Though the leisure days of sun and summer have ended, don't throw those summer fashion staples to the back of the closet quite yet. There is a way to integrate your favorite summer pieces into a fashionable fall wardrobe that will save money and time at the mall.

A key summer item that can be turned from beach to class appropriate is a cotton sundress. Whether the sundress displays a bright solid color or a funky floral print, opt to wear it with a shrunken cardigan or a cropped jacket instead of over a bikini.

Many stores downtown are choosing to keep summer dresses on the racks, even as fall steadily approaches. Tori Misuraco, an employee at Sydney Mac, 115 E. Beaver Ave., said the store will be keeping its dresses out because it is still warm enough for them to be worn both day and night.

"We kept out some summer dresses that are warmer colors. They are not too bright, so they can be worn in fall with a cardigan," she said.

Metro, 320 E. College Ave., has also kept around summer dresses with deeper hues. Employee Bridget Belfield (junior-journalism) said a possible look involves pairing heavier cardigans with the light cotton dresses for fall.

"It is appropriate because it is a transitional period," she said.

Metro has a wide variety of such outerwear, including short-sleeve or long-sleeve neutral knits that can provide plenty of coverage when the temperature starts to drop.

Forever 21 also has a great selection of fall outerwear to help any smart shopper obtain the perfect fall look, such as the Autumn Plaid 3Q Jacket or the cotton 3Q Jacket, both for $24.80. (forever21.com). Pairing the sundress with leather accents, such as a skinny belt or calf-length boots, creates a style that is eclectic but still fashionable for the season.

Light, comfortable summer tops also need not be left behind this fall season. Instead of pairing the top with a jean skirt or shorts, invest in a pair of trouser jeans or chino's with a wide-leg to complement a billowy top. To score a pair of these must-have pants, check out American Eagle Outfitters with the Military Wide-leg pant, $44.50 (aeoutfitters.com).

Shorts can also be worn in the brisk fall weather if they are worn correctly. To do this, be sure your shorts are the right cut and material to be layered with a pair of sheer or patterned tights. Complete this laid-back look with flats or slip-on sneakers as well as a long-sleeved top. Accessorize with a lightweight scarf. If adorning your neck with designer fabric is too pricey for your budget, check out H&M for a selection of solid and printed scarves for just $7.80 (hm.com). Your favorite summer bottoms can still give you enough coverage for fall with some simple layering.

Although there are many trends of summer that can be easily altered to become appropriate for fall, there are a few pieces that don't make the back-to-school cut.

Those trusty two for $5 Old Navy flip flops were especially great for the summer days spent strolling down the sandy beach or for the boards, but they may not hold up all that well on your strut down Pollock Road. Comfortable shoes, believe it or not, are not made solely of rubber.

An adorable alternative for fall is a stylish pair of moccasins. These can be worn with jeans, trousers and sweatpants alike. Minnetonka is the main source of this type of footwear in the fashion scene today, but knock-offs have emerged at bigger chain stores, such as Payless Shoe Source and Target.

Jessalyn Pack (senior-English), an employee at Connections, 130 S. Allen St., said students should leave their summer "club shirts" at home when making plans to hit downtown State College.

"The bars here are laid back. You can easily find more appropriate tops to wear around town," she said.

She suggests layering tank tops with thinner long-sleeve knits that create a comfortable outfit for both warmer and cooler temperatures.

"It's all about mixing and matching," she said.

Pack said recycling your summer clothing year-round is a fashionable way to save money.

"Everyone reuses clothes, and it really comes down to everyone's personal style as to what you feel comfortable in," she said.

Pack said as long as students use layering in the right way, they can reuse any piece from their summer wardrobe and still keep warm in the fall.