As the seasons change, so should your wardrobe.But instead of giving your closet a complete overhaul, update what you have with the most lust-worthy, can't-live-without trends for fall.
Here's what to buy this minute, what to bring out from previous seasons and what to box up and put into storage.
Buy - Leggings
They're back. The skintight basic has shed its Flashdance image (yes, leg warmers can stay in the '80s - really), cropping up now as a layering staple under full skirts, coats and tailored jackets.
"They add a different dimension to your wardrobe," says Linda Conforti, personal fashion consultant at Dillard's at Scottsdale Fashion Square.
Bring out - Skinny jeans
"They're definitely big for fall," says Jenny Feldman, fashion news editor at Elle magazine. "You can pair them with longer tunic tops, like we saw at YSL. It's a minimal, clean look."
Box up - Capri pants
Opt for fresher silhouettes such as slim-fitting cigarette pants (they're daringly chic with ballet flats) or sleekly tailored, just-above-the-knee city shorts.
Buy - Leopard-print handbags
If you can't imagine strutting down the street in a leopard-print trench coat, start with a bag. It's a subtle way to be ferociously glam.
"Leopard has become a perennial classic," says Roxanne Robinson-Escriout, senior accessories editor at Women's Wear Daily. "It's something that will never go out of style."
Bring out - Oversize bags
Carry your life in an oversize bag. Inspired by jet-set patent satchels at Louis Vuitton and quilted chain lovelies at Marc Jacobs, these stylish staples can hold all of life's essentials (like your BlackBerry and after-work flip-flops).
"Handbag sizes are extreme. An oversized doctor's bag or satchel and a sleek clutch are the two most forward silhouettes," says Lisa Bradkin, accessories director of Olympus Fashion Week in New York.
Box up - Fringe bag
So long, cowgirl. Trade laidback Western details for sleeker lines and fabrics.
Buy - Tuxedo details
Menswear gets a playful twist this season with darling tuxedo details. Look for ruffled shirts, fitted jackets and little black satin buttons.
"The look doesn't have to scream 'menswear,' " says Maggi Heiser, a wardrobe consultant in Phoenix. "It can be very feminine. And you can't ever go wrong with black and white."
Bring out - Victorian romance
Soften up your look with delicate Victorian-inspired details, from ruched necklines to precise pintucks. Designers gave the trend a modern spin by pairing billowy poet tops with sleek, form-fitting pencil skirts.
Box up - Bohemian accents
Finally, we can tuck away those embroidered prairie skirts, frumpy caftans and chunky wood beads. The hippie look is out.
Buy - Wide belts
The supersize waist-cinchers emerged again in striking form at Fendi, Lanvin and Givenchy.
This season, look for glossy patent leather, gathered knit cummerbunds and rocker-chic buckles. And sharpen up your office look with a wide belt over a crisp collared shirt
Bring out - Chain links
A statement of modern glamour, chain links have dangled into fall with new, unexpected details: deconstructed metals, dainty charms and regal patterns.
For sexy, night-out style, layer two, three or four chain-link necklaces of varying lengths.
Box up - Chandelier earrings
Balance out fall's bold, look-at-me necklaces, cocktail rings and cuffs with simple, understated earrings, says Duvall O'Steen, jewelry spokeswoman for the World Gold Council.
"It's the return of the lobe," she says. "We're seeing more studs, buttons and short drop earrings."
More trends which you can either buy or box.
BUY
-Gold circle chains
-Chunky stacked heels
-Equestrian-inspired
-Patent leather
-Dark and bold
-Tweedy trapeze jackets
-Goth punk
BOX
-Big bead necklaces
-Stilettoes
-Owl motifs
-Pebbled leather
-Dainty and embellished
-Cossack coats
-Earthy bohemian
By Michelle Woo, The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com; via chinadaily.com.cn.
