Clad in Plaid

This classic print can lend prep school charm or punky edge.

Paired with skinny jeans, black ankle boots and a studded belt, this wool peacoat in bold red plaid feels grunge-era cool. The oversize funnel neck collar adds warmth and style on crisp fall days.

This plaid button-up paired with black skinny jeans and black oxford booties has attitude, but the necktie adds just enough feminine charm.

This vintage Burberryesque jacket is clearly meant for a young boy: it buttons the wrong way, and the sleeves are way too short. Paired with trouser-style jeans and a golden Pashmina, however, there is nothing juvenile about it. This look has an air of preppy sophistication.

This plaid wool skirt adds interest to a business casual look. Together with a juicy sweater, gold braided belt and floppy felt hat, it captures the romance of autumn.

On the Runway: D&G Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

On the Runway: D&G Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Purple If You Please

Plum. Eggplant. Amethyst. Periwinkle. No matter the shade, purple reigns this season.

Purple Pants: I’ve had these purple velvet trousers for years and have almost thrown them on the giveaway pile many times. Needless to say, I’m glad I hung onto them. This look features a mauve short-sleeved sweater tucked into the purple pants, a patterned scarf and silver flats.

My Purple Pick: My favorite purple item for fall is this retro-inspired peep toe. It features a textile suede upper, a shoelace tie for an oxford feel and a patent stiletto heel. (Payless.com $24.99).

On the Runway: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Wild Child

Exotic animal prints spice up everyday ensembles in a classy way.



The black and white color palette of zebra print makes it easy to pair with splashes of color. This look features a zebra-print wrap dress, a vintage-inspired swing jacket in burgundy, brown tights and brown peep-toe stilettos. The flirty party-girl dress and the more conservative, ladylike jacket strike a perfect balance.

I often wear this leopard sweater as a jacket. It always provides that extra bit of interest that makes the outfit. This casual look features a silky embellished tank, the leopard sweater, skinny jeans and leather boots.

On the Runway: Michael Kors Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Turn On the Bright Tights

Colorful legs are a fun, easy way to brighten up fall fashion.

Daytime Casual: This playful look features a ruffled sweatshirt tucked into a cheerleader-style skirt, bold red tights and preppy skimmers.

Evening Sleek: When I wear tights in a bright hue, I try to keep the rest of the look relatively simple in terms of color and pattern. This look features a black cowl-neck sweater, a gray cotton mini, vibrant blue tights, black patent oxford booties and a studded belt to add some edge.

On the Runway: Zac Posen Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Riding High

Sky-high waistlines create a long-legged silhouette with updated vintage appeal.

The Disco Shorts: They may be denim, but the ultra-high waist, dark wash and goldtone hardware of these shorts make them feel '70s-glam. This look features a plain gray cotton tee tucked into the Disco Shorts, black tights to make the ensemble more fall-friendly, black oxford booties and an oversize scarf to finish the look.

The Skinny Leg: Though high-waisted skinny jeans look best on the super tall, I love to sport them anyway. This look features a gray scoop-neck tee tucked into ultra-high-waist jeans, a boxy '80s jacket in a rich autumn hue to offset the tight fit of the jeans, my go-to black ankle boots and plenty of gold bling to accentuate the edginess of the look.

The Wide Leg: High-waisted wide legs are ideal for a petite stature like mine. This look features a thin sweater in a lustrous goldenrod for fall, medium-wash jeans with a cute covered button, an oversize cardigan, peep-toe stilettos and a gold chain. The roomy cardigan and wide jeans combine to give the look a laidback, effortless feel.

On the Runway: Bill Blass Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.