(Source: Star Tribune, Minneapolis)
Still unsure of your look for the season? Here's our expert guide to what you must have, what you should try _ and what you can stash away (for now).
FITTED SHEATH DRESSES
Expert: Michelle Smith, designer of Milly
_ Buy for now: A slim, black sheath cut close to the body _ with or without a sleeve that nips in the waist for an hourglass figure, a la my favorite show, "Mad Men" _ is a must-have for fall. Versatile, smart and sexy, the look can take you from the office to cocktails in the shake of a lamb's tail. Faux fur coat is optional.
_ Stash for later: I would stash full-circle skirts for now and opt for a sleek pencil skirt that covers the knee. They are drop-dead gorgeous, and very wearable. Pair with a jacket, sexy blouse or cropped cardi.
_ Try: Kensie Short-Sleeved Ponte Dress with Pailette Hem, $148 at Macy's.
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DAZZLING SHOES
Expert: Sigerson Morrison, footwear designers
_ Buy for now: Kari Sigerson: One great leather jacket, which I know I will absolutely wear to death, and _ with the change from that _ our Sigerson Morrison for Target belted bootie in Yves Klein electric blue suede will be perfect.
Miranda Morrison: I am always looking for good "uniforms," so I'm shopping for a great new trouser suit, which I will inevitably wear with wildly patterned and/or colored shirts and T-shirts because I can never resist full-on color. My everyday shoe will be our Sigerson Morrison for Target studded flats because I can have them in every color.
_ Stash for later: Morrison: Boring accessories! Spice it up with a funky handbag or rocking shoes. These add panache without breaking the bank.
_ Try: Sigerson Morrison for Target suede studded flats ($30) and shoe boots ($40), available at select Target stores and online at Target.com.
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LOTS OF PLAIDS
Expert: Laura Schara, trend expert for Macy's in Minneapolis
_ Buy for now: Something plaid. This can come in a variety of options _ a plaid dress, blazer, blouse, etc.
_ Stash for later: The monochromatic gray look. Mix it up with color this year for an updated fresh feel.
_ Try: Plaid dress by BB Dakota ($88), from Macy's.
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GOLD EYE MAKEUP
Expert: Napoleon Perdis, makeup artist
_ Buy for now: Graphic layering of divine golds for the eyes and a ravishingly deep red hue on the lips for a just-bitten look. Warmer colors such as gold and bronze flatter everyone and give a sensuous glow to the eye.
