What I'm Buying For Fall

--Lois Joy Johnson

Recently, “New York Times” fashion critic Cathy Horyn wrote a piece called "The Five Things You Need for Fall." The must-haves: a clingy white turtleneck, wide-leg cords, gold strapped stiletto pumps, an orange Mod-style coat and a 1940s-ish gray wool dress. The dress, by the way, costs, $1,900. My list doesn't match hers...big surprise. Considering the scary economy, who is running out to buy designer clothes? Let's rethink this. Here are my picks:

A Pencil Skirt In Black Ponte

Just say no to 70s-inspired midi-skirts. We know these mid-calf skirts make us look frumpy. Instead, buy yourself a chic, knee-length pencil skirt in the best new fabric in years. Ponte is a thick, shape-holding knit that won't sag. Best skirt buy: Ann Taylor ponte pencil skirt with leather trim ($88, anntaylor.com) It's an ideal knee length, and the leather trimmed vertical welt pockets and back zipper have a subtle minimalist edge.

Slim Pants In Black Ponte Don't even think about 70s-inspired flares. Bells work only if worn with extreme heels, super-high platforms or towering wedges to balance the width. We're not getting sucked into that again. Instead, go for black ponte slim trousers ($98, anntaylor.com).The fit makes everyone look slimmer even without Spanx,and they work with all your usual shoes.

A Body-Skimming Dress--With Sleeves, Please Despite the big deal being made over wide-leg pants by fashionistas, dresses continue to be the real trend. We love their ease and versatility. Unfortunately, 99% are sleeveless (so we need a cardigan) and the ones that do have sleeves are way too short or expensive. There are some great ones (some in that fabulous ponte!) with all the right stuff. One of the best is White House Black Market's colorblock ponte dress ($158, whitehouseblackmarket.com). It’s got elbow length sleeves and a flattering high scoop neck.

The Slouchy Scoop Tee Sorry, designers, but turtles don't do us any favors (they shorten our necks and make us look like we're hiding something) and silk blouses are chic but a pain to wear and care for. Subtle scoops cut just a bit deeper than boat-necks elongate the neck and divert attention away from a saggy jaw line to your crispy collarbone. Look for this neckline on hip-length tees with relaxed-fit, long raglan sleeves in opaque fabrics that won't require another layer for camouflage. One to choose: J. Crew Dolci raglan sleeve tee ($98, jcrew.com) It ooks polished with pants, chic with jeans, and there's no annoying ruching or draping to fiddle with under a jacket.

A Duffle Coat For chilly days, I'm going with the power boost of a born-again classic: the toggle or duffle coat. Re-invented this season by Burberry, Miu Miu and Moschino, among others, this preppy basic looks great over anything and will never look dated. When one considers the Miu Miu version at $ 2,235, the Moschino at $2,885 or the Burberry at $895, the best bet is this one. It doesn’t give up an ounce of quality or style: Lands' End Luxe Duffle Coat ($299.50. landsend.com) in vicuna or navy.



Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty editor and blogger and author of The Makeup Wakeup.