Choose Fabrics, Separates That Make Smooth Transition

In Orange County, where a summer evening out may include a walk on the beach, cocktails on a boat, a movie, dinner or dancing, one’s outfit definitely needs to be versatile.

The key to looking good and feeling comfortable now, as the calendar heads toward fall, is for men and women to choose pieces in fabrics and colors that can be worn alone on a warm summer evening or layered with other items as autumn arrives.

For the fashion-conscious woman, some strong looks for now and later are the bodysuit, the dress in a nostalgic floral or an ethnic print, the body-hugging jacket, the cardigan and the tailored trouser and loose palazzo pant. Some places to shop for them:

BODYSUITS

The workout wear section at Nordstrom has bodysuits ($16.95 to $35) in blends that include cotton, nylon and Lycra.

You’ll see every sleeve length and bottom shape for pieces that could pair with Capri leggings or be worn under jackets or sheer dresses or big blouses. J. Crew at South Coast Plaza offers a long-sleeve solid-color version in a cotton-Lycra blend in wine, black, spruce and brown with snap closure ($44).

DRESSES

This is the summer of the romantic dress--short or long. Ivory Moon in Laguna Beach has a selection of flowing casual dresses in cotton and rayon prints and batiks ($28 to $70). It also carries the popular sheer crinkly type that looks great alone or layered over a catsuit or slip. Barneys New York at South Coast Plaza has vibrant floral tank dresses ($84) that can go into fall with pair of tights, a scarf and a jacket.

JACKETS AND CARDIGANS

Leave those boxy hide-your-body jackets at home. For a more feminine style, wear a jacket that hugs the shoulders, such as the J. Crew fitted high-neck jacket in a heathered worsted rayon with narrow lapels in brown, navy or charcoal ($148). Wear it over a vest with tights, a pleated skirt or an old faithful pair of blue jeans.

As for the all-important cardigan, this is a piece you can layer over just about anything or, for a more alluring look, wear hanging off the shoulder or fasten with an antique brooch. That will give a decorative twist to a favorite wardrobe staple.

Joan Vass makes a fine cotton “cashmere” cardigan (available at the Fashion Island Newport Center boutique, $126). Black ones are worn year-round. For a similar look, Allen Allen USA in Fashion Island offers a cotton cashmere version ($64).

LOOSE PANTS

Katharine Hepburn still looks great in loose-legged trousers. No wardrobe is complete without a pair or two for evenings when a dress is out of the question and when confidence and comfort are the real priorities. The heathered J. Crew jacket mentioned above has a mate in traditional pleated trousers ($78).

The ever-forward Modasport at Fashion Island Newport Center has a multitude of sale trousers, including lightweight wool that can be worn any cool evening, even in summer. Available are black tuxedo style and classic pleats ($100-$200).

Joan Vass also offers great cotton “cashmere” palazzos ($146), as does Allen Allen USA ($56).

For men, perfect for summer and autumn evenings are the softly tailored jacket, the cotton cardigan sweater, the never-say-die khaki pants or shorts, and of course, the ubiquitous white T-shirt.

T-SHIRTS AND TANKS

In the ‘50s, the plain white T-shirt (worn with blue jeans, of course), was the cool-guy standard. In the ‘90s, it’s a must, because it can go with anything from dress trousers to shorts to denims. Another T-shirt option is the ribbed tank like your grandpa used to wear. Layer one on top of the other and go with bare shoulders for a relaxed summer evening.

Both white T-shirts and tanks in 100% cotton from BVD, Fruit of the Loom or Hanes can be found three to a pack (under $8) at Kmart or Target. The Gap always has a selection of white T-shirts such as the one-pocket ($10.50). If you want to add a splash of color, Ixi:z in Laguna Beach has T-shirts in the rich colors that echo the environment--marine blues, greens and vibrant sunset hues. These high-quality cotton shirts have the look of silk jersey ($30).

SHORTS

The khaki cotton twill short is a classic, and no wonder. It’s comfortable, always looks great and doesn’t cost very much. You can find it most months of the year, plain-front or pleated, at Banana Republic ($36), J. Crew ($34) and the Gap ($30). If plaid cotton shorts are your preference, they’re available at J. Crew in both a light and dark shade ($44).

TROUSERS

For casual trousers, look for cotton and lightweight wool. Cotton khakis can be worn just about anywhere and can go with a white T-shirt as well as a turtleneck sweater and jacket. Banana Republic carries what it calls a “traveler pant” with a pleated front ($45) and a plain-front “driving pant” ($38). The Gap’s basic khaki trousers come either pleated or plain-front ($38). For trousers with a sophisticated drape, J. Crew has wool gabardines ($88).

JACKETS AND CARDIGANS

This season, jackets with soft edges such as the cotton three-button plaid or check sport coat at J. Crew ($198) will carry you through in style.

For the cardigan, Barneys New York offers a ribbed cotton style, in white, off-white or black ($110). Benetton stores also offer classic cable cotton knit V-neck cardigans in seasonal colors--right now the stores are closing out the red, fuchsia, peach, lavender, aqua, rose and bright green ($95).

SHOES

For women, summer ’92 evenings demand that you have a pair or two of mules, clogs and platforms of some type.

Soul to Sole in Laguna Beach has mules in gingham, cowhide prints and Western motifs ($91-$121), and a large collection of clogs and platforms ($38 to $70).

If you want to add a little boyish charm to your summer evening ensemble, check out J. Crew’s leather oxfords in a glossy black or matte brown ($92).

For men, an all-around choice for casual summer evenings is the leather moccasin, worn without socks. J. Crew offers a “driving moccasin” in saddle color, brown and black ($58) and thick-soled bucks ($78).

Of course, every man could use pair of canvas deck shoes all year-round in white, navy and hunter green at J. Crew ($32) or in white, black, purple, blue, red, pine green and Cajun at Vans stores ($29).