Fall Fashion for Work and Play
Photo: Gregor Halenda
For Work: The Budget-Conscious Coat
This fall, fashion takes women's real needs seriously: Think stylish heels in manageable heights, rich-looking handbags that are light on your shoulders, and jeans that (finally!) keep your lower back hidden. From work to weekend to the latest in comfort, we've got you covered. First up, a lot of style for not a lot of money: This versatile, pleated black coat with ruched ribbon detail takes you easily from office to evening.
Simply Vera Vera Wang, $98; Kohls.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Simply Vera Vera Wang, $98; Kohls.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
The Ready-for-Anything Suit
Bitten Sarah Jessica Parker delivers more good, smart fashion for unbelievably low prices this season in the form of a subtly metallic gray two-button jacket and matching trousers that are right for the office and all that comes afterward.
"Lurex Mercer" jacket, $15; trousers, $15; BittenSJP.com for stores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
"Lurex Mercer" jacket, $15; trousers, $15; BittenSJP.com for stores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
The Bargain Bag
It's tough to find a midpriced handbag that looks and feels fabulous. That's why this duffel style (with a shoulder strap) stands out: The richly colored woven faux leather resembles a more extravagant bag, without the credit card damage.
Melie Bianco, $99; FashionFlairs.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Melie Bianco, $99; FashionFlairs.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
Welcome Back
Vittadini is back. And although the '80s shoulder pads are gone, the label's signature American ease is wholly intact and just right for women looking for moderately priced, easy-to-wear fashion.
Jacket, $598; turtleneck, $258; pants, $248; sweaterdress, $348; select Lord & Taylor stores; 800-223-7440 for stores
Stylist: Eddy Alcantara for Mark Edward Inc.
Jacket, $598; turtleneck, $258; pants, $248; sweaterdress, $348; select Lord & Taylor stores; 800-223-7440 for stores
Stylist: Eddy Alcantara for Mark Edward Inc.
Photo: Gregor Halenda
The New Chic of the Low-Heeled Shoe
Despite the ubiquity of vampy red carpet stilettos, ladylike, office-appropriate, genuinely walkable, low and mid heels are just as covetable this season. "Every woman should own a pair of stylish shoes she can wear all day," says designer Anya Hindmarch.
$595; AnyaHindmarch.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
$595; AnyaHindmarch.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
For Weekend: Fashionable Flats
Tory Burch's stretchy "Reva" ballet slipper was a runaway hit. The new "Patsy"—available for fall in red, black, and navy—differs with its updated medallion and slight heel.
$295; ToryBurch.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
$295; ToryBurch.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
A Rainbow of Cords
Bright corduroys are a colorful trade-off for jeans. Even more classic labels are veering into untraditional shades; look for styles in rich seasonal colors like yellow, green, red, and purple.
From left: J.Crew, $80; Ann Taylor Loft, $50; Club Monaco, $129; Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $90
Stylist: Kristy Vant for Mark Edward Inc.
From left: J.Crew, $80; Ann Taylor Loft, $50; Club Monaco, $129; Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $90
Stylist: Kristy Vant for Mark Edward Inc.
Photo: Gregor Halenda
Wallet-Friendly Workout Wear
High-tech workout gear doesn't have to cost as much as your gym membership. JCPenney recently rolled out Xersion, sophisticated-looking, sporty separates with the same must-haves—wicking fabric, bra support, reflective details—as pricier lines.
Color-block jacket, $40, and tank, $28; 877-346-3527 for stores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Color-block jacket, $40, and tank, $28; 877-346-3527 for stores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
The Latest from Product (RED)
The charitable Product (RED) line keeps expanding: One hundred artists, like (from left) Laura Trowbridge and Grandpeople, doodled on iconic Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars in honor of the brand's 100th anniversary.
$54; Converse.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
$54; Converse.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
Animal-Friendly Totes
Cruella de Vil is not happy. No animals—or silkworms—were harmed in the making of these totally vegan canvas and PVC bags by San Francisco–based Noah, designer of the latest in ethical fashion. ("Love Birds" shoulder bag, left, $185; "Fall Flowers" clutch, right, $175; NoahHandbags.com)
Stylist: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Stylist: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
From the September 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine