Fall’s Seven Sophisticated Styles
Fall’s best looks are feminine, refined, and hip to wear for work or weekend.
It used to be you had a work wardrobe and a weekend wardrobe, and never the twain would meet. Not so, this season.
The top trends in fashion pay homage to timeless, classic pieces reminiscent of retro style icons Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. Sophisticated separates, neutral colors and decidedly ladylike silhouettes grace the racks – and the pieces fit together with unprecedented ease.
That means it only takes a few new numbers to exponentially expand the outfits in your office attire. Better yet, with some minor tweaks (pop the jacket, add a chunky necklace, downgrade to ballet flats), you’ll be ready for after-hours cocktails or a long-weekend getaway.
Here are the sophisticated seven, your must-have pieces for work, weekend, fall:
1 The Dress |
||
|
|
This one-piece wonder is the heroine of fall fashion, with shirt, shift, wrap, knit, and sweater styles all capable of making complete outfits in an instant. For the younger professional, a simple, sleeveless jumper like this is right on point, especially in gray, the most important “non-color” of the season. Layer this preppy-collegiate look with a contrasting lightweight turtleneck or tie-neck blouse. Or, swap the top for a matching three-button jacket ($245 at J.Crew), a cool twist on traditional boardroom suiting. | |
2 Leather Jacket |
||
|
|
Leather jackets were seen on many a Fall 2007 runway, and they’re destined to become the season’s most-wanted wardrobe staple. But forget the boxy, black, biker looks from leather’s edgier past. Today’s jacket is softer, lighter, and tailored with surprisingly feminine details. This brown two-button trapeze silhouette is exceptionally luxurious, but totally versatile. Inside the office, it takes on the role of blazer without a flinch. Outside, it makes for a pretty chic cool-weather commute. | |
3 Wide-Leg Pants |
||
|
|
For those who cringe at the thought of last year’s skinny pants, it’s time to rejoice in a trend that’s much more comfortable — not to mention universally flattering. Featured in top designer collections like Marc Jacobs and Badgley Mischka, wide-leg pants can be found in almost any variation: plain-front or pleated, super-slouchy or cuffed. To take this menswear-inspired trend to the fullest, look for polished plaids in warm color combinations and don a pair of chunky stacked heels. | |
4 Silky Blouse |
||
|
|
The palette for fall may be dark and rather neutral, but silky-satiny blouses give you the opportunity to shine, day or night. Ultra ladylike tie-neck styles will likely be the most seen and talked about this season, but the major story here is color. In opulent jewel tones like emerald, cobalt, grape and burnt orange, these elegant throwback tops really pop underneath jackets, vests, and chunky knit sweaters. Wear one all alone with a high-waist pencil skirt and skinny belt to capture this nod to retro glamour in all its gleaming glory. | |
5 Pencil Skirt |
||
|
|
Sleek and straightforward, the tailored pencil skirt is the season’s most captivating new shape, particularly in pinstripes, plaids, houndstooth, and denim. What’s the right length for work? One inch above the knee is cool and contemporary, especially with boots and tights. But if retro elegance is your true calling, go longer in length and higher at the waist. Finish it off with a skinny patent leather belt and crisp, white shirt, and never pass up the matching jacket to create a more formally feminine skirted suit. | |
6 Tights |
||
|
|
All over the fall runways, the opaque leg is a trend that must have been conceived with the working girl in mind. For the office, basic black is both mod and modest, providing chic coverage for those leg-baring skirts and dresses. But why not go out on a limb and try a pair in gray, the season’s new neutral? Keep things from looking drab with bright, shiny pumps and don’t forget texture. Tights in dots, diamonds, stripes and crochets will keep things interesting. | |
7 Pumps |
||
|
|
Power pumps are back and they’re prettier and more comfortable than ever. We’re not talking toe-cramping stilettos here, more like stacked cap-toes, tailored slingbacks, and peep-toe Mary Janes. Heel heights are negotiable, but brilliant color is key. These blue patent leather point-toes look perfectly polished with wide-leg pants and pencil skirts from 8 to 5. But imagine what they could do for a pair of boot-leg jeans? | |
Putting the Pieces TogetherWhen paired together, the sophisticated seven strike a perfect balance between polished professionalism and laid-back chic. Simply swap, mix and match these team players to create a new look every day of the week. |
||
| Silky Blouse + Wide Leg Pants + Pumps | Dress + Tights + Pumps | Leather Jacket + Silky Blouse + Pencil Skirt |
|
|
 |
 |
| Cotton/Silk Smocked Blouse, $58 Martin Wide-Leg Trouser, $88 Skinny Lizard-Print Belt, $48 Sable Peep-Toe Slingback, $148 All at BananaRepublic.com |
Plaid Belted Dress, $148 Opaque Tight, $12.50 Tula Smooth Pump, $128 All at BananaRepublic.com |
Leather Mini Trench Jacket, $328 Fitted Cotton Sateen Shirt, $58 Wool Wide-Waistband Pencil Skirt, $98 All at BananaRepublic.com |
Finishing TouchesDon’t gloss over the final details. Striking signature accessories are the perfect way to communicate personal style. And oftentimes, their beauty is well matched by sheer practicality and function. |
||
|
|
A skinny belt creates a mod hourglass silhouette with pencil skirts, wide-leg pants and dresses.
Skinny Metallic Belt $48 at BananaRepublic.com |
|
|
|
Longer-length driving gloves add retro glamour and necessary warmth to fall’s trendy three-quarter sleeves.
Long Leather Gloves $88 at Talbots.com |
|
|
|
A single piece of vintage-look jewelry can romance even the most tailored of business suits. Hand-Painted Enamel Carousel Ring $75 at J.Crew.com | |
|
|
A brand new workbag conveys fashion smarts and all-around business savvy. L. Erickson Business as Usual Tote $137.95 at Shoebuy.com |
|
