It’s that time again, my stylish darlings. The leaves are turning, the temperature is dropping here in the East and fall fashion is on the menu. I went back and looked at my Fab Five from last Fall:

1. Leopard-print anything

2. Ankle booties

3. Colorful, textured scarves

4. Skinny jeans

5. Long, layered necklaces

What’s interesting is that everything from last Fall is in this Fall – some stuff has evolved a bit into new fashion trends. Here’s a few simple ways to update what you bought last Fall with my Fab Five.

1. Lace

MM Couture by Miss Me Lace Top in Black $70.00

I’m not talking about your grandmother’s lace doilies. I’m talking feminine but sexy lace. I’ve seen it in everything from trim on a skirt to a layered blouse to hosiery. When buying lace, fit is really important because there’s typically no give, unless it’s a blend with spandex or another stretchy material. Lace skirts are beautiful for the holidays and parties when paired with a simple white blouse or sexied up with a tank or camisole. Lace blouses are all the rage. I eyed this gorgeous black lace top on Revolve Clothing. Very rocker chick. Wolford’s has done it again with a lacey racey addition to their Fall line. Must have. Lace takes what’s usually reserved for under your clothes or behind closed doors and brings it to the center of your wardrobe. Take caution as lace on lace is too much and the lace piece of your outfit should be the standout – everything else should be minimal and streamlined. I love this trend and encourage you to add a little lace to spice up your Fall wardrobe.

2. Over-the-knee boots

Over-the-knee boots came on the scene last Fall but didn’t make my list. Why? Well, unfortunately, they missed the list. It was really more about the ankle bootie until Nov/Dec and the over-the-knees started appearing on models in fashion mags. I bought a pair last year and will tell you that I got quite the looks when I wore them. Here’s the deal with this trend. You’ve gotta get it right.

Cole Haan Air Zelo Boot $328 @ Zappos

The good news is now more people are wearing them so you probably will not get the scorn I received last Fall. The thing you’ve gotta get right is the height which requires trying on alot of this style boot to figure out what’s going to fit the best. What you want to achieve is the boot hitting right above your kneecap – we’re not talking hooker boots here people – and you want them to be fitted not slouchy or you’ll be tugging at them all day. The shaft of the boot is always tricky and my clients often complain that boots aren’t made for girls with larger calves. It’s true that most boot shafts are slimmer in style but I have found that certain brands like Aerosole make a wide-width calf. They have a handy double zip on some of their boots that can be extended for a larger calf or zipped up for a slimmer calf. The other decision with over-the-knee boots is heel height. I am a fan of the flat heel – very versatile with jeans and great for lots of walking. The flat heel can also dress up a dress or skirt. If you decide high heel is the way to go, keep in mind my caution about shaft height and don’t go too far over your knee, unless there’s a pole near-by:) I love these Cole Haan boots. Definitely an investment but the leather is goreous and they are versatile in that you can wear them over-the-knee or cuffed and under-the-knee. Two boots for one price. Always thinking, my stylistas. And investing in a top quality leather boot is an investment that pays off for years.

3. Jeggings

In August, I wrote WTF Are Jeggings and Why Do I Care? Well, jeggings are huge for Fall. I recently helped convince a friend to try them out. She thought she could never wear them and that they would never look good. She bought a pair from Lucky.com and tried them on for me. They were super flattering and she loved the stretch and comfort. One word of advice is to order one size down. I know, they will look like they are made for little kids but I promise they stretch and no one wants a baggy jean (saggy = bad). Jeggings I love are from Citizens, Hudson and J Brand. They are also great with this seasons tall boots as you get no jean hang-over (like a muffin-top around your knee-cap = bad).

4. Hats

If you know me, you know I love hats. I always have and look forward to the rain and winter so I can break them out. Hats are huge this Fall.

Betmar Fedora $54

Everythingfrom the Justin Timberlake style Fedora to the page-boy cap or raspberry beret (sorry I had to). I know most of you are thinking – I look terrible in a hat. Really? When’s the last time you tried one on? I bought a really hip tweed hat at a local boutique here in the North End called Bobbles & Lace (they have other locations on the North Shore). $25 and every time I wear it I get compliments and feel like I walked into a 1950′s movie. Betmar is one of my fave hat brands. Very stylish and not too pricy. Love this red beauty for just $54. Try out a fun hat and see how it makes you feel.

5. Faux leather & fur

No Fall wardrobe is complete without a little faux. I’m excited that faux is big this season for a few reasons. First off, designers have been trying to perfect the faux look for a few seasons now and are finally getting it right.

Vena Cava for Aqua Faux Fur Vest @ Bloomies $188

I bought a faux leather jackets a few years ago and it looked more like pleather than leather. Designers are working to get better materials that more closely resemble leather or fur and are paying better attention to the details to make the coats and vests look more realistic. Second, faux is the way to go especially when it comes to a trendy accessory like a fur vest or a leather blazer. Might not live to see another season so why spend $300+ for it to hit the consignment shop next season? And last, but certainly not least, it’s friendly. Lots of people don’t like to buy leather coats or real fur so the faux route gives you the stylish look without the sad face. Ideeli recently had some hip faux leather bomber jackets for under $50. What a steal! A good friend recently bought a faux fur vest and was disappointed last week when it was too warm to sport for a local fashion event (bummer, Chris!). I spotted this faux fur beauty at Bloomies. A little pricy for a trendy piece but it looks very real.

So, my stylish friends, I ask you…what’s on your Fab Five for Fall? Would love to hear what you think about my picks and what you think you’ll add to your wardrobe this Fall. Go forth and be stylish.