Dear Readers,

The temperature is dropping and we’re in that weird in-between time before its really fall, when the barometer can go up or down 10 degrees or more without warning. What to wear?? Not to worry. These 5 wardrobe staples will help you ease into fall looking fabulous and feeling comfortable.

1. Sweater Sets (preferably cashmere or light wool blend)

Sweater sets are a great season transition item as it incorporates layering which is so critical when temps are fluctuating. Look for a thin cashmere or wool blend sweater sets. Longer cardigan styles are in again and look great with leggings. Sweater sets are classic and easy to dress up or down. You can wear the tank alone if it gets warm or pair the sweater set with a pair of dark washed jeans for a casual look or black slacks for a more formal one. The ensemble above from Jones New York is an updated sweater set look with a longer cardigan with a print. So don’t think sweater sets need to be too classic or conservative.

2 .Shawls, scarves, pashmina’s or wraps     

                                                          
These are a must have for transitioning into colder seasons. They are  a handy choice to slip on or off depending on the temperature. In addition, they can spice up your look with a dash of bright color. Picture a simple black ensemble with a bright red, teal, purple pashmina—very fab.  And in cashmere like the brown number above from Nordstrom’s? Heaven! And I love that they’re so easy to carry—either slip over your purse or tuck into a tote and you’re all set!

3. Long Sleeve Wrap Dress

I love the wrap dress and recommend to most clients they should own at least one. Wrap styled dresses are SO forgiving to most women’s figures—Diane Von Furstenberg knew what she was doing when she designed the first one. Ultra feminine, but also practical, a wrap dress in a lovely silk blend is a perfect choice when you are not sure of the weather but want an alternative to pants. They’re light but give you great coverage and can take you almost anywhere from shopping to a special dinner date. Pair with a tank if its really chilly out or dress up with a pashmina. When it gets colder, add tights and tall boots and you have a look that is sophisticated and comfortable to wear.  Above is the classic look courtesy of Diane Von Furstenberg.

4. Leggings

I never thought I’d say this but leggings are a must have for fall (caveat: but it has to be worn the right way! No baggy T’s over leggings—we’re not going back to the 80’s!) When it’s too cool for bare legs, but too hot for wool pants, leggings make a great transitional piece.  Take a long cardigan, mod mini (they’re so with it now too), cute tunic sweater (a cowl neck looks great with leggings) and add some dark leggings. Then pair them with a pretty flat shoe or if the temperature drops, switch to boots. Leggings are also extremely comfortable so they make the perfect thing to wear on a plane when you flying from a warm climate to cool climate or visa versa.

5. A Trenchcoat

I must admit trenchcoats can be tricky because if you’re like me, they’re just not padded enough as an outer layer when it starts to drop into the 50’s. But I would be remiss if I did not have this classic business staple on my list because there is nothing like a trenchcoat to make a fashion statement just before Winter. Pick an unusual color or pattern. A women wearing a red coat is definitely not a shrinking violet.  Make sure it’s not boxy (we’re not going for the menswear style look here). And get one that is just below the knee. Wear with a wrap dress, pants suit, sweater set, jeans. Or wear solo like a dress as in the picture above. This item is so versatile–It can  be worn on your way to the office on those chilly mornings and then also on your way home. Wearing a trench just gives you a glamorous look and it’s hard not to feel really important when you are sporting one. And it’s functional too. So go for it.

Copyright, Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management