Leopard and zebra prints are hot this season for all age groups and fashion personas – children included! You need at least one animal print accessory in your wardrobe. And while animal prints seem to drift in and out of high fashion, they’ll always be stylish for the modern classic.

Contrary to popular belief, hairy animal printed accessories are not made of real horse, leopard or zebra skin. They are usually made of cow skin (like normal leather) and printed. There are also great synthetic versions around that will do the trick.

Animal printed bags, belts, scarves and shoes are for everyone; while animal printed clothing, outerwear, boots, sunglasses, hats and hair accessories are for the more daring. Both categories are sure to increase you style quotient.

Bring out the animal in you with a few refined choices from J. Crew.

Wellington boots, galoshes or rain boots – they’re all the same thing and an absolute must if you live in a rainy or snowy area in winter. They are best worn with skinny or straight leg jeans to prevent excessive bunching when you tuck them in. Bootcut styles will also work; but might not be as comfortable. Wearing wellies underneath your jeans kind of misses the point – your jeans or casual pants will still get wet.

Wellies are a win if…

• you’re an urbanite and commute on foot
• you take your dogs on winter walks
• you take the kids to the playground
• you like to garden
• you work with children or animals
• there are times when you walk in rain or mud

There are fabulously fun and stylish versions at stores like J.Crew, Banana Republic, Zappos and Nordstrom. You can choose to either keep your wellies playful and short, or sleek and tall.  Either way – you’ll ooze with style that’s practical and chic.

Trendy options from Banana Republic, Tretorn, Zappos and Nordstrom. Wellies don’t come in half sizes so you might need to try on a few styles before you find the right ones.

Whether you shop designer wear or chain store fashion, the zip-front knitted top is a must for gents both for this season and the ones to follow. This item is essentially a long sleeved knitted cardigan (jersey or knitwear) with a front zipper that zips through from top to bottom. Variations on this style will determine it’s appropriateness for causal, smart casual or business casual dress codes.

The zip-front cardigan is a win for gents because it is…

• Practical – it is easy to put on and take off, and doesn’t mess up your perfectly scruffy hair in the process.
• Comfortable – it’s in a knit which is always soft, stretchy and warm.
• Versatile – depending on the styling, the zip-through top can be worn over T’s and collared shirts, and underneath jackets/blazers.
• Flattering – the vertical statement of the zip creates the illusion of a longer and leaner line, thereby acting forgivingly over the tummy area. Styles that have “a double zip” (a zipper that has 2 sets of zip tabs) allows the bottom zip tab to be pulled up as well, creating a slimming effect over the midsection.
• Diverse – the item is available in many variations – raglan or set-in sleeve, turtleneck or hood, knitwear or jersey, plain or printed and casual or smart.

Zip-through-tops should have a fairly snug fit and should end above the crotch point. If they are baggy you’ll loose that slimming effect. There is scope for gents to have a good assortment of this item in their wardrobe. It’s going to be around for a while.

Macy’s, Nordstrom and Banana Republic have a good selection of zip-front cardigans.

If your budget is tight, or you happen to be more of a classic type of girl – forget about clothes for the moment and focus on accessories. They are the fastest, cheapest and most effective way to accomplish a stylish appearance.

My must-have accessories for Autumn & Winter are:

• Red shoes – red is a basic colour and matches just about anything that you wear. It’s going to make any outfit that you put together pop.
• Patent bag – add a high gloss dimension to your ensemble for extra impact.
• Chunky chains – choose a set of links that you love in either gold or silver and make a bold statement.

There are versions of these accessories for all body types, budgets and age groups. Capture the fashion moment and complete this season’s look with the ones that work for you. 

Basic red pumps, a black patent satchel bag and a chunky chain from Zappos.com, JC penny and Neiman Marcus respectively.

Can you wear skinny jeans if you have curvy hips and thighs? Yes you can. It’s a question of selecting the correct silhouette of skinny and matching it up with the right top and shoes. Skinny jeans are not created equally. Apart from the difference in wash and lycra content – rise measurements, inseam lengths and leg openings can also differ. If you follow the guidelines below – you’ll get that longer-and-leaner line that you are hoping for:

The correct skinny:

• Choose a skinny with a straighter leg and bypass those that have 5 inch leg openings.
• Choose one in a darker wash and with a medium rise.
• Make sure that there is enough length to your skinnies so that they “scrunch” at the bottom. This helps balance out your curvy hip and thigh area.

The correct top:

• Tunic lengths will work best (anywhere between mid thigh and just above the knee).
• Choose tunic lengths with sleeve volume – they offer a visual balance to narrow jeans.
• If you wear a shorter top – make sure that your top is ruched at the sides and ends just above your crotch point. Add a shorter layer over this longer length top to add interest.
• Make sure that your tops are tailored at your shoulders and torso – belted styles will also work well.

The correct shoe:

• A shoe or boot with a chunky high heel or wedge will look best. Tucking skinnies into boots will also help create a balance. 
• Ballet flats are also an option – but adding a bit of height will always create a leaner look.

Curvier ladies who are sick of their boot cuts and flares will certainly be able to pull off wearing skinny jeans with style if they follow the rules. Watch out boyish racy rectangles!

Skinnies and tunics from Nordstrom that will work for curvy ladies.

The androgynous look is a fun way to dress for work if your dress code forbids denim. You won’t need to go all out to pull the look off as single elements of the trend will be just as effective. Follow the steps below and put together a look that suits you:

• Pants and walk shorts – wide legs or slim legs are the fashion forward cut for trousers and shorts. Choose a plain, pinstripe or micro check in black, grey or navy. Wide legs are best for pear shapes while slim legs are best apple shapes.
• Shirts – white-collared shirts are an easy option and pinstriped versions a little more edgy. They need to be form fitting and can be left either hanging out, or tucked in and finished off with a skinny belt.
• Waistcoat (vest) – wear them buttoned up over your collared shirt for shape.
• Necktie – add a necktie if you dare!
• Jacket – tailored and worn either as part of your pantsuit or as a separate item. They can be worn over your shirt and waistcoat combination, or just over a shirt and necktie combination. 
• Knitwear – either a fitted V-neck pullover or cardigan can be worn over a shirt and tie combination instead of a waistcoat or jacket. A black turtleneck worn underneath a collared shirt makes for a very sleek, ‘70’s look.
• Coat – a fitted trench or wool coat in any plain colour will work because the rest of your ensemble is neutral.
• Shoes – ultra feminine shoes are the best option. Think high heels, patent leather and spectator styles.
• Accessories – keep jewelry to a minimum as simplicity is essential. A patent clutch is a good feminine choice of handbag.

Get suited and booted after a summer season of flirtatious dresses – it is just as alluring.

Be inspired by these dressy androgynous looks from La Redoute, Ralph Lauren, Nordstrom and Macys.

Body warmer: a sleeveless cropped jacket 

I have only ever known this item as a “body warmer” in the fashion industry – precisely because its function is to keep your torso warm. However, I believe that these funky urban items are also referred to as “vests” here in America. Skiers, snowboarders, equestrians and hikers are used to wearing this item for practical purposes while engaging in sport – perhaps in polar fleece or down. This season, designers have taken the liberty of making them a fashion statement (but not in polar fleece dear Seattleites!).

They are available in an assortment of fabrics, colours and silhouettes and depending on your age, lifestyle and fashion persona – there will be an appropriate option for you. Body warmers are casual items that are best paired with jeans, casual pants, corduroys and casual skirts. They are modern, practical, often reversible, and the perfect layering item for pretty pear shaped body types. Add a body warmer to your wardrobe this autumn and feel sporty with style.

These body warmers with an urban edge are from Nordstrom.

One of summer’s hottest must-have items was the knitted jersey dress – either in a wrap, mock wrap, empire or a-line style. Top designer Diane von Furstenberg created this flattering design and there’s plenty of mileage for the item as the weather gets colder. Below are three easy and fashion-forward ways to extend your summer knitted jersey dresses into Autumn: 

• For the modern classic – add knee high boots, hose and a cropped jacket or cardigan
• For the fashionista – add footless tights or leggings and heels or ballet flats
• For the daring urbanite – add skinny, straight leg or boot cut jeans, heels and a chunky chain

For extra warmth wear a knitted camisole underneath. Try one in a contrasting colour for a bit of extra interest. The different combinations not only prevent you from getting bored with your clothes, but can give you the extra edge that you might be looking for. Remember that your ensemble doesn’t need to match in order to work.

Reinvent these knitted jersey dresses from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus to create a fresh look for Autumn.

Patent leather (both real and fake) is one of the biggest statements in accessories this season. It’s very 80’s, very retro, and always very Chanel. Black patent items are the most obvious choice and easiest to wear; but don’t let that stop you from considering other colours, such as red, burgundy, grey, green, brown or yellow. Belts, wallets and ballet flats are super everyday easy-to-wear choices in any form of patent. Trenches, handbags, long boots, hair bands and gloves are a little more edgy, but just as fabulous. Remember, that one of the fastest, cheapest and most effective ways to accomplish a stylish appearance is through accessories. Capture this season’s fashion moment by adding high gloss to your ensemble – you’ll be sure to make an impact.

Bebe has an excellent range of patent accessories.

Patent shoes from Macy’s and Nordstrom.

Most department and chain stores here in America are having their Autumn blow-out sales right now. Soon, stores will be full of heavy winter clothing and Christmas merchandise, and your chances to buy transitional clothing for milder temperatures will be gone.

• Gap and Gap Body – you’ll find sweats, comfy knits and underwear marked down 60-70%. Remember not to ignore this portion of your wardrobe – checking your underwear regularly and lounging with style increase your style quotient.
• Express – this is where you’ll find shirts and skinny jeans for $20, tailored lined jackets for $50 and knitted tops and camisoles for between $10 and $15. It’s a good place to go and get a few pieces to complete your androgynous look if your budget is tight.
• Eddie Bauer – the store is good for those of you that are after a more roomy fit on top. Longer length knitted tops and knitwear are on sale for $30 - $50. If you are looking for the odd basic to match with a more styled item - you might just find it here.
• Anne Taylor and Banana Republic – these stores are super for mainstream updated modern classic fashion. It’s the place to shop for no nonsense business casual basics of excellent quality. Suiting is half price at the moment.
• Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters – if you like to flirt with fashion or are an urbanite at heart – their retro and rock chic styling will be of interest to you. Anthropolgie tends to be expensive for the quality that you are getting – but their sale racks are well worth a look for girly tops, jackets and cocktail dresses at 30-40% off.

For info on what’s trendy this autumn, click on the category item “Autumn 2006” on the side bar. This might help you define your shopping list before you brave those sales. Remember to shop with a plan!