Sadly the summer must come to an end.  It’s time to go back to school…time to go back to work after the lazy days of summer.  Fall represents a fresh beginning – the new school year or perhaps a new job.  Along with the crisp autumn air, is your fall wardrobe ready to take you through the next few months in fashionable style?

Men or women, your fall wardrobe should be versatile enough for office to weekend activities.  Rethink the classics.  Invest in corduroy pants, a button-down oxford shirt or a lightweight wool blazer that’s perfect for in-between season weather.  Punch up your wardrobe with shirts in seasonal colors that include deep purples, bright green and oceans of blues like turquoise, sapphire and aquamarine.  Gray and heather replaces brown.  Color blocking and mixing colors together will be seen in eye-catching prints.

The year of the dress continues - simply grab it and go.  “Women are rediscovering dresses are fun, comfortable and practical.  Looking good is fashionable, and looking feminine is great again,” according to Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst as reported in Women’s Wear Daily, August 1, 2007.

A dress can be versatile – wear it to work with tailored accessories or spruce it up for a date after work with high heels, bold jewelry and an evening clutch. 

Dresses are appropriate in most situations – from casual to business to special occasion.  They are easier to wear than separates which can sometimes be challenging to coordinate pieces.  Dress silhouettes borrow from the shirtwaist styles of the 60’s (think June Cleaver) with menswear shirting solids and stripes (www.gap.com).  Previously, dresses have been void of sleeves, as sleeves gave off a matronly look (especially short sleeves).  Look for fall dresses flowing with voluminous sleeves. 

Happy Autumn! ■

Paula Molino

When packing, keep in mind that your wardrobe should center on a particular color theme.  Select neutral colors for suits, bottoms and jackets (the hard pieces) and then layer on color in terms of shirts, blouses, sweaters (soft pieces).  This fun color should be limited to a coordinating color palette (blues/purple or pink/orange) to eliminate carrying multiple pairs of shoes and accessories.  By keeping the wardrobe basics neutral you get more mileage out of the bottoms which will allow you to wear them multiple times with various tops. A variety of coordinating accessories can create a new outfit with the same basic top and bottom. 

Allow at least one or two tops to every bottom and underwear for as many days as you will be gone.  Layering garments is ideal.  Sweaters and twin sets are great traveling companions for air-conditioned rooms or when the temperatures drop at night.    

Bring at least two pairs of the same type of shoe that you will wear most often to alternate every other day.  This gives your feet a chance to rest in between days.  Leave the sneakers at home (unless you are working out) as this is a tell-tale sign that screams, “I am an American” which have earned Americans their “sloppy dress” title.  There are numerous alternatives to comfortable walking shoes (www.travelsmith.com). 

Bon voyage! ■

As a fashion expert, see me periodically on QVC as an on-air guest host for jewelry products.