Lands' End sheath dress

Photo: Courtesy of Lands' End

Sheath Dress
A true knee-length dress (and by that we mean for real women, not pixies). The pleated neckline and Empire waist draw the eye up as the knit fabric drapes effortlessly over your curves without clinging to them. It comes in five autumn-ready colors (and is also available in plus and petite sizes).

Lands' End, $89; LandsEnd.com
Chance striped boatneck shirt

Photo: Courtesy of Chance

Striped Boatneck Top
On days with strong sun and a slight breeze, grab this supersoft, lightweight summer-to-fall top (and you won't need to schlep around a cardigan).

Chance, $68; ChanceCo.com
Aerosoles slip-on shoes

Photo: Courtesy of Aerosoles

Slip-Ons
While some shoes have you carrying around handfuls of Band-Aids, these suede menswear-inspired loafers are excellent for running errands.

Aerosoles, $69; Aerosoles.com
Loft cheetah scarf

Photo: Courtesy of Loft

Cheetah Scarf
If you're digging the animal-print trend but aren't ready to go full-on Catwoman, try an accessory like this cheetah scarf. The abstract print and muted color make it a great first step into the animal kingdom.

Loft, $30; Loft.com
Banana Republic A-line skirt

Photo: Courtesy of Banana Republic

A-Line Skirt
Navy's partner in crime is usually Mr. White, Mr. Tan or the always popular Mr. Gray, but this season pair it with chartreuse, pink and even black tops and accessories for a more modern take. Added bonus: The A-line shape is flattering on almost every body type.

Banana Republic, $80; BananaRepublic.com
Ann Taylor link necklace

Photo: Courtesy of Ann Taylor

Link Necklace
Is this the geometry of love? Circles meet squares in this vibrant, chunky 20-inch resin necklace.

Ann Taylor, $58; AnnTaylor.com
Sarah Chloe bangles

Photo: Courtesy of Sarah Chloe

Personalized Bangles
This bangle is meant for you—and you alone. Choose from three different finishes: rose gold, yellow gold or sterling silver. Then pick your monogram and select a size. (Small wrists? Not a problem: They've got an extra small.)

Sarah Chloe, $129; SarahChloe.com
J.Crew blue leather purse

Photo: Courtesy of J.Crew

Versatile Purse
This Casablanca blue will have you dreaming of the sea—but looking even better on land. A more structured leather bag with vintage hardware, it's a nice change from grab bag–size purses (which, don't get us wrong, are often the busy-woman's only life-toting option). Wear this ladylike style on your shoulder or detach the long strap and carry it by hand.

J.Crew, $238; JCrew.com
Hudson Jeans tuxedo crop skinny jeans

Photo: Courtesy of Hudson Jeans

Cropped Tuxedo Pants
Inspired by YSL's Le Smoking tuxedo, these cotton pants have a little bit of give in them but don't do that thing where they get stretched out in all the wrong places. And no worries about you and your friends getting split up at the bar: They won't be able to lose sight of you in these pants—the neon stripe glows in the dark.

Hudson Jeans, $198; HudsonJeans.com
Equipment silk blouse

Photo: Courtesy of Equipment

Silk Blouse
For a relaxed look that isn't your pajamas, throw on this 100 percent silk blouse—the royal blue placket and navy Nehru collar make it even office-appropriate, for those days when you wish you were back in bed.

Equipment, $208; Equipmentfr.com
Rebecca Taylor rumpled satin skirt

Photo: Courtesy of Rebecca Taylor

Rumpled Satin Skirt
If you want to wear the high-low skirt trend (shorter in the front, longer in the back—sort of the skirt equivalent of the mullet, only lovelier), try this Rebecca Taylor maxi. The draping creates a gradual shortening effect and provides plenty of coverage.

Rebecca Taylor, $225; RebeccaTaylor.com
Coach Legacy Medium Candace purse

Photo: Courtesy of Coach

Midsize Purse
This is the handbag for minimalists and recovering schleppers alike: At roughly 11 by 13 by 5 inches, it's big enough for an overstuffed wallet, work files, an iPad and a bottle of book club wine—but not so huge as to let any of that get lost inside.

Coach, Legacy Medium Candace, $398; Coach.com
Bing Bang mixed ring set

Photo: Courtesy of Bing Bang NYC

Mixed Ring Set
These rings feature a choice of yellow gold, rose gold and silver plate finishes and also include a mix of round and square bands. Best of all, their slim design allows you to stack them together or mix one or two with other rings in your jewelry box.

Bing Bang, $69 for set of three; BingBangNYC.com
Tory Burch Bernadine peacoat

Photo: Courtesy of Tory Burch

Jacket
There's a lot to love about an old standby like the peacoat—its warmth, being so utterly comfy—and even more to love about a slightly slimmer, gold-buttoned style like this one.

Tory Burch, $495; ToryBurch.com

Next: The 2012 Fashion O-wards