Fashion

Your fall wardrobe starts with these 7 easy work-ready pieces

Your fall wardrobe starts with these 7 easy work-ready pieces

7 easy work-ready pieces Image by: Genevieve Caron Author: Julia McEwen

Fashion

Your fall wardrobe starts with these 7 easy work-ready pieces

Look polished every day of the week—whatever's on your agenda—with seven days of outfits using only seven pieces of clothing.

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Bell-sleeved shirtdress, $40, hm.com/ca. Knit moto jacket, $130, lechateau.com. Tweed pants, $350, ralstonwilliams.com. Chevron dress, $175, bananarepublic.ca. Michael Michael Kors oversize cardigan, $395, michaelkors.ca. Sleeveless sweater, $60, gapcanada.ca. H&M Studio Collection graphic skirt, $100, hm.com/ca.

WALK THE LINE

This patterned dress doesn’t need a supporting cast—it’s strong enough to be worn solo. Add a few well-chosen extras, such as leopard-print heels to ground the look.

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Chevron Dress

 SIMPLE PLAN

Take the less-is-more approach to styling by embracing the simple nature of a white shirtdress. Combine with an equally minimalist open cardigan,  and your look will be as good as gold. 

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Oversize cardigan + bell-sleeve shirtdress

THE NEW LADYLIKE

It doesn’t get more ladylike—or on trend this season—than the pleated skirt. Don’t overload the skirt; let it stand out by pairing it with a simple sweater and black loafers. 

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Sleeveless sweater + graphic skirt

TWIST ON TWEED

 Looking to add a little something extra to your work wardrobe but loud colours and prints aren’t your thing? Try a pair of trousers with intricate tweed detailing—they’ll never go out of style. 

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Knit moto jacket + Sleeveless sweater + Tweed pants

MIX MASTER

Transform the chevron dress into a skirt by layering on a sleeveless sweater and a knit jacket. Finish the look with a smart loafer, a roomy tote and subtle jewellery.

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Knit moto jacket + sleeveless sweater + chevron dress

LAYER PLAYER 

Styling a dress over trousers looks modern, keeps your legs warmer than tights and says to the world you’re fluent in fashion.  Look for mini- to midi-length dresses, and pair with fitted pants.

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Bell-sleeved shirtdress + Tweed pants

TURN THE VOLUME UP

Try mixing this bell-sleeved dress with a pleated skirt over top—the combo converts the dress into a top, and the extra fabric from the skirt disguises any bulk from the shirtdress being worn underneath.

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Bell-sleeved shirtdress + Graphic skirt

SHOP THE ACCESSORIES FROM THIS STORY:

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Must-have fall accessories to upgrade your autumn wardrobe

Leather bag

$275, cosstores.com.

Image by: COS

Must-have fall accessories to upgrade your autumn wardrobe

Wool fedora

$35, aldoshoes.com.

Image by: Aldo

Must-have fall accessories to upgrade your autumn wardrobe

Loafers

$35, hm.com/ca.

Image by: H&M

Must-have fall accessories to upgrade your autumn wardrobe

Obi belt

$78, whbm.com.

Image by: WHBM

Must-have fall accessories to upgrade your autumn wardrobe

Olivia Burton Watch

$319, thebay.com.

Image by: Olivia Burton

Must-have fall accessories to upgrade your autumn wardrobe

Vegan leather bag

$60, aldoshoes.com.

Image by: Aldo

Must-have fall accessories to upgrade your autumn wardrobe

Block heel

$138, bananarepublic.ca.

Image by: Banana Republic

 

 

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10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Red

It's pretty easy to spot when a colour becomes trends—and no colour dominated the runway more than bright, saturated red. It was seen in all textures, shapes and styles and graced the collections of Oscar de la Renta (pictured), Givenchy and Armani to name a few.

Image by: Getty Images By: Alexandra Donaldson

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Red

Wear now: With sandals and a cute bag.
Wear later: Over skinny jeans with ankle boots.
Dress, $30, hm.com.

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Red

Wear now: With flirty summer dresses and barely-there makeup.
Wear later: With an oversized knit and tailored trousers.
Tassel earrings, $102, jcrew.com.

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Red

Wear now: Tucked into a printed midi skirt with summer sandals.
Wear later: Pair with dark denim and a menswear blazer.
TOPSHOP frill shirt, $60, thebay.com.

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Sparlky footwear

Don't be fooled by these look-at-me boots—metallic is a neutral that you shouldn't be afraid to wear at any time. Magpies were undoubtedly drawn to the runways of Chanel (pictured), Saint Laurent and J.Crew thanks to these goodies. Though the runways were full of sparkly silver boots, this trend doesn't need to be in an over-the-knee heel to be au courant. Pick a flat or shorter feel for a more subtle look, or pick up a pair of sandals to ride that summer wave into fall.

Image by: Getty Images By: Alexandra Donaldson

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Sparkly footwear

Wear now: With denim cutoffs and a summery blouse.
Wear later: Pair with a sleek pencil skirt and thin knit.
Silver flat, $50, aldoshoes.com

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Sparkly footwear

Wear now: With your favourite floral summer dress.
Wear later: Swap in a pair of tailored culottes and a white buttondown.
Gold court shoes, $70, zara.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Sparkly footwear

Wear now: Strappy sandals look great with a midi skirt and simple tee.
Wear later: When the weather dips the fashionable brave can wear these sandals with wooly socks. Or, for a simpler look, try these with a calf-length skirt in a heavier fabric and a long-sleeve tee.
Metallic sandal, $40, forever21.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Western

This all-American style has been championed by some brands pretty consistently (looking at you Ralph Lauren), but this season definitely saw an increase in pointed lapels, rugged denim and cowboy-inspired footwear. Designers like Calvin Klein (pictured), Bally and Tommy Hilfiger hopped on the band wagon. The good news is you can wear this trend as subtly or as literally as you want—though we might recommend keeping your spurs at home.

Image by: Getty Images By: Alexandra Donaldson

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Western

Wear now: With a t-shirt and your favourite straight-leg denim.
Wear later: Try it with a slouchy sweater and textured mini skirt.
Scarf, $15, hm.com.

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Western

Wear now: With flowy culottes and block-heel sandals.
Wear later: With dark denim on a new Canadian tuxedo take.
Ralph Lauren top, $109, thebay.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Western

Wear now: Over a loose t-shirt dress with suede booties.
Wear later: Over your favourite chunky cardigan or army-green jacket to give you a cinched outerwear look.
TOPSHOP belt, $40, thebay.com.

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Plaid

Plaid is a winter wardrobe staple here in Canada, but this season the likes of Jenny Packham (pictured) Chloe and Bottega Veneta gave us a muted take on the trend. Think greys, blues and washed out hues like yellow and green. Don't be afraid to wear this look in bigger pieces like dresses and coats.

Image by: Getty Images By: Alexandra Donaldson

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Plaid

Wear now: With colourful ballet flats and your favourite crossbody bag.
Wear later: Over a black turtleneck and with rich knee-high boots.
Plaid flare dress, $139, anntaylor.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Plaid

Wear now: As a dress with your perfectly worn-in denim jacket.
Wear later: Over denim with some great heeled ankle boots.
Caslon Plaid Tunic, $117, nordstrom.com.

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Plaid

Wear now: Open, over a light, white breezy sundress.
Wear later: Done up over long sleeve shirt and suit trousers.
Plaid vest, $82, urbanoutfitters.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Victorian necklines

Turtlenecks have reigned supreme for a few winter seasons, but it's time to get a bit creative with your high-neck shirts, blouses and sweaters. The runway saw a more Victorian-inspired approach to covering your decollete thanks to designers like Valentino (pictured), Frame and Beaufille. Mock-neck blouses, frilled turtlenecks and pussy-bow shirts will keep you prim and proper all season long.

Image by: Getty Images By: Alexandra Donaldson

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Victorian necklines

Wear now: With strappy sandals or slides and a topknot to keep it easy, breezy and summery.
Wear later: Just add tights and a structured tote to take this look into fall.
Dress, $155, aritzia.com.

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Victorian necklines

Wear now: With tailored shorts and simple flats.
Wear later: Wear under a crew neck sweater and pair with boyfriend-style jeans.
Ruffled blouse, $70, mango.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Victorian necklines

Wear now: Tucked into an A-line midi skirt.
Wear later: Under a simple streamlined suit with sleek pumps.
Tie-neck shirt, $110, bananarepublic.ca.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Wide belts

If there's any accessory that will give you an immediate hourglass figure, it's a wide belt worn at the waist. This season-less pick was seen at Isabel Marant (pictured), Michael Kors and Adam Selman and was worn over dresses, denim, chunky knits and outwear—making it the most versatile accessory in your wardrobe this season.

Image by: Getty Images By: Alexandra Donaldson

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Wide belts

Wear now: Cinched on an oversized t-shirt for a little shapely switch-up.
Wear later: Over a printed wintery dress (think dark florals) with sleek riding boots.
Wide waist belt, $29, asos.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Wide belts

Wear now: Over a simple shirt dress.
Wear later: Over a luxe maxi cardigan and skinny jeans.
Obi Belt, $92, braveleather.com.

 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Wide belt

Wear now: With a flowy midi skirt and an off-the-shoulder blouse.
Wear later: Over a military-inspired jacket and tailored culottes. Don't forget a pair of heels too!
Ralph Lauren Wide Stretch Belt, $64, thebay.com.

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Vintage florals

Flowers are pretty much in vogue year-round, season after season. But this year we saw retro florals that looked as if they could be ripped from the couches and curtains of your childhood. Anything goes when it comes to shape, colour and style—runways like Mulberry (pictured), Emilia Wicksted and Ralph Lauren gave us lots of options. Just make sure there's a certain sense of nostalgia to your look.

Image by: Getty Images By: Alexandra Donaldson

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Vintage florals

Wear now: With jeans and a white t-shirt this outfit is classic.
Wear later: A maxi dress and blazer get the ladylike treatment with this bag.
Print bag, $45, aldoshoes.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Vintage florals

Wear now: This unexpected colour combo (reddish-pink and forest green?) would be brightened up with a white sleeveless blouse and metallic footwear.
Wear later: Pair this skirt with your favourite slouchy sweater, half-tucked in, and short, block-heeled pumps.
Pleated skirt, $115, longtallsally.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Vintage Florals

Wear now: With a simple shift dress is a summery hue (think white, cream or light pink).
Wear later: Cropped trousers get an instant update thanks to this bold—but totally wearable—pattern.
Steve Madden Bootie, $170, nordstrom.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Polka dots

The nice thing about polka dots is that they can work with almost anyone's style. Ladylike? There's a polka dot for that. Minimal, graphic, girly, retro? There's definitely a polka dot for those too. This year, shop the trend in every size from teeny tiny to oversized and gather inspiration from runway shows like Loewe (pictured), Maison Margiela and Zimmerman.

Image by: Getty Images By: Alexandra Donaldson

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Polka dots

Wear now: As a dress with gold accessories and a brightly coloured bag.
Wear later: Over jeans and a crisp buttondown shirt.
Dress, $40, hm.com.

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Polka dots

Wear now: Pair this midi skirt with mules and a striped t-shirt.
Wear later: A denim buttondown and pointy-toe flats take this look into fall.
Porridge Clothing skirt, $118, anthropologie.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Polka dots

Wear now: With strappy sandals and rolled up sleeves.
Wear later: With sleek boots and a trench coat, this outfit is a winner.
Wrap polka-dot dress, $130, mango.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Folk vibes

Prairie-style shirts, folksy embroidery and ditsy florals are all contributing to this summery trend that's making its way into fall. Shows like Temperley London (pictured), Kate Spade and Gucci showcased a folksy aesthetic—the perfect way to brighten any winter wardrobe.

Image by: Getty Images By: Alexandra Donaldson

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Folk vibes

Wear now: With pleated culottes or cropped denim.
Wear later: With a structured mini skirt, sheer tights and some camel-hued boots.
Mixed print top, $65, eloquii.com.

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Folk vibes

Wear now: With breezy summer tank tops and flat slides.
Wear later: With thick knits and heeled booties.
Pimkie floral jeans, $62, asos.com.

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Folk vibes

Wear now: On cool evenings over your summer dresses, cutoffs and tanks.
Wear later: Over your workwear separates—think trousers, pencil skirts and buttondowns.
Cardigan, $148, anthropologie.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Fringe

There's no stopping the fringe trend which has been going strong for a while now. This season at Prabal Gurung (pictured), Michael Kors and Milly fringe was spotted in both exaggerated (look at that jacket) and simple styles. The takeaway? Just go for it.

Image by: Getty Images By: Alexandra Donaldson

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Fringe

Wear now: Over girly mini skirts and dresses.
Wear later: Over leather or suede tights with a boyfriend blazer.
Button front sweater, $95, longtallsally.com.

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Fringe

Wear now: With a graphic t-shirt and strappy heels.
Wear later: With cashmere sweaters and cropped jackets.
City Chic suede skirt, $116, nordstrom.com.
 

10 fall fashion trends you can wear (and shop!) now

Trend: Fringe

Wear now: With a statement earring and simple flats.
Wear later: With heeled booties and an army-green parka.
Dress with fringe, $36, zara.com.

 

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Your fall wardrobe starts with these 7 easy work-ready pieces

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