Perhaps you've noticed that we are having distinctly summer-like temperatures well into fall. And while I'm sure there isn't a Minnesotan among us who is DYING for subzero windchills, all this hotness makes dressing a bit of a challenge. Here are my sartorial suggestions for times when the season and weather fail to align:

COLOR

Even if you can't switch from heavy materials to light ones (or vice versa), you can certainly alter your color palette. Right now, I'm trying to scale back my creams, whites, and pastels and incorporate more black, gray, and dark brown. If I have to do nothing but lightweight clothing, I can make sure to choose garments that bear seasonally-appropriate shades. My cardigan can be deep maroon instead of sunwashed red. My boots can be black instead of tan. My scarf can be charcoal gray instead of peony pink.

SHEERS

Although this is most applicable to hosiery, it can be applied in other areas as well. Sheer tights are ideal for transitional seasons: They offer protection from wind and weather, but aren't as oppressively thick and dark as opaques. During a warm autumn, they can make a sleeveless dress look perfect with boots, and do so without making you melt. During a cold spring, they keep your gams warm without weighing down your ensemble. You can also layer on several sheer garments to create an airy-but-warm look.

LAYERING

Speaking of, artful layering is a fabulous way to craft outfits that fit both season and unseasonable weather. In spring, you can pile on a camisole, blouse, scarf, cardigan, skirt, tights, and boots but still look springy if they're all in seasonable colors and textures. In fall, you can do a simple tank, short skirt, tights, and boots - an outfit that gives you plenty of leeway in terms of warmth - and look perfectly autumnal if you go for rich fabrics and darker colors.

PRINTS

Darker prints with fall and winter motifs will help transition you through an overly warm autumn. Paisley, plaid, and any print with warm, rich shades will work wonders, even if the fabrics are sheer and lightweight. And on the flip side would be florals. When it's freezing in mid-May, adding a floral print to your bundled-up mix will help you look less bundled. Flowers! They're springy! It cannot be denied!

SHOES

Although boots are becoming appropriate for year-round wear - especially in lighter colors and materials - they are indisputably heavier than sandals. So if you want to look like you're dressing for fall, putting boots with an otherwise ethereal group of garments will help root your outfit in the season. If it's a frigid spring you're dealing with, try your sheer tights with pumps or peeptoes instead of boots. A lighter shoe will lighten your overall look.

How are you dealing with this persnickety transitional season, stylistically speaking? Do these suggestions sound do-able to you?

Sally McGraw is the author of Already Pretty, a daily blog about the intersection of style and body image.

Image courtesy J.Crew.