The fashion set tends toward hoarding. Careful editing and constant refreshers define the well groomed closet, yet beloved pieces rarely leave. Occasionally exiled to the back of the closet, clothing claims a degree of loyalty with its owner that is often unobserved elsewhere. Fashion lovers have a "what if" complex that keeps them forever suspicious that a trend will come back around in a matter of seasons. She who saves laughs last.

Autumn proves to be an annual event of shopping extremes. Raised on trips to the mall for perfect back-to-school clothes and first day ensembles, adult life has necessitated a new coat, a riding boot, a tailored jacket. As we fine tune our fall shopping lists and finish online pre-shopping, let's not forget some summer staples that can play with the big kids come fall recess.

5. SUNGLASSES

Sunglasses are the fashion statement of the summer, necessary for coastline drives and beach-side lounging. They become an afterthought in the fall and are a no-show in your day bag. But come September, hold tight to statement eyewear as a fun reminder of lazy days past and a useful accessory in westward drives. Keep bright, crazy shapes alive, and toss away your oversized black Chanels as the stuff of Anna Wintour Fashion Weeks. Keep some summer fun, no matter how neon.

Above Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs.

4. DENIM CUT-OFFS

If Daisy Dukes never fit into your fashion vocabulary, you might not want to read on. For those of us that have embraced the denim cut-off as a vital part of a summer wardrobe - sexy, breezy and easy to pick up off the floor and throw on for errands - then keep them this fall. Embrace global warming and the fact that the sun shines enough to ensure that shorts can still make the cut on a weekend afternoon or pre-sunset evening. Take denim cut-offs from their bohemian world and make it ironic, pairing them with a white button-down, preppy blazer or structured vest.

3. TUNICS

Tunics have defined summer since our parents' pool days. Comfortable and breezy, they're an item that we're sad to see go. Bearing in mind that belts are supposed to be big this fall, shapeless tunics may still have hope! Give them the waist they've always dreamed of with a wide belt. Play with proportion by pairing them with a fitted blazer. Suggest to others that you're reclaiming a bit of the romantic and carefree vibe of summer by incorporating the uniform of summer into a closet of dark denim and sensible shoes. A beach cover up is never just a beach cover up.

Above tunic: Betsey Johnson.

2. GLADIATOR SANDALS

It was almost officially the summer of the gladiator sandal. Big on the scene like never before, the question was who didn't have a pair? We loved them as a flip-flop alternative with all kinds of personality: metallic, studded, leather fringed. While bootlegs and pipelines won't have them as gloriously on display as a skirt or dress, the people who count will still notice them sticking out. Bonus: without visible ankle straps, no one will know they're summer's gladiator sandals, instead provoking them to ask where you got such great sandals.

Above Gladiator Sandals: Sigerson Morrison.

TO READ THE NUMBER ONE SUMMER STAPLE PIECE TO KEEP FOR AUTUMN, CLICK HERE...