3 lifestyles and their looks

Another must-have is a light jacket that you can wear during the fall. For a more casual look, choose a jean jacket, and to look a bit more polished, get a great fitted black blazer. A neutral wool blend or cashmere wrap sweater is perfect for crisp fall days, and especially for keeping cozy and chic while traveling. In order to look put together and stay comfy for days running around, ballet flats are key.

Items you should banish once and for all:

Anything that indicates you were on the soccer field and there is evidence of it on your clothing. I would prefer you get rid of anything gimmicky (with lobsters, Christmas trees or hearts). One pair of comfy pajamas is fine but your closet should not look like a 13-year-old’s. Anything with a stain has to go. Lastly, the woman on-the-go should replace white tee shirts every season. Stores like Target, JCrew and Gap have great inexpensive ones…these will make your outfits look crisper and cleaner overall.

This fall you'll want to add:

A new party dress. Invest in something you can wear more than once with just a change of accessories. Find the perfect little black dress for your figure – if you have great legs, go shorter; a great waist, get something fitted. Most women have beautiful shoulders, so strapless or one shoulder are beautiful options. I feel like women on-the-go sometimes don’t put enough time into those Saturday nights out with their hubby or significant other. Your outfit doesn’t have to be designer—it just has to fit you perfectly and has to make you feel like “woo-hoo, I have a night out!”

AT THE OFFICE

You can never go wrong with classic, tailored pieces that can be mixed and matched. Depending on the kind of work you do, the rule is to always know your audience and dress appropriately. The days of wearing matching suits every day are over unless you are really deep into corporate America. Instead, your outfit should reflect your personal style. We all know the better we look the better we feel. So investing in pieces you love that you can interchange is the way to go. A great pencil skirt, with a blouse and an amazing piece of statement jewelry will allow you to go from your cubicle to a cocktail party without missing a beat. If you work in an arena where you can wear jeans never take that “privilege” for granted. I love the way a blazer, dressy tee-shirt and jeans look day or night. If you are only going to invest in one pair of jeans for fall, go with a pair of dark bootleg jeans. This style streamlines your body and looks best on most women.

Basics you can't live without:

white button down shirts – these should be really white (not yellowed or faded) and fit you well (not oversized). Cardigan sweaters are the perfect layering pieces. They can be worn over a tank or tied around your neck for a different look. Cotton for spring, cashmere for fall, but really either will carry you through the year if layered properly. A polished work staple -- the pencil skirt -- is always stylish, always sexy and always appropriate. Of course black is slimming and will go with everything in your closet and no one will notice how often you wear it.

Pretty tanks or camisoles are great to wear under a cardigan, under a blazer, or on their own for a night out. These should be a notch above the casual ones you wear to run around in. Maybe they are silk or have a pretty detail. Black pumps are a must-have for work and anywhere you might be going after. Find one that is comfortable, fits you properly and expresses your style. If you can get away with it (and can still walk), go for a higher heel. If you prefer to be a bit more functional and still stylish, try a kitten heel. These work with any work outfit, dress or even jeans. A practical, functional and stylish tote is an essential for work and your life. This will be your everyday bag, so black is always safe, but if you want to go for a different neutral – brown or gray perhaps, by all means. Just make sure that this bag is big enough to carry all you need for the day, but not too big it looks like you are going on an overnight!

Items you should banish once and for all:

All of those matchy-matchy suits. Time to get creative and shake it up. I always think when I see a woman in a plain suit with no flair, “Hey, the 80s called and it wants its uniform back.” Unless you are working for the President of the United States and there is a strict uniform, branch out into different looks.

This fall you will want to add:

Lace was big on the runway and there is a way to wear it so you can go from work to fun. Try adding a beautiful ivory lace camisole that can also act as a top. The lace could be peeking out of your blazer or cardigan at work, then on more display on your big date or fun night out.

ON THE TOWN

It is very easy to go from day to night without missing a beat. If you are leaving the house in the morning and not returning until dark, get your tote ready. You will have to pack a few things. That day, dress in a simple outfit for work. Let’s say you wear a little black dress (LBD) with black pumps to the office. Pack metallic strappy sandals in your bag and a fun piece of statement jewelry you can throw on when you are leaving work (and yes, you can wear open-toe shoes in the fall/winter). Also bring a small clutch so you can check your work bag when you get to your destination and just carry around the items you need. Pack your signature scent. That will help give you that emotional lift and make you think you are starting the next chapter of your day.

Basics you can't live without:

LBD – you will wear this often, as they can be worn time and again with different accessories. Pick one that flatters your body and expresses your personality. Have a really sexy, dressy one for those occasions that warrant, and a more conservative one for those times that call for being demure.

Be sure to have a couple of great pieces of statement jewelry – a necklace, fun cocktail ring and a pair of pretty dangling earrings. Don’t wear them all at once, but use one for a pop to your outfit. Changing them up will give a different look to that very same LBD, and instantly dress up a pair of jeans and blazer.

A beautiful clutch will complete any evening outfit, and the size says you are ready for a night out, not still thinking about the day at work or home.

Add a pair of metallic strappy high heels – gold or silver, whichever is your palette, and a fall jacket (think cashmere if you can afford it or a light wool that will work day or night) to finish off your look.

Items you should banish once and for all:

First of all, anything you haven’t worn in a year is a goner. You should banish anything with giant shoulder-pads. If you have a dress you wore to your prom or to a social in college say goodbye. Unless you are a teenager, anything you think might be “too short” probably is—donate it.

This fall you will want to add:

Something with polka dots! This was a huge trend on the runway and there is a way to make it work at any age. Add a scarf to a basic black outfit or opt for a fun top to wear with jeans. They are even showing muted versions in black-tie and cocktail dresses.