Fashion forward Houstonians face a predicament this time every year: The September issue of adjusting our fall ensembles to the scorching Texas heat that often lingers until late October.

With velvet, leather, lace and fur adorning the fall/winter collections, Houstonians have to make a tough call: How much are we willing to sweat for the love of fashion?

How do we lend ourselves to a bevy of diverse looks when September temperatures average over 90 degrees?

The answer is simple: Good old recycling.

Wardrobe change can be tough when faced with the restrictions of weather, but the transition can be made easier by starting with essentials you've already got. Improvise by integrating autumnal necessities with the pieces that kept you cool over the summer. Begin by rediscovering the classics you’ve got stored up in your closet, because no matter how familiar you think you are with your wardrobe, you can always find something new in it.

Dig up your tailored trousers, elegant blouses, and lace, while preserving the florals and pleated shorts you’ve been sporting since spring. For example, adding a leather belt and ladylike statement handbag to a floral dress can bridge the seasonal transition.

Just as we shifted from our comfortable summer play clothes to binding strict uniforms that heralded a return to school in the fall, we must polish our September wardrobe as well. Toss out tees for blouses, trade jean shorts for chic pleated skirts and replace loose frocks with curve enhancing LBDs.

Last fall/winter we mirrored Balmain’s ripped tees and tights, resulting in a grunge rocker look. This year the fashion world has cleaned up its act, bringing back sophisticated pieces that express femininity, like Louis Vuitton’s bustier tops and full A line skirts.

Aim to look put-together yet feel soigné with a cinched waist. Tune in to the gloriously full skirted leading ladies of Mad Men, whose highly feminine elegance have inspired the runways this fall.

The obvious fall trends of tailored wools adorned with furs may turn Houstonians off, but the secret of adjusting these trends to our weather is quite simple. Begin with the tailored pieces stored up from previous years paired with diaphanous fabric blouses that rule this fall. Create an ensemble like Lover’s black lace top with Alexander McQueen’s wool crop pants.

Choose an elective: pleated high waist shorts or a pleated mini skirt, and top with a silk button up. Either way you will be fashion forward and temperature friendly.

For a womanly take on masculine tailoring, infuse feminine appeal to the classical tailored pantsuit by accessorizing it with patent heels or a pop colored envelope clutch as shown in the fall Marc Jacobs collection.

From kitten heels to conservative ladylike bags, accessories channel the late '50s, like Celine’s Classic Box bag. Keep the wooden wedges and clogs (I love Celine’s open toe slingback), they can be sported well through a Houston winter.

Due to our tropical weather, color is just as important in the fall as in the summer here in Houston. Veer away from the neon frames designers offered us this summer and stick to warm tones such as charcoal and camel frames, soft hues that flatter every skin tone.

Annina Stefanelli writes a fashion blog, Cinched at the Waist.