Kiss summer goodbye--and warm things up in your closet! It’s fall, time to think layers, killer coats, cozy cardigans and knits. Designers love this time of year and apply fashion details like fur trims, elaborate embroidery, and comfy quilting to make cool weather favorites pop.

A cozy checklist:
  - A coat is the ideal investment piece because it’s worn more often then a dress or sweater. Think stylish
    and refined, but also look for function.
  - Have fun with the other pieces of your winter wardrobe. Accessorize with gloves, hats and scarves!
  - Proportion matters-this season’s silhouette is slim.
  - Leggings (leather, suede, grommet, lace up) are back and pair perfectly with fall ensembles.
  - Black tights (texturized, embellished or basic) are a must.
  - You can’t miss with a long vest, cardi-coat or cocoon wrap.

Oh Boy!
No need to borrow your boyfriend’s sweater. There is an array of feminine twists on the classic cardigan. White + Warren (the label of designers Susan White and Barbara Benenson Warren), is known for fashionable yet functional knitwear. They have created a Cashmere Boyfriend Cardigan that’s all girl! The longer silhouette looks sexy layered over a tank (or nothing at all!), belted at the waist and worn with a black thigh-slit skirt. Peek-toe heels or ankle boots complete the outfit. Charlotte Tarantola’s Desi will have him green with envy--the long juniper green cardigan in chevron jacquard is adorned with a single button and pocket. Suggested add-ons: a tank or graphic tee, a pair of chocolate brown corduroys and cowboy boots.

Car Coats
Have style, will travel! Car coats are getting lots of mileage this fall. ADAM by designer Adam Lippes offers two standouts that incorporate two important trends. Red--the color of spirituality and femininity--showed up in many runway shows! ADAM’s Begonia Double Breasted Car Coat with shawl collar and contrast buttons makes an eye-catching topper for a winter white sheath dress. Add red tights or a suede stacked heel and get ready to paint the town--well--red! Lippes’ heather grey heavyweight wool Double Breasted Car Coat features another important trend: embellishment. The wide collar features Japanese-inspired feather embroidery which mixes felt ruffles and metal pieces. No need for extras.

In the Hood
The hooded cardigan has become the go-to piece for the girl on the go. Whether it’s in comfy cotton or luxurious cashmere, the hoodie is goodie--- and wards off winter’s chill. Charlotte Tarantola’s Eloise in fraise- boasts a yummy strawberry color, feminine ruffle trim and jumbo snaps. White + Warren’s hooded Cardi Coat in deep blueberry is a delicious way to stay balmy. Depending on your taste, you can dress either up (gabardine and gladiators) or down (denim and ballet flats).

Long & Lean
Want to look seasonally chic? Then go for long and lean, layer your looks with vests or perhaps an elongated cardigan. Consider designer Charlotte Tarantola’s Barista a long cotton/acrylic vest that’ll make any jeans and tee combo sing.

Mad for Plaid!
Always a fall staple, designers have given this perennial favorite an edgier appeal--more Alexander McQueen than British countryside. Color is what makes plaid fresh this season. From greens and greys to reds and blues, even a few technicolor combinations, designers are saying, “check please!” ADAM offers a Buffalo Plaid A-Line Coat in fuchsia and vermillion that’s 100% wool, 100% sophisticated. It looks all buttoned up over a shift dress and ankle boots. Quiksilver keeps things square with a stone plaid Privilege Car Coat. Double-breasted with double collar, it looks twice as nice over an aquamarine sweater mini-dress and lace up boots.

 

Short & Sweet
Nothing says “autumn” like cashmere! White + Warren pieces are warm and welcoming, not to mention luxurious. Their Superfine Cashmere V-neck Cardigan looks sexy and sweet over a frilly frock, statement necklace and metallic open-toe platform pumps.

Weaves & Wings
Weaving your way through winter is easy. ADAM’S hand-woven Basket Weave Sweatshirt is the key to an effortlessly layered look. Designer Adam Lippes likes it worn with a micro floral blouse and ponte pants. Quiksilver also goes woven with Wing, a batwing pullover that has a scoop neck with cabled sleeves and contrasting hand-knot detailing. Add a scarf, skinny jeans and off you go.

Show your fall colors and play Roiworld’s new Designer Closet game now!