Puffer
"Puffer coats nowadays are more compact and slimming then they used to be," says New York stylist Meg Goldman. "If you're wearing one, you won't also need a big heavy sweater. Opt for skinny pants or a skinny boot. Break up the proportions."

Rennie Solis for AOL

"This is definitely a more sporty look," says Goldman. "You wouldn't want to wear it with a suit or a pencil skirt."

The bright orange hue of this jacket is good for being out and about on the weekends and the faux fur trim detail on this hood will come in handy when winter strikes.

Uniqlo Down Jacket, $79.50, available at Uniqlo (546 Broadway) or order by calling 18774UNIQLO or emailing customer.orders@uniqlo-usa.com. Gap 1969 Always Skinny Jeans, $69.50, available at Gap.com Air Caprice Shearling Boots by Cole Haan, $298, available in Cole Haan stores (800-201-8001) and at Colehaan.com. (as seen in previous photo)

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Definitely the warmest and most durable coat on the market, a fuller length puffer will offer the best coverage against the elements.
Look for versions that have a little nip at the waist or come with a belt so as not to lose your waistline or your figure.

Megan (left): Nine West down plaid coat, $200, available at Grant House-NYC, Jackson House-NYC, Marshalls, Century 21 and TJ Maxx Urban Outfitters red scarf, $24, available at Urbanoutfitters.com. Urban Outfitters turquoise gloves, $34, available at Urbanoutfitters.com. Forever 21 Suiting Slacks, $18, available at Forever21.com. Fabienne by FarylRobin Footwear Tulip-cuff bootie, $200, available at Endless.com.

Sumaya (right): Landsend "Dory" goose down coat, $170, available at Landsend.com. Urban Outfitters chartreuse scarf, $18, at Urban Outfitters stores. H&M Black biker jeans, $35, available at H&M stores. Boots by Spring Shoes, $89, available at MySpringShoes.com.

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Military
This season, the classic coat comes many colors. The most important thing to remember: Avoid too much ornamentation.
"Though they're cute, epaulets are too 'Sgt. Pepper,'" says Goldman. "The more stuff you have on it, the greater the chance that you probably won't want to wear it again, which would be unfortunate with all the money that you spend on a coat."

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Tommy Hilfiger pea jacket, $220, at all Boscovs stores and Macys locations. Topshop Indigo Baxter Skinny Jeans, $80, available at Topshop.com.

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UNIQLO Cashmere Blended Cap, $15.50, available at Uniqlo (546 Broadway) or order by calling 18774UNIQLO or emailing customer.orders@uniqlo-usa.com. Kenneth Cole Reaction Wing Collar Trench, $148, available at Nordstroms.com. H&M black pencil skirt, $34.95, available at H&M stores. Air Milano Short Boots from the Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan Collection, $248, available in Cole Haan stores (800-201-8001) and at Colehaan.com.

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Gap Ultrafine Turtleneck Sweater, $34.50, available at Gap.com. Nine West Wool Double Breasted Military Coat, $260, available at NineWest.com. Urban Outfitters black leather gloves, $34, available at Urbanoutfitters.com. H&M Purple textured tights, $12.95, available at H&M stores. Air Sarafina Boots from the Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan Collection, $298, available in Cole Haan stores (800-201-8001) and at Colehaan.com.

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Buttons are an important component to the military look. Make sure they are good quality so they don't pop off after the first wearing. Also, the more antique-looking, the better!

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Plaid

The checked pattern has never gotten so much play. Tartan-loving fashionistas have plenty of options this season. Case-in-point: the a long coat, an au courant cape, or even a cooler-than-thou motorcycle jacket seen here.

Should you choose plaid as your exterior canvas, keep the rest of your outfit relatively clean so as to avoid looking like a mismatched Christmas present.
Which isn't to say that there isn't a place for mismatched patterns - lest we learn nothing from designer Dries van Noten!- but pick one item (ie Christine's leopard print scarf, right) and keep it in a relatively similar color scheme so the look is not too forced.

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Hat Attack hand knit ear muffs with fur trim, $42, available at Hatattack.com. Topshop Wool Check Poncho, $145, available at Topshop.com. Topshop Indigo Baxter Skinny Jeans, $80, available at Topshop.com. Nine West booties, $119, available at Ninewest.com. (as seen in group photo)

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TEEN TREND #1: THE BOYFRIEND JEAN
Slouchy, baggy, cuffed and rolled, with rough and ready rips and tears – this fall's jean looks more like a denim Snuggie than the figure-hating, leg-hugging looks of recent years.


Diesel

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

How to steal the deal: To make those boyfriend jeans chic enough for a seasoned trendwatcher, keep the loose, roomy shape. "But wear it less torn, the tear should be small if at all and you gotta mix it with a great shoe. " Even star moms are devotees of the boyfriend jean. (Case-in-point: Mrs. Tom Cruise, left) who is credited with bringing the look to the forefront of fashion.

James Devaney, WireImage

TEEN TREND #2: SHOULDER PADS
Call it the Bold Shoulder. "They're not exactly sculpted the way they were in the 80s, but you're seeing a lot more big shoulders," explains Bennett. "It's not the big, brazen shoulder or football player, but it's definitely got a little pad and bump at the edge," Bloch agrees.


Balmain

Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho, WireImage

How to steal the deal: The key here is how you wear it, not what you wear. "For women, as opposed to girls, mix padded shoulders with obviously modern accessories and hair – if you're old enough to have worn it in the 1980s, you don't want to look like you're stuck there," Bennett warns. Keep your coif effortless, and those shoulder pads will look less Joan and Alexis, more Carrie and co. "Very loose and casual, this has to be worn with very light, airy hair – tousled and beachy, like a one-sided pony tail," Bloch notes, "And to keep hair young, if it's gonna be 'done', it should be shiny and not teased."

Bauer-Griffin

TEEN TREND #3: NEON
The runways and catwalks looked like road safety PSAs for fall, covered in headlight and -line-grabbing neon colors: green, pink, yellow, orange. There were even slinky all-dayglo dresses.


Michael Kors

Kristian Dowling, Getty Images for IMG

How to steal the deal: Hit American Apparel next time your daughter does. The hipster GAP is crammed with funky neon pieces priced at less than a lesson of driver's ed. "Don't spend a lot of money – buy it as a t-shirt to throw under a blazer," Bloch advises. Ditto a scarf or a tank top for a splash of brights.

If all else fails, one of those aforementioned slinky dayglo dresses (like Lucy Liu's) just might do the trick.

Soul Brother, FilmMagic

TEEN TREND #4: LEATHER
Skin on skin's a major fall trend. "It's everywhere: dresses, skirts, motorcycle jackets," raves Bennett.



Matthew Williamson

Karl Prouse, Catwalking/Getty Images

How to steal the deal: "Think Moneypenny with sass, not motorcycle with gas," says Bennett. "Choose more classically cut pieces that have just been done in leather instead of fabric – a great simple sheath dress, a skirt that comes down to the knee made out of leather. The silhouette is a little more classic."

Kevin Mazur, WireImage for Frappe Inc.

TEEN TREND #5: THE STATEMENT BOOT
"The statement purse has been taken over by a statement shoe – women are obsessed with shoes because if your dress size goes from 6 to 16 any given season, you shoes stay the same size." This fall, it's boots that were made for vamping, from shoe-boots, platforms, biker boots.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Imaxtree.com

How to steal the deal: Focus on platforms and chunky heels. "Don't go for a four inch platform, but a nice half inch is comfortable for running around in and it's actually practical," says Bennett. "A lot of trends this season were born from practicality in this economy and environment."

Bloch thinks the statement boot trend is the one every woman, mother or daughter, should follow this fall. "With a thick heel and a platform, you could jump in that SUV and go hit the supermarket."

WENN.com

A KNOCK OUT NECKLACE
Sometimes it's not so much about the outfit but the way you highlight it. A killer neck piece is a good way to jazz up an ensemble that needs inspiration. It will always be a conversation starter as well!


Roxanne Assoulin mixed glass and acrylic crystal necklace for Lee Angel, $400, available at www.leeangel.com

Shop for more statement necklaces for under $100 at Shopstyle.com

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THE CLASSIC BOMBER JACKET
Cropped leather jackets are making a resurgence for fall. Update your look by going for a vintage-inspired bomber. (Bonus points for a detachable hood!)

Hayden Hartnett Dekker Leather Bomber, $488, available at www.haydenharnett.com

Shop for more bomber jackets for under $100 at Shopstyle.com

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THE PERFECT RED DRESS
The fall collections - typically dark and austere - were populated with punches of color. Prada, Lanvin, and Dries van Noten eschewed the omnipresent neon shades for passionate reds.

Moschino red, pleated, v-neck dress, $989, available at Moschino NYC, (212) 639-9600

Shop for more red dresses for under $150 at Shopstyle.com

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THE MEN'S TROUSER
You can't go wrong with a classic pair of black pants. This season, plenty of menswear-inspired trousers rollicked along the runways so don't be afraid go for styles with a baggier fit.


Reiss slim leg trousers in black, $140, available at Reiss, Bleeker Street, NYC, (212) 488-2411 & www.reiss.co.uk.

Shop for more black trousers under $100 at Shopstyle.com

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A SWEET SKIRT
In addition to a hearty trouser, the skirt is also a pivotal piece this season. With a cute cardigan and the right pair of boots, the look can take you from the office to out on the town. This draped silk pencil skirt is a fun variation on the original.

Adam black, silk skirt with elastic waistband, $295, available at ADAM 678 Hudson Street, (212) 229-2838.

Shop for more black skirts under $100 at Shopstyle.com

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TALL BLACK BOOTS
Highflautin fashionistas will gravitate towards the over-the-knee boot this season, but let's be realistic, that's not for everyone. In lieu of a thigh-skimmer, opt for a classic number that you'll be able to wear with almost any ensemble.

Nine West "Zelipe" boots, $179, available at www.ninewest.com.

Shop for more black boots under $100 at Shopstyle.com

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BEFORE: THE TEACHER

Name: Lin Dymond
Age: 59
Occupation: English teacher at Nyack Middle School
From: Palisades, N.Y.
What She's Wearing: Flowered sundress ("I just bought it"), Franco Sarto sandals
Style Ethos: "Very classic. I want that timeless look. I don't like to look like a kid. I work with kids, I don't want to look like them."
Her Trend: Prints

Sarah Kehoe for AOL

Picking the Right Pieces "In the summer, I like to wear sundresses," says Dymond. "In the fall it's more suits and black sweaters. I like to accessorize with beads, pearls, and jade jewelry from South East Asia."

Sarah Kehoe for AOL

Print-tastic! "We wanted to do hot colors not cold colors to compliment her skin tone," says Barnes. "Lin tried on five pieces and they were all dresses. She wanted something that was elegant but unconventional. We went with a dress made of satin so it was more appropriate for evening."

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THE VERDICT:

"This is very comfortable," says Dymond. "I would wear this out to dinner with my husband."

"Get the correct size if you want to wear it like Lin does or if you want to wear it with a belt, go for a size bigger," says Barnes. But be careful! Shirt dresses with a belt can sometimes look like a nurse's uniform."

Issa pink and gold long-sleeved dress, $570, available at Beyond 7, NYC, (646) 691-6857. Shoes by Bruno Frisoni

Shop for more print dresses for under $100

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BEFORE: WORKING WOMAN ON-THE-GO

Name: Rachel Mulcahy
Age: 35
Occupation: Lawyer/Chef/Owner Miss Reingold Catering
Originally From: Greenwich, Conn.
What's She's Wearing: Express top, Gap jeans, her mom's vintage jewelry, shoes by Boutique 58
Style Ethos: "It's pretty casual day-to-day, especially when I'm in a chef's coat! When I do get dressed up, I guess it could be considered 60s/70s mod with a modern twist."
Her Trend: Chic black with statement jewelry

Sarah Kehoe for AOL

The New New Black "There's always so much black out there for fall so use it as your canvas, and then accent it with statement jewelry," says Barnes. "We saw this trend on the high fashion runways of Yves Saint Laurent, and Donna Karan. The end result is very chic."

Sarah Kehoe for AOL

To Be or Not to Be? "I enjoy shopping. Some of my favorite designers are Diane von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore and Trina Turk," says Mulcahy. "As for this sequined Tibi blazer, I like it, but I'm not sure that I would wear it. It's not all that practical for me."

Sarah Kehoe for AOL

THE VERDICT:

"I loved the Reiss dress," says Mulcahy. "I would wear this out to dinner or a show. The necklace is bigger than I would normally pick but I love that too. Same with the cuff!"

Reiss dress, $177.50 on sale, available at Reiss, NYC, (212) 488-2411; Lulu Frost Black Geode Fringe Necklace, $355, available at Lulu Frost Studio (212) 965-0075; Moschino patent peep toe shoes, $765, available at Moschino, NYC, (212) 639-9600; Maia N. cuff, $250, available at maia-n.com; MJM 14karat gold bezel ring, $775, available at www.melissajoymanning.com; Nancy Gonzales crocodile clutch, $1150, at Neiman Marcus, (888) 888-4757 and Saks Fifth Avenue, (877) 551-7257

Shop for more black dresses and statement necklaces for under $100

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BEFORE: THE NIGHTLIFE GIRL

Name: Joanne Cruz
Occupation: Hostess at Hotel Griffou
Originally From: Los Angeles, Calif., and Houston, Tex.
What She's Wearing: All vintage, Coclico shoes
Style Ethos: Vintage shopper. "When I find good vintage, it's like finding a treasure. I'm happy for days."
Her Trend: Body-conscious dressing

Sarah Kehoe for AOL

Snug Fit "At first, Joanne tried on a raspberry Temperley dress that was sculpted," said Barnes. "She said she wouldn't normally wear Lycra because she has curves. I would recommend it! Women who are petite should wear dresses that show off their nice shape."

Sarah Kehoe for AOL

Los Angeles, October 21, 2009
Kim Kardashian is no wallflower, and she proves it with this ruby-hued one-shoulder cheetah print dress.

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

New York, October 20, 2009
Blake Lively attends an event at Cipriani in NYC wearing a black Victoria Beckham mini dress and Christian Louboutin heels.

AJBR/JPI Studios

Beverly Hills, October 19, 2009
Katie Holmes posed at ELLE's 16th Annual Women In Hollywood Event in a sheer black top and frilly skirt. Is this peek-a-boo bra look a red carpet do or don't?

Jon Kopaloff, FilmMagic.com

New York, October 13, 2009
Actress Blake Lively attends the "Where The Wild Things Are" premiere in a fluffy Marchesa dress and nude heels.

Jemal Countess, Getty Images

Los Angeles, CA, October 11, 2009
Pamela Anderson arrives at the 6th Annual Hollywood Style Awards in Los Angeles wearing a very unusual dress.

Steve Granitz, WireImage

New York, October 11, 2009
Penelope Cruz attends the premiere of ''Broken Embraces'' wearing a gray diagonal seamed skirt with an unfinished hem and asymmetrical hooded waistcoat by Haider Ackermann.

Brad Barket, Getty Images

New York, October 7, 2009
Actress Nicole Kidman visits the OMEGA flagship boutique in a black L'Wren Scott Fall 2009 dress with black patent peep-toe Pierre Hardy pumps.

Jason Kempin, Getty Images

New York, October 6, 2009
Kelly Clarkson takes a stroll through New York City in an oversize flannel, baggy pants, and hot pink shades. The girl can surely sing, but can she dress?

Giovanni Arnold, Splash News

Paris, France, October 3, 2009
Rihanna changed out of her revealing black outfit at Vivienne Westwood for...another revealing black outfit. At Jean Paul Gaultier, Rihanna wore skintight pants, black-and-blue boots, and a wool bondage-style jacket by the designer.

Eliot Press, Bauer-Griffin

Paris, October 5, 2009
Gwyneth Paltrow pays a visit to Stella McCartney's show. The star wore a white, strong-shoulder blazer over a basic white tee, and faded capri jeans.

Eric Ryan, Getty Images

Name: Eva (mother on left) and Aline Dilla (daughter on right)
Where are you from? Switzerland
Clothing: H&M scarf, Scooter sweater (Swiss brand), moms boots from Switzerland and daughter's from Paris
How long have you had the boots? "About 5 months."
Are you going to invest in a new pair this season? "Sí Sí!!"

Alys Kenny for StyleList

Name: Renata Sakamoto
Age: 23
Occupation: Model
Where are you from? Brazil
Clothing: Scarf is Religion from Indonesia, Zara jacket and boots
How long have you had the boots? "6 months."
When did you break them out? "I've been wearing them for the past 6 months, including through the summer."
Are you going to invest in a new pair this season? "No."

Alys Kenny for StyleList

Name: Malgo Makovska
Age: 22
Occupation: Student at Hofstra University
Where are you from? Lithuania
Clothing: Scarf is from Amsterdam, Dooney & Bourke purse, Armani Exchange jeans, Zara boots
How long have you had the boots? "Since last Spring."
When did you break them out? "Very recently, but I wear them in the summer too."
Are you going to invest in a new pair this season? "Yes!"

Alys Kenny for StyleList

Name: Jennifer MacFarlane
Age: 31
Occupation: Photographer and yoga instructor
Where are you from? New York
Clothing: J Crew boyfriend flak jacket, Cheap Monday jeans, coffee bag brought back from Guatemala, proper motorcycle boots bought on 8th street (the shoe district)
How long have you had the boots? "Since last year."
When did you break them out? "I wear them all year long. They are great in the summer."
Are you going to invest in a new pair this season? "No.They were $200 and will last for generations. I like to pay up for key pieces like boots only once and then wear them forever."

Alys Kenny for StyleList

Name: Nicolle Pasquale
Age: 28
Occupation: Production Assistant
Where are you from? New Jersey
Clothing: Poorboy hat, ripped jeans, slouchy boots from Steve Madden
How long have you had the boots? "1 year."
When did you break them out? "Today!"
Are you going to invest in a new pair this season? "Yes! These are filthy."

Alys Kenny for StyleList

Name: Janice Levy
Age: 54
Where are you from? New York
Clothing: Dolce & Gabbana shirt, Searle belt, 7 of Mankind Jean Leggings
How long have you had the boots? "Since last year."
When did you break them out? "One other time this season."
Are you going to invest in a new pair this season? "Absolutely!"

Alys Kenny for StyleList

Name: Lexi Dauber
Age: 25
Occupation: Talent Booking Producer for "The Today Show"
Where are you from? New York
Clothing: Gap scarf and jacket, Forever 21 t-shirt, J. Crew bag and jeans, Steve Madden boots
How long have you had the boots? "Since last season."
When did you break them out? "Today."
Are you going to invest in a new pair this season? "Yes! I really want a pair of black knee high boots"

Alys Kenny for StyleList

Name: Monica Senderas
Age: 22
Occupation: Student at NYU
Where are you from? Mexico
Clothing: Birshka sweater, H&M bag, Mango tights, Hunter boots
How long have you had the boots? "2 weeks."
When did you break them out? "Immediately after I bought them."

Alys Kenny for StyleList

Name: Montserrat Diaz Hernandez
Age: 40
Occupation: Works at the United Nations
Where are you from? Spain
Clothing: Jacket is from Spain, rest from the Uk including the boots
How long have you had the boots? "Several months."
Are you going to invest in a new pair this season? "Yes, lots of new pairs. I travel a lot and love to shop wherever I go."

Alys Kenny for StyleList

Name: Aram Moon
Age: 25
Occupation: Student at Pratt
Where are you from? South Korea
Clothing: Opening Ceremony jacket, Jimmy Choo shoes
Are you going to invest in a new pair this season? "Yes!"

Alys Kenny for StyleList

New York, October 13, 2009
Actress Blake Lively attends the "Where The Wild Things Are" premiere in a fluffy Marchesa dress and nude heels.

Jemal Countess, Getty Images

Paris, France, October 3, 2009
Rihanna changed out of her revealing black outfit at Vivienne Westwood for...another revealing black outfit. At Jean Paul Gaultier, Rihanna wore skintight pants, black-and-blue boots, and a wool bondage-style jacket by the designer.

Eliot Press, Bauer-Griffin

New York, October 6, 2009
Kelly Clarkson takes a stroll through New York City in an oversize flannel, baggy pants, and hot pink shades. The girl can surely sing, but can she dress?

Giovanni Arnold, Splash News

Paris, October 5, 2009
Gwyneth Paltrow pays a visit to Stella McCartney's show. The star wore a white, strong-shoulder blazer over a basic white tee, and faded capri jeans.

Eric Ryan, Getty Images

Paris, France, October 2, 2009
Rihanna turns heads as she arrives at Vivienne Westwood's Spring 2010 runway show wearing short shorts and over-the-knee suede boots.

Eliot Press, Bauer-Griffin

New York, September 25, 2009
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shakes things up at the U.N with a bright orange patterned coat.

Stan Honda, AFP/Getty Images

West Hollywood, CA, September 23, 2009
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz attends Carol Malony's "Paris in LA" event at Coco de Mer. Looks like Ash took the sexy theme seriously--her high-waisted shorts and bra top wouldn't pass as adequate clothing anywhere else.

Chris Weeks, WireImage

Singapore, September 26, 2009
Beyonce pays a visit to the Formula One racing festivities in Singapore. She wears gold glasses, short shorts, high heels, and a low-cut top adorned with pieces of racing flair.

Dita Alangkara, AP

Los Angeles, September 23, 2009
There's no doubt that Nicolette Sheridan is in inspirational shape, but why is she dressed like she just got off a horse when she has car keys in her hand?

Marcos Vasquez, BuzzFoto/FilmMagic.com

New York, September 22, 2009
Rihanna takes a walk in funky thigh-high boots (a trend we're seeing a lot of lately), a spider ring (is it Halloween already?) and newly streaked hair.

X17online.com