Fall Fashion

 Lanvin dress, $3,880, available at Barneys New York, 77 O’Farrell St., San Francisco, (415) 268-3530, www.barneys.com. Vintage brass necklace, $68, bracelet with gold mesh slider, $100, and gold topaz ring, $48, available at Labels, 1367 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, (925) 952-4566.

 Style Tips: This look takes fall trends to an extreme, but it’s a style you can achieve without spending a dime. To pare this look down for yourself, grab your favorite voluminous frock from seasons past and cinch it with a belt. The look is instantly pared down, polished, and right on trend for fall. If it’s sleeveless, try adding a long, slim cardigan over the dress before you belt—just keep the belt skinny if you layer it over more than one piece.

Vince cardigan, $325, available at Hush, 1354 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, (925) 944-4874, www.myhush.com. Velvet “miller” tank, $118, available at M Clothing, 402 Railroad Ave., Danville, (925) 314-0911, www.martymclothing.com. Vintage Donna Karan braided belt, $48, available at Labels. Barneys New York straight leg pant, $550, CO-OP Barneys New York ankle strap pumps, $395, amber egg drop necklace, $1,800, and gold cuff bracelet, $95, available at Barneys New York.

Style Tips: This ombré (also called dégradé) cardigan is an easy way to bring some hip style to your wardrobe, with no extra effort required. As for the pants, cigarette pants can be a tricky fit, especially in a fabric with sheen. Try a jewel-toned tight under a dress for the same effect with more figure-flattering forgiveness. A punch of color in an unexpected place is a must this season – those lovely purple heels might just be the perfect shoe for fall.

Robert Rodriguez tie-front silk blouse, $310, and tweed trouser, $348, available at McMullen, 4395 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, (510) 420-6906, www.shopmcmullen.com. Vintage Chanel magnifying necklace, $270, available at Labels. Fallon extra-large buckle bangle, $295, available at Barneys New York.

Style Tips: Tailored menswear is everywhere for fall, but the trick is not to overdo. By pairing a heavy tweed pant with this delicate blouse, the result is just the right mix of substance and Sapphic. Add some bold jewelry, and you’ll make the perfect statement.

Robert Rodriguez belted taffeta dress, $575, available at McMullen. Teardrop earrings, $132, available at Iniam, 5902 College Ave., Oakland, (510) 597-1558, www.iniam.com.

Style Tips: Jewel tones are a perennial fall classic, but this dress really stands out for with the sculptural details in the styling. You can achieve the same style with an exaggerated lapel, meticulous pleating, or any other over-the-top fabric draping. Try taking an oversized tee or minidress, and gathering up some of the width at the waist or the neckline with a large brooch.  You’ll get that fantastic draped effect, and make use of those shapeless items in your closet that will be on hiatus this fall.

Derercuny coat, $1,895, available at Bloomingdale’s, 845 Market St., San Francisco, (415) 856-5300, www.bloomingdales.com. James Perse long tank, $45, available at Iniam. Vintage Celine silver necklace, $88, and vintage Eisenberg Ice brooch, $250, available at Labels.

Style Tips: This season, if you’re going to invest in one really on-trend piece, make it your winter coat. Virtually every designer has come out with something really extraordinary this year, and it’s well worth your time to take a look. We love the ruching on this gigantic lapel, but look for something that really speaks to you, in a fantastic fabric. This season, you can choose from cashmere, fur, leather, jacquard—the options are endless. Just steer clear of those oversized shoulders—they’ll be gone again in the twinkle of an eye.

LaRok cropped blazer, $289, available at Duchess, 3587 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, (925) 962-0208, www.shopduchess.com. Rag & Bone pleated button-down, $245, and Jil Sander riding boot, $975, available at Barneys New York. 3.1 Phillip Lim crop cargo pant, $329, available at Hush. Vintage gold horse head ring, $500, and vintage gold Aztec cuff, $58, available at Labels. 

Military-inspired looks are very chic this season, reminding us again of all of that structure we’re seeing. Cropped jackets traditionally look best on taller women, as they’ll break up a long torso. If you’re more petite, use a longer layer underneath to elongate your frame (this is also a great trick to hide a tummy and create the illusion of a waist). Just be sure you keep any double-breasted coat buttoned up—with this look, too much loose fabric can look sloppy.

Christys’ hat with ribbon, $50, available at Hush. Vintage Yves Saint Laurent white blouse with tie, $128, and vintage rhinestone belt, $120, available at Labels. Vince boy shirt, $195, available at Barneys New York. Rag & Bone casino waistcoat, $211, available at Hush. 3.1 Phillip Lim wide leg pant, $295, available at Hush.

Style Tips: More menswear—we just can’t get enough this fall. Try a fitted vest with an overly slouchy trouser, and layer a sheer silk button-down underneath. Add another feminine detail, like a scarf at the neck, and you’re set. The effect will be striking, sexy, and oh so chic.