Trend-Proof Style (Contd...)

10 Fall Classics You Need to Own

Menswear prints -- plaids, chalk stripes, houndstooth checks -- are a perennial fall favorite that translate very well to trousers. Pair with everything from a solid shirt to a twinsuit.

Knee-high boots make great sense for fall because they let you get more wear out of everything from skinny jeans to miniskirts.

Tuck in slim trousers for a young look or layer on opaque tights with a skirt or dress to keep out the chill.

Choose a mid-heel height for the most trend-proof look (something 2 inches or less).

Brown boots are a great choice if you wear lots of denim; black pairs with almost everything.

Feminine pearls are the perfect trend-proof accessory to compliment the more structured styles of fall. Wear gray pearls with a white shirt and black, wide-leg pants for a sexy hostess look; or choose layers of creamy white pearls worn with a simple black sheath dress for a perfect cocktail dress look.

Match it with a hem-length coat or wear it on its own with pumps; anyway you wear the classic, knee-length sheath dress it's a winner.

Fabric choices include knits, crepe, silk and menswear fabrics.

Bags get bigger with cooler weather because you have more to carry (umbrellas, wraps, hats).

The leather tote doesn't have to be boring -- there are logoed styles, patent, exotic skins, quilting, bold hardware, bright colors and much more -- but the most classic looks have a ladylike feel to them, a clean rectangular shape, and understated luxury.

Unlike a in-today/out-tomorrow "It" bag, the leather tote will be your faithful friend for years. This is one splurge where you'll get lots of mileage on your investment.