall, you really have to balance it with other grounding, more earthly accessories to make the outfit work.

My first and favorite look is all about the layers. If you take a floral dress and put some tights and tall boots beneath it, a cardigan with a long draped scarf over it, and a sexy baggy beanie to top it all of- you have a super cute fall outfit.

I also like the “baby doll floral” look. This means you sport one of your cropped and cute floral numbers with either opaque tights or solid leggings and little booties. This was a huge trend on the runways, I I am sure we will be seeing it on the streets in a matter of weeks, as the temperatures cool.

My final look is also a beloved past time- the floral dress under a long, knee- length coat. Your dress should always be shorter than the coat, and I love leaving my coat open to show the contrast. You can go bare legs going into the fall, and then add patterned or lace tights (as shown at Christian Lacroix) with open toed lace up booties.

Wearing florals into the fall is a great way to transition and also bring a bit of brightness to an otherwise monotone wardrobe. ;)