If you've lived in Houston awhile, you're probably aware of it's bi-polar weather tendencies. One day it will be cold and icy, followed by a bright and shiny day, followed by a monsoon.

Since the lone star state doesn't quite have a grip on the four seasons or a normal weather forecast, I've mapped out five key pieces to include in your wardrobe that will make transitioning from low to high temps much simpler.

A Leather Jacket

Yeah, I know I talk about leather a ton, but you really can't get more basic and comfortable than a plush leather jacket. Whether you prefer the biker look or a more feminine silhouette, designers everywhere are offering hip and easy-to-wear leather jackets and blazers.

For the cooler days, wear the jacket over some well-layered tops or sweaters, jeans or black pants and a power pump. If it's really chilly, top it off with a scarf and switch out the pumps for over-the-knee boots.

When the days become warmer (or when the weather just becomes spotty, per usual), wear the leather jacket over a sundress and pair with some cute open-toe booties or espadrilles. It's also a great piece for a night out if the temp looks like it will drop off in the evening.

My favorite leather jacket is this Marsh biker jacket I received as a gift from the PR guys at All Saints. The blush-beige color is a great alternative to the classic black, and actually transitions much easier than black would in my wardrobe, seeing as I have so many brights, whites and neutrals.

A more sophisticated and clean option for the office than a moto jacket, this leather Theory leather blazer is a similar color and would work well in all environments.

A Solid Pair Of Booties

Booties, booties, booties. Such a sexy shoe silhouette that can be reinvented and reused in so many different ways.

In colder months, pair a bootie like these Alexander Wang Noemi's with leather or jean leggings, a pretty blouse and a fur or faux-fur vest. When the temp spikes, spice it up and show off your gams in sleek black shorts or a body-con mini dress.

Booties are great because they can be dressed up or down in a matter of seconds, depending on what you wear on top. Another great bootie that would work well all year are these fringed booties by Maison Martin Margiela. Major.

While I prefer a bootie with some "open" qualities (such as an open-toe, sheer panels, etc), as long as the bootie is in a solid, wearable color and isn't in a season-specific fabric, you should be good to go.

A Color-Blocked Bag

One of the biggest bag trends this year is the color-blocked look. Not only are they on-trend, they are also incredibly wearable as they feature two or more colors and allow you to wear it with a larger variety of items in your wardrobe.

I recently purchased the Tory Burch 797 satchel, which features ivory, light grey and tan, all of which align perfectly with the majority of my ensembles. The grey and brown compliment my fur pieces for winter, while the ivory allows me to pair it with my spring/summer best.

That being said, not all color-blocked handbags are frugal or wearable — you'll need to choose a purse that has shades which compliment your own wardrobe.

Click here to check out even more color-blocked bag options in a recent blog post!

A Bright Sweater

Neons and pastels are the "it" hues this season, and while it's not always easy to incorporate these bright and candy-colored shades, there is one way to wear it that has been effective.

While in NYC for fashion week, I found a shockingly bright neon yellow sweater at J.Crew (here's a similar one by Theory). Seeing as I am a sucker for instant gratification, I wore it to some runway shows the next day even though it was part of the spring collection (keep in mind it was frrrreezing outside).

While neons are a top pick for warmer months, I decided to wear it with a black pleated leather skirt, tights and Chanel flats, topped with a bold statement necklace and the street style photogs loved it! It was just the pop of bright that is typically missing from winter wardrobes, and it came off really well.

Once the weather warms up, pair the sweater with some white pants or shorts and flat sandals for a great eye-popping summery look. Who knew neons could be so transitional?!

A Subtle Scarf

If you're trying to stay within a budget, a soft and subtle scarf is probably your best way to go in picking out a transitional piece. Whether you need one more layer in the cold weather or just want to add it as an accessory for spring/summer nights, scarves act as a fool- and weather-proof addition to your closet.

Pick a scarf or pashmina that is light-weight, and in a soft hue so that it can be worn year-round. I prefer neutral tones on scarves and other accent pieces, but pastels are another big color trend this year, so that would be my next suggestion

I'm a big fan of Alexander McQueen scarves, and received my first one last week after hosting the Neiman Marcus Spring Trend Event in Dallas. It's a cream-colored scarf with beige/tan skulls all over it — sounds scary, but it's precious! I have a feeling it will be a piece I own forever — it's just so easy to wear and pair with all of my outfits.

For a truly wallet-friendly scarf, head over to A Bientot. They have an endless number of solid pashminas (which I wear as a scarf or shawl) in every color you can imagine for only $48! Such a great deal. Every time I stop in I buy a few - it's just too good.

Beck is the editor of fashion and personal style blog, The Style Scribe.