LE CATCH

$128, anthropologie.com

A little bag that's seriously high impact--just the way I like it. What's more, it will bestow some exotic-tribal-Missoni-ish fabulousness upon any tonal outfit. I'd wear it with...

1. DKNY stretch silk dress, $355, netaporter.com
2. Dorothy Perkin faux fur vest, $95, dorothyperkins.com
3. Anthropologie woven clutch, $128, anthropologie.com
4. J. Crew ankle boots, $278, jcrew.com

The newest statement sweaters are getting very literal, such as J. Crew's version for Spring 2013, above. And some of them are already broadcasting loud and clear on the streets (see pics below). You can make an articulate point with any of these stylish options from Miss Selfridge, Marcus Lupfer, and 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Photos: Tommy Ton

$240, theoutnet.com

Now that you know I have a soft spot for coats, you should not be surprised that I'm eyeing this trench, on sale at The Outnet. The faux leather sleeves are on the money, especially with the military green khaki. I'd wear it with...

1. Joseph cable and cashmere blend sweater, $575, netaporter.com
2. Assad Mounser gold-plated beaded collar, $388, charmandchain.com
3. Helene Berman trench coat, $240, theoutnet.com
4. Gucci bag, $1095, netaporter.com
5. 3.1 Phillip Lim cut-out booties, $550, shopbop.com
6. Topshop boucle tapered pants, $100, topshop.com

Wearing a suit these days is no longer synonymous with buttoned-up corporate dressing. Fashion editor Caroline Issa, photographed a few days ago during London Fashion Week, demonstrates that a sleek, streamlined suit can be the epitome of high-fashion chic. With her red ankle boots and sporty satchel, she looks modern, polished, feminine--and yet totally at ease. The beauty of wearing a suit is that it's simple dressing, with sophisticated head-to-toe results, and you can mix and match the suit separates, too. Here are some power suits worth working: Stella McCartney's tuxedo-inspired jacket and pants; Warehouse's crepe boyfriend blazer and piped-edge cropped trousers; Nonoo's jacket and cropped trousers; and Topshop's lace print suit.

Photo: New York Magazine

$90, topshop.com

I am obsessed with Proenza Schouler's chinoiserie-filled fall collection--the most iconic piece being this dress, which, of course, sold out the minute it went online. But these shimmery brocade pants from Topshop manage to encapsulate Proenza's elusive Far East-inspired coolness. I'd wear them with...

1. J. Crew color block sweater, $89, jcrew.com
2. Topshop shearling and leather coat, $790, topshop.com
3. Asos beaded bag, $77, asos.com
4. Alexander Wang sandals, $495, netaporter.com
5. Topshop brocade pants, $90, topshop.com

There are certain items that most fashion editors will agree on are essential to your wardrobe, and boots are one of them. The range of styles this fall are pretty staggering, including stalwarts from seasons past, such as equestrian, biker, knee-high, ankle- and low-cut booties (a.k.a., shooties), along with new, fresh silhouettes: peep-toes, cap-toes, lace-up, flat ankle boots, studded western boots, and over the knee glamazons. Despite their differences, all are everyday winter wearable--and getting increasingly more play year round. Since boots last for several seasons, you can invest in a primo pair--or not. I tend to do a bit of both and have a few at my disposal. Tall boots are great with lighter dresses and skirts when it's cold. Fit is important, so get a pair that's snug around your leg--there shouldn't be more than a half inch gap between your leg and your boot. With ankle boots, it's a different story: many of the them are designed to give you breathing room, so it's a matter of what feels and looks good. I like to wear ankle boots with just about everything, including pencil skirts, cropped jeans and skinnies (or leggings), and shorts (with tights in the winter). I did a comprehensive search for all my fall favorites and categorized them below.

Ankle boots (with a heel): Should you want to make a colorful statement, take inspiration from Gwyneth and the Parisian fashion show goer, above, with red pair, like these ones from Rag & Bone. I love these Madewell boots, because they're feminine, polished and everyday practical. Same goes for these by Tory Burch. You still can't go wrong with Isabel Marant's Dicker boots--classics in my book. (Urban Outfitters makes a $49 version.) If you need a dressy pair that's suitable for work and evening--more pump-like, if you will--try these from Rosegold, which feature a sleek snakeskin panel, or these edgy-cool pair from 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Knee-high boots: Givenchy's spats boot (pictured above) is the season's cult (and almost-sold-out-everywhere) boot. Zara makes a version. I'm partial to timeless styles, ones that will work year after year, like these from Jimmy Choo, or this pair from Steve Madden, with a wraparound ankle band, or these from Chloe. For a flat-heel, I'd go with these from Rachel Roy.

Flat ankle boots, fall's trendiest new style, exude a rocker/tomboy/mod vibe. I love them paired with flowy dresses and skirts, or with cropped form-fitting pants or jeans. The pair above are from Jett. I recently bought these by Sam Edelman and value how versatile and easy they are. This buckle-trimmed one from Dolce Vita is also incredibly wearable and so right this very minute.

Peep-toe: These boots are year-round suitable (in the winter you can pair them with socks or opaque tights), plus sexy and feminine. I'm coveting these from Nine West and Fendi, equally.

Lace-up: This pair from Burberry has a Victorian-cool spirit, similar to the pair French Vogue editor Emmanuelle Alt is wearing in the picture, above, while this very affordable style by Michael Antonio is simple, straightforward, yet still on trend.

Over the knee: Daring and bold, these boots look best with short shirts, or over tight, tight jeans. Try these by Jean-Michel Cazabat or Alexander Wang.

Shootie: These low-cut boots are almost shoe-like, hence the name. I love this style, because they go with everything and will work season after season. This investment pair by Miu Miu is a forever shoe. L.K. Bennett's cap toe version also offers major mileage. Ditto this casual burgundy hued tassel-trimmed Cole Haan.

Photo: 1. Phil Oh, 2. Phil Oh, 3. Tommy Ton, 4. Sincerely Jules, 5. Phil Oh, 6. Phil Oh, 7. Phil Oh, 8. Vanessa Jackman

$128, madewell.com

I love the idea of wearing a sweater as a jacket--and this is the time of year to do it (or at least we're getting close to it)! Madewell's nubby knit has all the trappings of outerwear--it's cozy, zips up and has front pockets--but it's light enough to be indoor friendly. Plus, the vibrant stripes give it all the coolness of a statement sweater. I'd wear it all the time with...

1. A.P.C. heart print cotton jersey blouse, $180, netaporter.com
2. Madewell cardigan, $128, madewell.com
3. Clare Vivier messenger bag, $363, shopbop.com
4. Rachel Comey ankle boots, $403, lagarconne.com
5. Current/Elliot metallic cropped jeans, $245, netaporter.com

For those of you interested in checking out what I wore last week during New York Fashion Week, check out my style diary on Elizabeth Street. The candid snap, above, was taken outside Lincoln Center, as I made my way into the Diane Von Furstenberg show.

Photo: Apieceoftoastblog.com

$129, macys.com

The faux fur sleeves on this motorcycle jacket make it a compelling (and cozy!) candidate for the cold season. I'd wear it with...

1. Thakoon Addition printed chiffon dress, $790, netaporter.com
2. Nicole Richie for Impulse jacket, $129, macys.com
3. Zara elastic belt, $19, zara.com
4. Topshop lipstick in dark plum, $15, topshop.com
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, $598, shopbop.com
6. Steve Madden ankle boots, $149, stevemadden.com

Celine designer Phoebe Philo recently declared to Elle Magazine, "The neck scarf is officially back." Of course, she's entirely responsible for the comeback, as she featured various bold versions in her Fall 2012 collection. So it's no surprise they're showing up on the most fashionable figures during London fashion week (see above). Here are some eye-catching options to try from Herself (striped just like Celine's version), J. Crew, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Sonia Rykiel, River Island, and Tory Burch.

Photo: Vogue