Fall Fashion Must-Haves

Though spring is the season most often associated with renewal and redemption, fall has a newness all its own – the dawning of a new school year, the invigorating arrival of cooler weather and, of course, the freshness of new fall fashions.

This year, the top trends seem to embrace and reflect a classic back-to-school aesthetic: the crispness of white loose-leaf paper shows up in the tailored lines of menswear-inspired pieces; the graphite tones of No. 2 pencils dominate this season's color palette; and the innocence of youth is reflected in shiny patent accessories, simple shift dresses and playful plaid fabrics.

It's almost enough to make you want to grab your old JanSport backpack and hopscotch your way to homeroom.

Instead, strap on your pocketbook and head to the shops, where you'll find all sorts of fashionable finds just waiting to update your closet. Whether you opt for the ladylike allure of high-waisted pants or the edgy glamour of croc-embossed booties, your purchases are sure to make you as giggly and effervescent as a schoolgirl in love.

And to help you figure out what this fall's fashions will look like off the rack, click on each of the thumbnail photos below to see this year's wares in action on one of our lovely models.

Shifty Behavior

If you were dreading giving up your throw-on-a-dress-and-go summer routine, you're in luck. Dresses are sticking around this fall in the form of simple, stylish shifts that, with flattering A-line silhouettes and a comfortable fit, work for just about any size and shape. You'll find a wardrobe staple in J.Crew's black sleeveless wool-jersey dress , whose mid-thigh ruffled hemline provides a girlish backdrop that can be dressed up with a tie-neck blouse and fishnet tights, or kept casual with a turtleneck and flats ($118).

Opt for a more colorful statement piece with Steven Alan's red-and-blue plaid silk smock dress , complete with split sleeves and side pockets ($175, Rumors Boutique). With vibrant jewel tones and an easy fit, the shift can stand on its own in early fall and be paired with tights and a turtleneck come colder weather. Glam provides a more economical version in its brown plaid mod tunic , which becomes a bit livelier when topped with Tulle's mustard yellow three-quarter-sleeve cropped wool jacket ($42 and $88, both Need Supply Co.). And don't shy away from the shift when planning for after-dark activities; instead, take the trend out on the town with Mint's satin-finished silver party frock , featuring an of-the-moment embellished neckline, side pockets and a flirtatiously short hemline ($383, Pink). Just be prepared to turn a few heads when you do.

Tailor Made

Tailored lines are the style du jour this season with new fashions boasting menswear-inspired details, higher waists and wider legs – all while maintaining a decidedly feminine aesthetic. Look for spectator accents on oxford shoes, wide-legged pants in herringbones and pinstripes and tailored blouses dolled up with ruffles and bow ties. Free People's tweed flare pant provides a good foundation for embracing the trend ($128, Need Supply Co.); simply add a feminine shirt, like Gap's short-sleeve ruffled oxford blouse ($39.50), and Alice Temperley's cropped black vest ($29.99; Target) to complete the look.

Keep the trend comfy with Banana Republic's houndstooth wrap-front dress , whose clean lines are made softer with jersey knit material ($138), or Priorities' yellow cropped tweed swing jacket , whose own houndstooth print is rendered a bit less serious with a jolt of playful color. ($158, South Moon Under). Of course, tailored styles need not be relegated to the workplace; Black Halo's high-waisted black pencil skirt ($205; Pink) embodies feminine glamour when worn with a loose-fitting top, like By Deep's open-back silver blouson top – tucked in, of course, to highlight that oh-so-feminine waistline ($42; Need Supply Co.). Add a pair of sky-high black patent pumps or booties for undeniable ooh-la-la allure.

Shades of Gray

Gray might seem a somber color to highlight this fall, but the charcoal tones that are packing the racks are anything but dull and dreary. Plus, with many menswear-inspired trends boasting the season's hottest color, you often get two trends for the price of one. Corey Lynn Calter's tweed short-sleeve dress , for example, conveys easy elegance with its textured fabric and tie belt ($258, Heidi Story ), while Moth's swingy short-sleeve turtleneck would serve as a stylishly casual complement to slim-fitting black pants ($88, Anthropologie). Punch up either one with colorful accents in this season's popular jewel tones, whether it's brilliant red cable-knit tights ($18; Urban Outfitters) or a rain-slicker yellow leather clutch ($132, South Moon Under). Still a little weary of going gray? Take baby steps with smoke-hued accessories, like Pono's acrylic gray chain necklace ($109; Pink), Corso Como's gray suede booties ($179; Que Bella) or Joia's herringbone hat ($24; Need Supply Co.).

And don't forget gray's more extravagant cousin silver, who, along with other metallics, is making a fashion power play this season. Add a splash of shine to your wardrobe with a stack of silver leather cuff bracelets ($28 each; Nordstrom) or Frye's crackled leather T-strap pumps , which will easily translate from day to night ($158; Urban Outfitters). Or go for the gold … err, silver … with Mint's sequined cami , which will keep you sparkling long after the disco ball has lost its luster ($360, Pink).

Bootie-licious

For the fashion moderate, there're always one or two trends every season that prompt the internal "Can I really?" debate. Last season, it was skinny jeans. This season, it's booties. The key to embracing these on-the-fence trends is a clear-cut set of guidelines. So, here it goes:

1. Unless you're sporting goddess gams (in which case you can do as you please), opt for boots that stop just above or just below the ankle to avoid visually stumpifying your legs.

2. Stick with above-the-knee skirts and dresses or, if you're a little more daring, skinny pants that can be tucked into boots.

3. Don tights unless (until) you're fearless enough to go without!

That's it. Not so bad, huh? Now that you're on board, fashionistas will fall hard for Cynthia Vincent's croc-embossed leather booties with oversized buttons and a four-inch cone-shaped heel ($409; Que Bella). Sleek and sexy, the booties will invite admiring glances no matter what they're paired with. Nine West provides a more economical basic black bootie that'll effortlessly whisk you from your 8 a.m. staff meeting to 2 a.m. last call with nary a second thought ($99; Saxon Shoes). Michael Kors puts a metallic spin on the trend with his s-s-sleek snake-embossed silver ankle boots ($197.95; Nordstrom).

Not willing to make the investment in a style you're not quite sure of? Fair enough. Lela Rose offers a stylish, but inexpensive suede ankle boot , featuring faux leather accents and gunmetal button embellishments, for those wishing to dip a toe in the trend ($40; Payless).

Patent Pending

When it comes to putting finishing touches on an outfit, patent leather is your best bet for fall. The glossy accessories can provide a touch of refined elegance or a hint of rock 'n' roll glamour to your wardrobe, all depending on how you use them. Tracy Reese's black patent and navy leather fold-over clutch handbag is the perfect accompaniment for a ladies luncheon ($350; Pink), while Kiki Pearl's navy croc and patent leather clutch is a bit edgier – perfect for the uptown girl who stays ahead of the pack ($319; Que Bella). The incredible versatility of Diego di Lucca's black patent leather peep-toe Mary Jane pumps should earn them a place in your closet; they'll easily complement a shift dress, pencil skirt or wide-legged pants ($149; Que Bella).

Of course, you can also add patent shimmer in more wallet-friendly ways. Target offers a wide selection of patent leather belts in an array of widths and colors; use them to belt a slim-fitting cardigan, jacket or your favorite trouser jeans ($8.99 to $14.99). Urban Outfitters offers a spectator ballet flat with patent leather piping that satisfies two of fall's biggest trends: patent and menswear. Plus, at $38 a pop, they'll hardly make a dent in your seasonal fashion budget. Whether you decide to enhance your fall wardrobe with budget-busting showstoppers or more economical accents, you should also take the time to revisit your own closet to see what you might rediscover there – a tweed jacket that's been hiding out since college, or a patent handbag that was handed down from Mom. After all, springtime may be the traditional season for rejuvenation, but there's no reason you can't find new life in some of your old fashions. All photos by Audra E. Wrisley A special thanks to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for hosting our fashion shoot, BodyZenSoul for glamifying our lovely models, Shawden Sheabar for styling the shoot, and Alicia Austin and JoJo Sanderford-Schultz for spending the day in front of our cameras.