Nina Garcia’s Must-Have Fall Pieces for Kids

I grew up in Barranquilla, Colombia, where it was incredibly hot and humid year-round. There was no crisp fall breeze to be had for hundreds of miles. As a result, I now love when summer turns to fall in Manhattan. The bite in the air, the school buses back in motion, and the comforting sounds of football coming from my living room television (oh, the things you learn to find solace in when you marry an American man).

However, we all know, summer doesn’t turn into fall at once. There is a September/October transition period that can be sartorially confusing. One day it’s 80 degrees and the next day it’s 50. How are we supposed to dress (and dress our kids) for that kind of temperature swing? The answer lies in the use of proper layers and a few key accessories. Click through to see some of my favorite transition pieces to help ease you into the season.

Nothing says fall to me more than a cardigan. It is the essential removable layer. J.Crew has some fun designs in every color!

To buy: (1) Caroline Cardigan in Abstract Dot, $40; (2) JCPenney Dreampop by Cynthia Rowley Colorblock Cardigan, $25; (3) Caroline Cardigan in Heart Print, $50;

Every girl should have a cable knit sweater in her closet in October. Add some flare with stars and hearts such as this H&M one!

To buy: (1) Boden Cable Jumper, $44; (2) H&M Mesh-Knit Sweater, $18; (3) J.Crew Girl's Heart Sweater, $70

Light leggings under skirts and dresses are key during the fall (and winter) months. You can dress them as casual or as fancy as you’d like. A few that I’m loving from J.Crew are below.

To buy: (1) Girls' Everyday Leggings in Getaway Stripe, $24; (2) Girls' Everyday Leggings in Big Dipper, $25; (3) Girls' Everyday Capri Leggings in Pineapple Hem, $17

You really can’t go wrong with a Minnetonka Moccasin: It's comfy, casual, practical and stylish. Go ahead, spend a night perusing Minnetonka's Web site for everyone in your family.

Click here to browse Minnetonka Moccasins

The ideal fall pants for my sons are corduroy pants! They are durable, machine-washable, and easy to pair with T-shirts, preppy button-down shirts, or the classic fisherman’s sweater.

To buy: (1) JCPenney Joe Fresh Shawl Sweater, $17 (2) Zara Corduroy Trousers with Suspenders, $40; (3) J.Crew Boys' Secret Wash Shirt in Gingham, $40

Sweatshirts are perfect to transform your son from summer to fall in one single swoop. H&M has a variety of quality, colorful sweatshirt hoodies. They’re not too expensive, so you won’t go too upset when the boys leave them behind (not that they ever do that). Other great options below!

To buy: (1) Zara Sweatshirt with Hood, $30; (2) H&M Hooded Sweatshirt, $18

I love the look of knitted caps for boys. It goes with nearly everything and makes any outfit a fall outfit.

To buy: (1) Boden Fleece Lined Hat, $28; (2) H&M Fine-Knit Hat, $7; (3) H&M Fine-Knit Hat, $8

You can always depend on a leather bomber jacket to make you look cool and pulled together. And you can always depend on stores like Mango, JCPenney and Zara to offer several styles that won’t break the bank.

To buy: (1) Jack Hooded Faux Leather Jacket, $64; (2) Mango Leather Bomber Jacket, $129; (3) Jolt Faux Leather Colorblock Jacket, $58; (4) JCPenney i jeans by Buffalo Studded Faux-Leather Biker Jacket, $70

Cardigans are cute, cozy and stylish! Pair them with skinnies and a great boot, and you have the perfect fall look!

To buy: (1) Striped Jordan Cardigan, $72; (2) ASOS Chunky Cardi, $75; (3) Banana Republic Colorblock Whisper Cardigan, $60

A great boot during the fall is a must have for any woman. This season, ankle boots are an essential item. I’m loving these three styles!

To buy: (1) JCPenney K9 by Rocket Dog Shane Buckle Strap Boots, $50; (2) Jeffrey Campbell France Wrap Stripe Boots, $198; (3) Leather Ankle Boot, $119

Nothing says chic quite like the timeless trench coat. As mentioned before, if you don’t already have one in your hallway closet, make this your first fall purchase. There is a trench for every personal style, from the Asos Classic to the Calvin Klein Belted Trench Coat and everything in between. Find one that suits you, and rely on it heavily.

To buy: (1) DKNY Quilt Trim Trench Coat, $180; (2) ASOS Classic Trench, $107; (3) Calvin Klein Belted Trench Coat, $100

Scarves are a fantastic way to keep warm while staying stylish. Shopbop has a versatile soft knit scarf that you can add to pretty much any outfit (available in cream, black and charcoal).

To buy: (1) MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS Chevron Infinity Scarf, $58; (2) Paula Bianco Chunky Knit Scarf, $85; (3) JCPenney Liz Claiborne Cable Knit Scarf, $36