Subject: Art

Key Lesson: With the spectrum of
hot-hued ensembles you rocked all summer, it’s clear you’re a quick study in colour theory. Take a tutorial from designers like Celine, Haider Ackerman and Preen and keep your bold brights in heavy rotation but fast track them for fall by wearing them with chunky knits and contrasting boots for a look that’s bound to leave a chic impression.

Extra credit: Stride out in scarlet pants and pair it with an equally eye-popping topper.

Subject: History
Key Lesson: Your love of the 70s knows no bounds. Good thing, too, since fall is set to get a lot groovier. Those shimmering Studio 69 worthy dresses, wide leg trousers and floppy hats you stepped out in last season are still haute, but topped with louche fur vests, chubbies and toggle-closure capes for fall. Gucci, Michael Kors and Chloe are the ultimate educators in the decade’s uniform.

Extra credit: If you’re ready to mine the retro look even further, take a cue from 60s styles at Burberry and Prada or the 40s influence at Miu Miu.

Subject: Geography
Key Lesson: Don’t even think of hiding away your denim cutoffs because they get a hall pass for fall with this season’s western inspired trend. Proenza Schouler, Isabel Marant, Rodarte and Dsquared all offered a terrific ode to the American Southwest. Take your jeans shorts and mix them with
True Grit style fringe boots, shearling jackets and a crafty crochet sweater.

Extra credit: Don’t limit your studies to just North America. Ralph Lauren looked eastweastward to China and Istanbul for inspiration, Africa was top of mind for Thakoon and Oscar de la Renta’s uniform came by way of Uzbekistan.

Get caught up on all the fall fashion 2011 trends with our trend report.

More ways to switch up your wardrobe on the next page …

Subject: Math
Key Lesson: 1 summer dress 1 parka = Evening elegance. That’s the new arithmetic for fall as cool kids like Joseph Altuzarra and Alexander Wang sent their own permutations and combinations down the New York runways. So don’t store your wispy slip dress away just yet. When the temperature drops just throw on an oversized utility jacket (preferably with an oversized faux fur collar) and you’ve got a knockout fashion equation.

Extra credit: The look can be worked 24/7 – try laid-back combat boots for day, then add on the season’s new fur embellished heels for night.

Subject: Biology
Key Lesson: Who knew you already had a head start on earth sciences? Those fresh florals that you picked last spring are in full bloom for fall, albeit in a slightly darker garden variety. Designers as diverse as Jil Sander, Balenciaga, Giambattista Valli, Versace, Marc Jacobs and Mary Katrantzou all lectured on the beauty of flora and fauna.

Extra credit:

The new mixed bouquet is your quick route to becoming a star pupil. Simply pair the print with winter ready pieces like layered knits, dark hose, and tough-chic boots for a look that puts you at the head of the class.

Now that you’ve got your cheat sheet on hand to ace your summer-to-fall style, prepare for a packed curriculum of full-on fashion straight.

Read more:

Fall fashion must: Amber tones

10 chic bangles for fall

10 chic, structured bags for fall