Dressing in Houston can be a challenge. The weather does not lend itself to four distinct seasons; summer is so hot we're likely to end up more scantily clad than intended and fall is just chilly enough for boots – but not a full-on fur.

Those of us who are style savvy and aware of the trends have to work with what we’ve got and sometimes, that just isn’t much.

That being said, as a native Houstonian, I have learned (and am still learning) to work with the weather. It’s important to invest in classic staples that will carry from season to season and fun to splurge on a few frivolous pieces that will keep your look fresh and updated.

Transitioning from summer to fall can be quite the conundrum because, come September and October, most of us are eager to slip away our sandals, break out our boots and test out our trousers. However, 90 degree temperatures are telling us otherwise.

Here are a few of my favorite staples that should help you transition a little more smoothly:

Booties

Every woman, particularly every Houstonian woman, should have a pair of booties in her closet. Booties are the perfect transitional shoe because they work well with a bare leg. Pair them with shorts, skirts and dresses in spring and summer, and then carry into the chillier months simply by adding tights.

They also work well with skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, leather leggings, cropped trousers and wide leg pants. Invest in a fun leopard pair (leopard is a neutral, it goes with everything) or keep it classic with a neutral shade in suede or leather.

Shorts

Shorts are my absolute style staple. Wear them in warmer temperatures with booties and incorporate into fall and winter with a pair of tights in classic black or this season’s it color: Bordeaux. Make sure you go with the right fabric for fall, like tweed or leather. If you feel shorts aren’t for you, try a full or A-line skirt.

Silk blouse

Silk blouses are the ultimate basic because it can stand alone but also serves as the perfect layering piece. Pair a silk blouse with tweed shorts and booties for a classic look with a modern twist. Add a fur vest, blazer or cropped, structured jacket as the cool weather comes in.

Lightweight jacket

Moving into cooler weather calls for the perfect lightweight jacket in leather, or a structured, boxy tweed, a trench or a shrunken blazer. Pair these pieces over your silk blouse and under your bigger coats in winter. A blazer with a skinny leg pant and pointed stiletto is instantly chic, and a cropped leather or tweed jacket over a dress or shorts is perfectly fashion forward.

Fur vest

A favorite of Olivia Palermo and Rachel Zoe, a fur vest is the optimal way to work a touch of bohemian glamour into a look in a southern city. Layer over a skinny leg pant and long sleeved crew neck or long sleeved dress.

Structured bag

Grab an oversized clutch or a structured, handheld bag with a long strap like the Proenza PS1 to bring you into fall and complete your look. Structured, ladylike accessories are all the rage in fashion right now.

Et voila! You can keep your look updated by choosing pieces in colors and fabrics that are on trend for the season. Look for deep burgundy, bordeaux and red hues, leather detailing and fur accents.

For more style advice visit Lindley Arnoldy's fashion blog The Flip Side.