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• Local shops offer pieces to use between seasons

Mid-August is stuck somewhere between summer and fall, putting many shoppers in an uncertain position as they try to balance fall trends with the weather. Many hot days still remain, but that floral halter dress might feel out of place come September. To get the most for your buck, invest in pieces that can be worn now and in October. Look for tops and dresses in darker transitional colors and prints, and which can be easily layered over with a fall jacket or sweater during cooler evenings.

Circles (Moves to 114 N. Neil on August 14)

Circles stocks an incredibly versatile long-sleeved menswear style shirt dress by Free People that sells for $101. A plaid pattern of peach and red, the shirt hits mid-thigh and can be worn alone with sandals during hotter days. When the weather cools off it will look great with leggings or skinny jeans.

Dandelion Vintage Clothing

Most everything in here is one of a kind, but there is a great selection of lightweight jackets and blazers, most of which run around $30. Pair these jackets with shorts and a tank right now, and later with skinny jeans and flats. My favorite was a short black leather jacket of the brand “Classic Leather.” The jacket is collarless and complete with snap decals on the bottom and retro pleating on the back and shoulders.

Pitaya

Pitaya has a great selection of dresses, many of which can be worn into the fall. “a 3+1” makes a beige dress with short sleeves and a sheer overlay of small blue and red flowers for $36. Extend the life of the dress by wearing it with a bomber jacket and riding boots in the fall.