As the leaves turn and the days get shorter and cooler, you'll find yourself approaching the ominous task of switching over your closet. But switching from season to season can ultimately be a lot of fun - plus you get to fill in the holes with some new gear. But before you head out to surf the Internet for some hot new clothes, take a look at the top looks you need to rock the fall.



The first trend you need to check out is menswear. I know, it brings back thoughts of padded shoulder sports coats, but it doesn't need to. This fall it's all about soft trousers, a fitted vest or a double-breasted blazer, and some runways are even showcasing ties. But don't wear them all together! Use a one-to-one ratio: one menswear piece to one feminine piece. You've been warned.

For those early Saturday morning soccer games, grab a cute little swing coat. Don't be afraid to let you sleeves peek out for a great layered look. Swing coats look great with slim pants and boots - if you opt for a palazzo style pant, the sheer greatness of the coat will get lost. Keep it simple and let the coat be the focus of everyone's attention.

This brings me to my next words of advice: Go with streamlined and structured this fall. Matching cropped jackets and pencil skirts are great for the office or for that very important business dinner after 5. Even if pieces don't seem perfectly tailored right off the hanger, spend the time and the little bit of extra money to have them professionally tailored to better suit your body type.

Every great outfit deserves a spectacular handbag! Vibrant colors are very popular this season, and they carry through to what we're carrying our stuff in. Bags from Burberry, French & French, and Clutch West can be found in reds, blues, and greens. As an outstanding bonus, patent leather is also making a major comeback!

This fall, fedoras are not just for Justin Timberlake! Women on the runways can be seen rocking these in every age group. For the very young, they look great with jeans and a tee shirt. With the 30-somethings on up, it should be worn as a more structured look with a pantsuit.

Big sunglasses were the trend this summer, and the fall is roaring in with big, chunky jewelry. These are perfect pairings with the long tunic-style shirts that were popular this summer and that continue to be popular this fall. You will find a lot of jewelry that is inspired by nature and made of materials such as wood, bamboo, turquoise, and hemp.

Last, but certainly not least, don't forget the classics this fall. These are the things you likely already have in your closet, but they might need a trip to the dry cleaner just to freshen them up. A crisp, white button-down shirt is a staple that, if taken care of, will last you through several seasons. That cashmere wrap you've been waiting to take out? Do it now! Throw it over that white shirt and don a cute set of pearls - you'll be a walking advertisement for simple and stylish.