Recently in Fashion Category

Q. My budget is extremely limited, so I can only afford to add a few fall pieces to my closet. Can you recommend any items that will instantly update last year’s clothes?

A. The quickest way to update last year’s look is to add accessories that pack a punch. Take a cue from the lovely Emma Stone and add a bold, colorful pump to your fall look — it’s guaranteed to make last year’s jeans, dresses and trousers look fresh again. A small bag with a long chain handle strap and a tie-neck blouse are also two easy updates worth investing in. Another fun update is to layer a detachable collar under sweaters and shift dresses to give them a brand new look.

Here are some options to get you started:

1. Bright suede shoe

2. Tie-neck blouse

3. Small cross-body bag

Oasis Cross Body Bag $37 - Asos

MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Small Quilted Cross-Body $148 - Endless.com

Tie-neck shirt $59 - Gap

Casual Freedom Tie Neck Sheer Print Blouse $79 - Nordstrom

Vince Camuto ‘Jasper’ Mary Jane Pump $118 - Nordstrom

GLAM Purple Suede Court Shoes $92 - Topshop

Sam Edelman “Portney” Pumps $120 - Dillard’s

Q. I remember when I was in elementary school, everyone wore a sweater poncho and boots with jeans. This is great for camouflaging my Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas cookies. Can I wear my favorite fall trend again?

A. Judging by the multitude of sweater ponchos available now, it’s safe to say your childhood favorite is officially in style for fall. Here are some chic options at every price point:

Q. I love your editorial pieces on the classics (especially when you give several options in each category to really help build the staples of a wardrobe). I noticed that you did a piece in 2009 and again in 2010 but not yet in 2011. I love your picks from the archives but all the items are sold out, understandably. With our economy, I think a lot of readers (not just me) would really appreciate another round of the timeless classics since they anchor a wardrobe and never go out of style - essential investment pieces.

A. I’m thrilled to hear that you found our classics series to be so helpful! To underscore the timelessness of a classic wardrobe, our top 10 list hasn’t changed from the list we featured 1 1/2 years ago (read here: The Classics: 10 Pieces for a Timeless Wardrobe). True that it’s time for an updated shopping selection, here are some pieces to add now to your wardrobe, and wear forever:

1. Pencil Skirt

2. Blazer

3. Trench Coat

4. Cardigan

5. Feminine Blouse

6. Little Black Dress

7. Dark Jeans

8. Statement Necklace

9. Classic Pumps

10. 24 Hour Handbag

Q. I just purchased the Stash Away Cardi in gray from Anthropologie. Because it is a neutral, and I plan to wear it casually with jeans, I thought I would have lots of things to wear under it, but I don’t. Everything I have looks boring and bland. Can you give me some ideas for something that may have some color or print to it to make the outfit more visually interesting?

A. A pretty printed sleeveless top is the perfect piece to layer under a neutral cardigan to make it “pop”. Here are some options for you:

Quantum Blouse $88 - Anthropologie

Bright Beaded Shell Blouse $140 - Topshop

Velvet by Graham & Spencer Ivo Ruffle Sleeveless Top in Fiji Print $140 - Bloomingdale’s

Classiques Entier® Print Tie Neck Blouse $158 - Nordstrom

Gianetta Drape Front Sheer Print Blouse (Petite) GIANETTA $68 - Nordstrom

Wyatt blue abstract printed cinched waist blouse $68 - Bluefly

Q. I work in a corporate office and pretty much live in suits and pencil skirts all year round. I’m so bored of my clothes, do you have any ideas for “styling up” my daily outfit?

A. Although suits and pencil skirts tend to be rather classic and simple, you can still add a shot of chic to your corporate look with accessories: an interesting necklace, a snakeskin belt, the shoe of the moment… However, one of our favorite ways to add style to your office staples is to invest in some pretty printed blouses. Whether worn with a skirt or layered under a blazer, a printed blouse adds color and personality to your 9-to-5 look. Here are some of our favorite options to wear now and in the fall.

Cream Fish Print Ruffle Front Blouse $84 - Topshop

Bright Beaded Shell Blouse $140 - Topshop

Sarah bird print tank $79 - Banana Republic

Trinity Sleeveless Secretary Blouse $69 - Piperlime

Collective Concepts Sleeveless Secretary Blouse $78 - Piperlime

Rachel Zoe Natalie Tie Collar Blouse $295 - Piperlime