When Does Summer Become Fall?

QUESTION: How far into fall can I use my summer straw and linen handbags?

ANSWER: The tricky thing about transitioning from summer to fall fashion is that there are no hard, fast rules (even white is now a year-round color!).

The best ways to gauge whether your straw and linen handbags will still look good after Labor Day are by the weather and by what you're wearing. For instance, if early September days are just as steamy as August and you're still wearing your summer outfits, a straw or linen handbag is appropriate.

On the other hand, when the weather turns cooler, or if you pull out a classic fall style such as a tweed skirt or wool houndstooth trousers, straw and linen are too summery. In those cases, try a leather bag instead.