Even though it’s still in the high 80s this week here in Chicago, the calendar says September and that’s when I put away my brights, neons, sundresses and white jeans and start stocking my closet with the latest in fall trends.  Fall is my favorite time of year, mostly because that’s when the best fashions are released!

I sat down with my main style bible, People StyleWatch, and a few other magazines and got to work on what I’m most excited about this season!

1.) Menswear.  Houndstooth is my favorite pattern and I’m so excited that once again I can keep this as a staple in my fall wardrobe.  Pairing any houndstooth top or bottom with a solid black counterpart is sleek and sophisticated. Pinstripes. plaid, buckles, and men’s watches also fall under this category.

2.) Black high-heeled booties. Great with short skirts or dresses and black tights, leggings, or just black skinnies, these booties are key to integrating into multiple pieces in your current closet.

3.) High-Waisted pleated skirts.  The fall skirt style keeps women looking feminine with a high waist without bringing too much attention to the tummy area. Time to show of the legs before the snow hits!

4.) Red and black plaid shirts. Great for a fall football game, visit to the winery or pumpkin patch and all the way through winter at the ski lodge, I love this long-lived woodsy look.

5.) Blazers. Although these seem to be in every other season, I love being able to wear a blazer with jeans or casual pants to work to look professional, but go right into a night out.

6.) Cutout or Strappy Heels. Sassy pointy-toed heels with different buckles and cuts can help mix up any basic outfit and can easily be worn both at work and out.

7.) Moto Jackets.  Although I’ll be sticking with my solid black moto jacket here, there are so many different designs this season for people to really show their true colors! Just because you’ve never been on a motorcycle doesn’t mean you can’t wear one of these bad boys.

8.) Emerald. The pantone color of 2013, this shade remains elegant, sophisticated, and classy.

9.) Gunmetal Nails. Get on with your bad self and rock these with any or all of the above. 

10.) Mod Hair.  When my hair is not doing what I want it to my go-to style is to pull back the front of my hair in a twisted poof.  Looks like volume, waves, and beehives are back ladies!

What I’m not looking forward to? Dark florals.  I may regret this later and ‘fall’ for this seasonal trend, but as of now my opinion is this should be saved for your grandma.