Picture this: the sun is shining, you’re wearing your shorts, tank top, sandals and shades, and you find a nice spot on a bench in the shade. Now, come back to reality where summer is over and fall has begun.

You know what that means: it’s time for big changes.

The transition from summer to fall means a change in the weather, the color of the leaves, the number of bald trees, the amount of daylight each day and, most importantly, a change in what we wear.

During Sacramento summers, women wear short-shorts and men walk around shirtless, but with the cold winds and surprise showers of fall, this type of attire just won’t make the cut.

If you feel confused about what you should do with your wardrobe, take a look around campus and gather inspiration from all the dos and don’ts around you.

While standing alongside a busy Sacramento State walkway observing people for about 30 minutes I not only looked like a crazy person as I took notes, but I saw fashion choices ranging all the way from stylish and weather-savvy to “Oh no she didn’t!”

I found that the most common outfit of both male and female students is jeans, a sweatshirt and tennis shoes, but sadly it takes about as much effort to put together as stacking three Lego’s on top of one another, and it doesn’t say much about your personality. Unless the message your trying to send is, “I don’t care.”

I don’t even want to talk about all the students wearing baggy sweats or basketball shorts and T-shirts in the place of where real clothes should be. This particular ensemble just screams, “I’m lazy!”

Some students dressed it up a bit in business attire, but unfortunately they were a serious minority.

Come on, people, let’s get a bit more creative and remember to keep an open mind because we may need to let some stuff go.

We’ll take it from the top and start with scarves, which are a must-have right now.

Glenda Macatangay, a fashion designer and stylist for Hella University Clothing, said to strive for a sleek and stylish look.

She said to choose short scarves that wrap or tie because the longer ones tend to look sloppy. Plus scarves are fashionable and keep the cold out, too.

So for those of you who like to wear 10-feet-long scarves that wrap around your neck 17 times and still dangle at the ends, it’s time to let it go.

The next items on the list are tops. Luckily, some of the summer styles can be carried over into the fall months. For example, layering a long-sleeved shirt over a tank top or “wife-beater” is a good way to maximize your sleeveless shirts. Also, the graphic tees that were all the rage this summer can be worn over a long-sleeved shirt or under a coat.

To look good and stay warm, Macatangay said that sweaters are great dressed up or down and there are styles to fit every body type.

If we travel a little south, we reach the pants. Since they can be worn in every season, it’s hard to go wrong; unless you choose a pair that doesn’t complement your shape. But with the various cuts of jeans, slacks, corduroys and khakis we won’t have that problem. Right?

Right.

If all else fails, go with a pair of jeans. The hottest styles right now are boot cut denim for men and dark-washed, skinny for women.

If you’re interested in wearing skirts or dresses, the fall guideline to live by is “keep it classy.” Pair the mid-thigh length pieces with leggings or tights. Trade the miniskirts for pencil skirts that come to at least the knee and have an A-line shape.

And as for the Abercrombie skirt with the Ugg boots, it just doesn’t make sense so let it go.

Now for shoes, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Or was that just me?

Macatangay said it isn’t necessary to follow the trend of the Ugg boot because riding boots are better suited for the season. She also recommended the increasingly popular Wellies, the rain boots by J. Crew which come in a variety of colors and patterns.

For females, boots with or without heels over jeans are a great look for the season, and flats are a good alternative to heels. As for the males, don’t be afraid to wear a pair of ankle boots or loafers to school.

Of course, the ever-reliable tennis shoes are perfect for walking around campus, and with all the different styles available, you can really get creative.

Do you know what that means? It’s time for men to get rid of the “mandals” (man plus sandals) and for women to drop the flip-flops.

Even Sac State staff is tired of the sandals during the cold months.

Robyn Pitts, a fashionably-dressed Accounting Services worker, said “It cracks me up that people still wear flip-flops in the rain.”

Pea coats and trench coats with belts are the look for the fall, Macatangay said.

As for the zip-up hooded sweatshirts everyday, let it go, she said.

The best part about the different aspects of your wardrobe is that they can be mixed and matched to create an unlimited amount of looks for you this season.

And the tip of the season comes from Macatangay, who said to keep your wardrobe functional and fashionable.

Tygenae Harris can be reached at [email protected]