LE CATCH

$395, shopbop

One shoulder-baring cutout creates serious sweater drama.

1. Tibi cut-out sweater, $395, shopbop.com
2. Marc Jacobs earrings, $60, shopbop.com
3. Giorgio Armani Lip Stain in Attitude, $38, nordstrom.com
4. Gucci pouch, $790, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. Sam Edelman pumps, $119, nordstrom.com
6. Marques' Alameida organza skirt, $630, netaporter.com

The September swirl has my social calendar kicking into high gear, with an upcoming slew of swanky events. Some of them will require my out and out finest. Naturally, I thought I'd look into a few new dresses that will take me straight through the hectic holiday party circuit. As of this minute, I'm totally smitten with these by Haney (above), Diane Von Furstenberg, Keepsake, Self Portrait, Zimmermann, Marissa Webb, Zara, and The Reformation.

$139, pixie market

Sweater weather just became a lot more appealing thanks to this tie-sleeve knit tunic.

1. Pixie Market tunic sweater, $139, pixiemarket.com
2. Alexis Bittar crystal encrusted earrings, $95, shopbop.com
3. Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Protector, $25, nordstrom.com
4. Etsy vintage basket bag, $55, etsy.com
5. Gucci mules, $995, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. Vince suede pants, $995, netaporter.com 

I love the above Banana Republic dress, which Olivia Palermo has cleverly turned into a flowy top! Normally, since this piece just walked down the Spring 2017 runway, I would be waiting until next spring to buy it. But, good news(!), BR is currently selling some of its just-off-the-catwalk pieces that can be worn now and as well as next year. You can see the rest of the currently-for-sale Spring 2017 collection here!

While New York's Spring 2017 catwalks are calling for neons, florals and stripes, the sidewalks are currently serving up loads of gingham. This classic, menswear-inspired print looks thoroughly feminine and modern right now, rendered in ruffle-trimmed skirts, off-the-shoulder blouses, and cropped trousers. Check out these wear-this-minute lovelies from J.W. Anderson (pictured above and second to last pic), Zara, Marquez Almeida, Caroline Constas, Storets (similar to third snap), Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Front Row Shop, and J.Crew.

$56, front row shop

Pinstripes get some added pep from an asymmetrical hemline and a corset belt.

1. Front Row Shop pinstripe shirtdress, $56, frontrowshop.com
2. Cornelia Webb earrings, $170, netaporter.com
3. Alexander McQueen belt, $945, netaporter.com
4. Salar mini bag, $350, shopbop.com
5. Zara boots, $119, zara.com

For those who missed the memo: a pair of vintage-looking cat-eye sunglasses and Rebecca de Ravenal earrings are mandatory at New York Fashion Week. Let's talk about the sunnies first: they're retro-glamorous, statement-making and, yes, paparazzi-ready. You can find them here (pictured above, right), here (pictured immediately below), here and here. Equally fun and bold: Rebecca de Ravenal's embroidered drop earrings, which may be inspired by far east bazaars but are able to straddle 14th Street (i.e., they work both uptown and downtown!). I like these silk cord ones in blue (pictured below) and red.

I'm stepping ahead with next spring's go-to shoe: the low-heeled, closed-toe mule. Popping up at designer shows like Brock (last pic), Tibi, Rag & Bone, and 3.1 Phillip Lim, these easy, breezy, walking-friendly shoes are already hitting the New York City pavement! The pair, above, is from Mari Guidicelli (also here), while the ones, below, are Manolo Blahnik. Other chic options currently available include these by Mansur Gavriel, Stella McCartney and Prada.

Introducing New York Fashion Week's official uniform: cut-off denim shorts with a decidedly dressed-up blouse and kitten heels. It's a look I want put into rotation, because there's nothing more effortless than a pair of jean shorts (and, of course, I already own several pairs!), and as these pics show, they have trans-seasonal versatility. Elevating them with a little elegant extras yields a slightly edgy yet not-trying-too-hard look. Excellent tops that will execute successfully: this Petersyn, this Tibi, this Zara, this Georgia Alice, this Asos, this Miu Miu, and this Milly. (P.S. Also ubiquitous: Rosie Assoulin's outfit-making bubble-sleeve, tie-neck top--see pics below.)

$137, matches

Totally in tune with all the ruffles, shoulder-baring, romantic tops currently coming down the New York Spring 2017 runways--at a buy-right-now price!

1. Cecile Copenhagen halter top, $137, matchesfashion.com
2. Gucci cat eye sunglasses, $470, shopbop.com
3. Anne Sisteron rose gold watermelon tourmaline ring, $745, annesisteron.com
4. Deux Lux woven tote, $208, shopbop.com
5. Prada velvet sandals, $825, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. Stella McCartney jeans, $450, netaporter.com