Fall Fashion Report: Key Pieces For Your Closet

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Meghann Foye

Color-Blind

All across the runways, the subtle, wearable appeal of neutral tones was front and center. Head-to-toe blacks, whites and grays, winter-whites and color-blocking hues were all included.

Make them work for you: The art of wearing neutrals doesn’t require a perfect complexion, but you might want to ask yourself: Do I usually steer toward clothes with yellow undertones or blue ones? “If your closet is full of yellow, it means warmer neutrals like ivories or olives will look best against your skin tone. Cooler tones work best with blacks, grays and lilacs,” says Jennifer Rosson, a San Diego-based stylist and blogger at StyleYourLifeBlog.com (opens in new window).

Trusty No. 2

Pencil skirts never really go out of style, but after a few seasons of short-long styles and mid-calf dirndls, the knee-length classic has returned. The appeal is easy to see—pencil skirts strike a perfect balance between looking ladylike and office appropriate. “It creates a figure that everyone wants,” Rosson says.

Make them work for you: This fall, pair a classic pencil skirt with a tucked-in camisole and a boxier knee-length cardigan. The effect takes away the all-business feel while leaving the right notes of ‘50s glamour. “If your problem area is your stomach, mid-rise styles can camouflage a rounder midsection,” Rosson says. “Or try a slightly more A-line style to focus attention on your legs.”

Upgrade Your Cable

Another fall fashion trend from the ‘90s—cable knits—has been re-imagined into sleeker, body-baring shapes. The bulky knits are great for weekends, or they can be introduced into work looks by belting them at the middle. They can even partner with nighttime pieces: Funnel-necked fisherman sweaters grounded glitzy sequined skirts on the runway.

Make them work for you: A bright idea? Choose wide-leg pants, then pair them with a bright-toned knit sweater for a pop of texture and color. Or pair your favorite jeans with a statement cable-knit cardigan, cinched with a leather belt or embellished with a chunky necklace.

Fun With Texture

While it might not be realistic to add a couple of couture pieces straight from the runway to your closet, you can recreate some of the models’ hairstyles at home. Try these beautifully billowing low ponytails with wavy texture:

• Dry your hair till it’s about a third still damp, then spray with TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray (opens in new window).
• Curl with a medium-barrel curler, then twist pieces from both sides into a low ponytail.
• Finally, brush through a few times to get effortless, textured style, seen everywhere from TV shows to big-screen flicks.