BY NANDI MUSWENGA   |   St. Petersburg High

Now that school has kicked back into gear, here’s a lesson to learn: Girls, sandy flip-flops, tank tops and messy ponytails are no longer in style. Guys, the time for sleeveless shirts and white-background T’s is over. But thank goodness we live in Florida, where a simple tweak or a swap of color will move your favorite outfit forward as the calendar turns. Here is a simple guide to transform your summer wear into something worthy of fall, and school.

Follow along with the looks by clicking on the photo at top left and going through the slideshow.

*Summer Shades Guy
Nothing says 100 degrees in the shade more than a shirt with the sleeves cut off paired with denim shorts, both from Goodwill.  

Fall Hall Guy
Add layers to those shorts for school cool: V-neck T in stripe/triangle pattern, under a zip-front sweat shirt, under a vest (also known as shirt with sleeves cut off).

*Summer Sunset Girl
Though this dress may be stunning in the gleaming sun, even as it slips into the horizon in its blazing sunset glory, bare shoulders and sunshiny yellow aren’t so great under the fluorescent school lights.

Fall Dine-out Girl
This loose orange shirt is the perfect autumn color. Place it over a fitted black skirt, throw on some lace-up heels  and you are dressed to impress, on a dinner date or wherever you may be going out.

*Summer Grill Guy
Just right for a summertime barbecue; no one will notice any sauce spills on that tribal T-shirt.

Fall Into it Guy
Making the transition into fall is as easy as changing colors, just like the leaves. (Okay, pretend trees change color in Florida.) Go for more neutral colors — blue denim shirt (Goodwill) over darker Aztec T and dark knit beanie — to add a fall sensation, even if paired with those summer shorts.

*Summer Pass-a-Grille Girl
This casual outfit is perfect for a walk on the beach, not so much for the classroom.

Fall Hall Girl
Bless Florida. Here you can use your cute tank tops year-round. Just by throwing on a cardigan, you will look ready to learn in style. Replace your cutoff shorts with jeans and your flip-flops with more dependable sandals. Now your outfit gets an A+.

*Summer Shop Girl
While the “no white after Labor Day” rule is no longer in effect, this outfit screams summer stroll, not study session.

Fall Mall Girl
Scarves are all the rage this season, so tie one on! A long-sleeved cozy shirt paired with a cute multicolored scarf is a fabulous fall duo.

Photos by RACHEL MOWAT, Hillsborough High, and KATIE LAMONT, East Lake High
Girls model: Qiturah Bholai, Hillsborough High junior
Boys model: Alex Trump, East Lake High junior