Time to ditch the flip-flops and T-shirts. It looks like ourIndian Summer has come to an end and your summer duds can no longerstand up to the cold that’s brewing in Sacramento right now.Let’s face it; it’s time to bulk up on some fashionstaples for the fall and winter seasons.

But, facing the task of what to wear can be a trial as stingingas the chilling temperature outside. To help you, here are 10 keyitems to make the transition from your warm weather wardrobe into afashionable

fall closet.

1- A warm coat to last you into winter; a fall coat is a simpleand essential item for cold weather. Especially coats made withwool or a nubby type of wool called tweed create warmth and textureduring the cold months of winter.

For women: a cord and shearling jacket ($98) and plush vest($58) from Delia’s, a cord sherpa jacket ($148) and a peacoat ($268) from J. Crew, a pea coat ($98) and a cord jacket ($69)from Delia’s.

For men: Fashionable duds made from corduroy, suede or calf-skinmay lock in enough warmth as well as panache. Jackets range inprices depending on what department store you buy from, but expectto pay upwards of $100 for any coat. A pea coat is always a goodbet and available at many retailers; $208 at J. Crew, $149 atAmerican Eagle and $49.50 at Old Navy.

Corduroy jackets range from $198 at J.Crew, $73 at AmericanEagle to $69.50 at Abercrombie. A leather jacket will easily costupwards of $200.

If you don’t like the looks of those price tags, try aused clothing store where you could walk away with a fall coat for$40 or less. å

2 – A pair of closed-toe shoes or boots. Items also making anunspoken statement on their wearer are the lace-up corsets and thelace-up design on shoes. “Pointy-toed heels are flying offthe shelves,” said Shoefly sales representative ShellyTrumstein. Shop carefully, though. Shoes for women can be as muchas $200.

3- A skinny bright scarf, As far as accessories are concerned,skinny scarves designed with bright patterns can effectively keepthe breeze off the back of your neck as well as add a little styleto the mix. Scarves from Delia’s, American Eagle andAbercrombie range from $12 to $24 and at J.Crew can be as much as$68.

4- A skinny belt to complement the rest of your outfit and giveyour ensemble the impression that what you are wearing is all tiedtogether.

5- A fashionable hat or beanie to keep your head and ears warm.A current accessory trend is the Kangol hats that are warming theheads of wearers all over campus. Kangol Co. makes hats in avariety of designs and style, ranging from the poor boy to thenewsboy, baseball, fedora, explorer, beret, the boulder can befound from the Kangol Company.

6- A good bag to keep all you valuable items in can befunctional as well as it is eye candy.

7- The stripped design on lambswool sweaters and regimentstriped ties can be seen on mannequins as well as students aroundcampus.

8- Anything in lace-up or corset design reminiscent of theromantic period are in fashion for this fall and can be seen inmany catalogues

9- A pair of gloves to protect your fingers from the cold chill,while you sway them walking around campus.

10- a quilted vest to wear over any shirt you desire is in styleaccording to “In Style” magazine. Such structuredwinter wear as parka’s, quilted ski vests, wool, corduroy anddenim paired with faux shearling or faux fur fit the fall fashioncheck-list to keep you warm and in style.

As Dolly Parton said in the film “Steel Magnolias”when she claims that “What separates us from gorillas is ourability to accessorize.” For these cold months look ataccessories that add some fun and ump to your outfit but arefunctional enough to keep you warm and fit your needs.

The loaded jewelry counters at stores featuring monogrammednecklaces and initial pendants first made popular by Sarah JessicaParker on “Sex in the City” are still in fashion forthis fall as well. So if you are looking for some”bling-bling” to finish your fall ensemble themonogrammed necklace may be a suggestion for you this fall.

Fashion trends fluctuate based on weather oscillations, thestate of the economy, celebrity endorsements, personal preference,peer pressure and the relationship between musical preferences ofthe listener.

What you wear sends a non-verbal message to observers, whetheryou dress to impress or you dress to lounge your image reflects theway you feel about yourself and will unfortunately, determine whatothers will think about you.