Six hacks to turn your hot-weather staples into outfits perfect for rustling through autumn leaves. Or at least to keep you warm

Looking for your new autumn look? Read this before you shell out on loads of new clothes. Instead, keep your summer clothes in the mix and buy add-ons to make sure you don’t catch your death going outside in a sundress in deepest October.

Layer up, preferably in neon

Kim Kardashian, in recent years, has had a hand in trends ranging from tiny sunglasses to duster coats and cycling shorts. Right now, she is really into neon – Vogue went so far as to say she is “owning autumn’s neon trend”. You don’t need to go full Kim in a rubber bandage dress, but you can dip your toe. While a popular neon Zara poloneck has sold out, there are others around. Wear under your favourite summer statement T-shirt for skater vibes.

Strike a cord with this autumn classic

Owning something cord is practically mandatory this season. Those who are fully committed might go for a Wes Anderson-worthy trouser suit, but a blazer is definitely a buy that will suddenly give all those summer crochet blouses a much longer life, beyond wafting through a meadow. Try it in the colour of school uniforms – navy blue, claret, bottle green, brown. That way, when worn with said blouse, you will be channelling classic 70’s references such as Ali McGraw.

Not quite ready for tights? Enter statement leggings

No, this isn’t the latest incarnation of athleisure. Instead, statement leggings were a thing on the catwalk for autumn - seen at properly upscale brands such as Tom Ford and Victoria Beckham. No racer-back vests are allowed. For those not quite ready to transition to tights, printed or slogan leggings are a great choice, especially when worn with a midiskirt and flats like a ballerina off to class. Far chicer than the “just off to spinning” feel of athleisure.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Contrast panel leggings, £29.99, Mango.

Pimp up your open-toed sandals with some snazzy socks

Most of us can’t afford the clothes that go down the Prada catwalk – but we can steal the styling tics that make Mrs Prada the patron saint of clever, quirky dressing. See the socks and sandals look. A longtime favourite of the designer, it was back big time this season – at Prada, as well as Gucci and Chanel - which is good news for your footwear choices right now. Don’t put away your open-toed sandals for next summer. Instead, just add socks. Two things to note. 1) We don’t mean any old linty ones in your sock drawer – you’ll need a sporty style, preferably with a Gucci-approved animal such as a bee or a ladybug. 2) Check the weather forecast. Wet socks are never a good look.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Ladybug socks, £3, Monki. Photograph: Monki

A hole-some knit could save you sweating in the office

It may be autumn but it’s not quite the time to dive into a proper winter sweater. In fact, a bit of ventilation is handy at this time of year. Holey knits – the kind that would be approved of by punks but also anyone who is big on exercise – are your friend. Make yours a pop of colour – green, lilac, the aforementioned neon – and add one of your summer vests underneath for contrast.

Did we say layer up?

Layering goes extreme this season – as anyone who has seen Balenciaga’s Joey Tribbiani tribute will know, that could mean wearing up to five coats at once. For a look that won’t have an impact on your body temperature, go for the double layer – your trusty denim jacket, say, under a proper coat. The best bit? Pick a big-enough coat and this is like a Russian doll in reverse – you can keep adding layers as we get closer to winter.