Five Fall Fashion Must-Haves
Autumn is here and there’s a nip in the air. It’s time to put away your sundress and stash the flip-flops. Your closet is calling for an infusion of fab. Here are five must-have items to add to your fall wardrobe.
Chic sweatshirt

Floral gem and bead embellished sweatshirt (left) from loft.com, $59.50.
Long sweatshirt with zips at front and.3/4-length sleeves (right) from hm.com, $24.95. (Graphic: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)
Whether it’s covered in bling or has just a tease of sparkle, sweatshirts are perfect for work or play this fall. While the familiar slouchy silhouette remains the same, everything else is unrecognizable. From high-tech fabrics to celestial prints, the sporty top got a major upgrade from mandatory gym wear status. Both comfy and chic, luxe sweatshirts are now rubbing elbows with fancy day and night-time clothing. For a modern take, dress them up with tailored trousers (skirts work, too) and heels.
Skimmer jeans

1969 floral ankle-zip legging skimmer jean (left) from gap.com, $69.95
Legging jeans in cyclone wash (right) from madewell.com, $98.50 (Graphic: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)
This fall, short and sassy is the name of the game. Skimmer jeans hitting at the ankle are anything but nerdy. The these jeans can be worn with everything from sneakers for a day at the park, to ankle boots for a festival, to lace for a night out. There really are endless possibilities and they come in tons of colors including floral, polka dots, vibrant colors and regular blue.
Statement coat

Wool coat with vegan leather sleeves (left) by Calvin Klein at piperlime.com, $163
Floral leopard jacquard topper (right) at anntaylor.com, $198 (Graphic: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)
Who says staying warm means boring? Coats for women come in various cuts and designs. A good coat is a foundation piece for any functional wardrobe. While coats in classic cuts and colorways are staples, a statement coat can really take your outfits up a notch. From color-blocked, moto-inspired looks to floral jacquard, there’s a look for everyone.
“Smoking” Flats

Zigi Soho Simpson flat (left) at DSW.com, $49.95,
Flower smoking slipper by RED Valentino (right) at piperlime.com, $395 (Graphic: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)
The next best thing to leaving home in your slippers? A luxe smoking flat. Combine style and comfort with the ultimate cool accessory. Smoking slipper-inspired flats have been a trend for quite a while now, but unlike some other trends (sneaker wedges), women have yet to grow tired of them. They’re fancy, classic, comfortable, and menswear-inspired; four of our favorite fashion adjectives.
Trapeze-style bag

Newbury color-blocked tote (left) by Ralph Lauren, $278.00,
3.1 Phillip LIm for Target mini-stachel in yellow at select stores, $34.99 (Graphic: Mark Heckthorn/DC on Heels)
If you’re like most women, your bag is stuffed to the brim. The trapeze-style purse, with sides that swing in or out, it is an expandable, convertible, chic solution to your clutter. The trapeze has clean, sleek lines and extra-wide gusset sides. The flap front adds dimensionality, and multiple colors and materials are used to bring this bag to life.

Editor-in-Chief Mark Heckathorn is a journalist, movie buff and foodie. He oversees DC on Heels editorial operations as well as strategic planning and staff development. Reach him with story ideas or suggestions at dcoheditor (at) gmail (dot) com.