Top Wardrobe for Autumn 2009

Real Simple's Choices for a Woman's Fall Wardrobe

· Menswear-inspired pants - Think dark gray in wool and tweed. Keep the look feminine with heels and a white ruffly blouse.

· Silk dress - Choose jewel tones for the office. A patterned silk dress is great in summer with sandals, in fall with dark tights and heels, then toss on layers of shiny jewelry for the holidays.

· Black button-down shirt - This look can be too imitative of a maitre d' when done incorrectly. Pair with bright colors or pile on jewelry.

· Leather jacket - Avoid the motorcycle chick look with a style that has clean and classic lines. A lighter weight leather jacket can also double as a blazer or suit jacket with a white blouse and black pencil skirt.

· Cape - A cape is the statement piece for fall. Keep the bottom layer simple, such as a black skirt or jeans.

· Infinity scarf - An infinity scarf is one piece of fabric looped and sewn together. This large circle of fabric can then just be looped twice around the neck and one of the loops can be pulled up as a makeshift hood.

· Convertible handbag - A handbag with two carrying options: low handles or a long strap.

· Oxford heels - These shoes function like boots with a dressier, sleeker look. Two-tone colors add punch to any outfit.

· Pointy-toe flats - Slip-on shoes dressed up by their seriously sharp look. Add clips as jewelry for shoes and to change out the look.

· Bold bangles - A big bangle cuff on the arm means less jewelry needed overall.

Glamour's Fall Wardrobe Must-Haves

·
Mini skirt - Most women have great legs, especially with the help of opaque stockings. Mini skirts show off those legs, and the fuller skirt style of mini skirt is easiest to wear.

· Skinny jeans - Skinny jeans look great with the right pieces. Pairing skinny jeans with an artsy t-shirt, heels, and a belt is a great fall look.

· Leggings - Show off shapely legs with dark leggings and a long top or jacket that hits at the top of the thigh.

· Glittery accessories - Fall colors, typically black, brown, navy, and jewel tones, need a little light-grabbing help in the way of glittery accessories: jewelry, shoes, belts, and purses.

· Little black dress - Glamour advocates another little black dress for a woman's wardrobe, but with a twist. This fall's little black dress should have a quirky touch, such as one shoulder bare.

· Studded bag - Add some edginess and strength in the form of studs on a fall purse.

· Over-the-knee boots - What to wear with the fall mini skirt? Tall boots that cover the knees. The boots should be close fitting, not gaping at the top.

· Pile of bracelets - Real Simple chose one statement-making bracelet, while Glamour says pile on multiple bracelets that a woman already owns to achieve the look.

· Colorful sheath dress - A big solid patch of color in a flattering shape can be combined with boots or heels, a jacket or cape or scarf, and various jewelry options to create many different looks with one basic piece.

· Big necklace - A loud, attention-grabbing necklace is a great piece to accent a simple sheath dress or little black dress or to dress up a t-shirt.

· Body-hugging suit - A well-fitting suit is one made for a woman and not just imitating the look of a man. This versatile piece allows the wearer to remove the jacket for a romantic after-work dinner.

· Boyfriend jacket - Roll the sleeves to just below the elbows on this longer jacket and wear it with leggings.

Fall's best pieces are those that can show off a woman's best features, are versatile for work or play, and can be paired together in many different looks.