Also see: 10 Smart Summer Layers: From Steamy Streets to Chilly AC
A Cashmere Sweater
If there’s one thing that most editors agree upon, it’s this: a good knit is always worth the splurge. The ultimate in sweater luxe, a good cashmere is soft, chic and most importantly, lasts. If you’re a cashmere newbie, start by investing in basic neutral cashmeres that you can wear all year long.
Cashmere Sweater, $99, Club Monaco
An Embellished Belt
A fun belt instantly livens up any outfit and can be worn in myriad ways; whether to liven up your basic jeans, to cinch a shapeless dress or even to update a lacklustre winter coat. This studded belt can be worn year round anytime you’re looking for a little edge.
Studded Belt, $10, Mango
Also see: Splurge Vs. Save: This Season's Best Sunglasses
White Jeans
If you don’t already own a pair (or two), great white jeans should be on permanent rotation in your closet. Wear them now with a pastel blouse or simple tee and in the winter months with great boots and a chunky knit.
Skinny Kick Jeans, $41, American Eagle Outfitters
A Deco Extra
The 1920’s were a huge influence on the Spring ‘12 runways, with everyone from Gucci to Marc Jacobs to Ralph Lauren fully embracing the deco vibe. Though most era-specific trends tend to die out after a single season, the upcoming December 25th release of Baz Luhrmann’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ means the ‘20’s are definitely here to stay (well, at least until the winter’s over...)
Deco Stretch Bracelet, $15, ALDO Accessories
Also see: Packing List! The Stylish Travel Essentials You Need Right Now
A Statement Knit
Tangerine Tango may have been this season’s hottest hue, but fall runways were ripe with bold oranges, too. This long cardigan is light enough to work for the summer months, but also makes the perfect layering piece for later.
Knit Cardigan, $30, Mango
A Denim Jacket
When a trench feels too formal and a bomber too bad-ass, every girl needs a reliable denim jacket to ward off the chill. This pale denim jacket from Old Navy is cute, cropped and at $24, absolutely irrisistible.
Pale Denim Jacket, $24, Old Navy
Also see: Cottage Survival Kit
A Menswear Shirt
They call this shirt ‘perfect’ for a reason; it’s borrowed-from-the-boys yet is tailored for a girl’s curves, and contains just the right amount of stretch to flatter your figure. This shirt comes in several colours to revive a tired work wardrobe.
Three-Quarter Sleeve Stretch Perfect Shirt, $42, J.Crew
A Leopard Print
When it comes to prints, leopard print is always in style. As with most animal prints, a little goes a long way, so look for on-sale summer scarves, booties and bags that will play beautifully into your fall wardrobe.
Leopard Print Satchel, $84, ASOS
Also see: How to Wear This Season's Trickiest Trends
A Classic Trench
You can never go wrong with a classic trench. The only rule: if you’re bustier, stick with single-breasted styles, and if you’re looking to enhance your top half, go with double-breasted. Easy!
Classic Trench, $150, Banana Republic
Coated Leggings
These are the ultimate legging jean, favoured by supermodels, rockstars and celebrities for their figure-hugging genius. Though the sale price is still a splurge, the jeans have been slashed drastically from their original price so if you can swing it, now is the time to buy.
J.Brand Low Rise Coated Legging Jeans in Black, $261, ASOS
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