Must-Have Fall Fashion at Freehold Raceway Mall

If the four blankets I piled on top of myself to sleep last night are any indication, fall truly is upon us. And though it saddens me to retire my sandals and sundresses, the time for layering and boots and hats has me jittery with excitement. To help you ease the transition into those frigid months, and look good doing it, here are my top 15 trends for fall, and where to find them.

1. Chunky cable knit sweaters. The thicker and cozier, the better. Lots of stores now have great bright colors to spice the look up, too. Find them at J. Crew and  for both men and women.

2. Combat boots. I know they sound a bit scary, but the look now is a slimmer style of the chunky, lace-up boot in versatile blacks, grays, or browns. These are especially cute with an ultra-feminine outfit for contrast. Experiment with the trendy look at Forever 21, , or .

3. Leopard print. It’s everywhere right now, and we might as well embrace the Jersey-Housewives-esque look! The easiest way to mix leopard in is with accessories, like shoes or bags. Try Steve Madden, Forever 21, Banana Republic, or practically anywhere – everyone’s doing this one!

4. Back-to-school style. This one will always be fun for fall: varsity sweaters, schoolboy blazers, plaid skirts. Even and perhaps especially if your school days are behind you, this is a crisp, refreshing way to get in the autumn mood. The look’s a little preppy, so try ,, and American Eagle, all for men and women alike.

5. Maxi skirts. Luckily, this gets you some extra mileage out of your summer maxi dresses, layered with a sweater. But the newest way to do the long look is with skirts in solid, rich colors. Belted and tucked in, it’s more refined than summer’s bohemian style. Check out MNG by Mango, PacSun, or the old standby Forever 21.

6. Elbow patches. It may sound kooky, but these Mr. Brady-ish details have me swooning. On sweaters or blazers, they bring a little 70s flair. Find it at H&M or , for guys and gals.

7. High-waisted jeans. Again, the 70s will not leave us be! This look isn’t for everybody, and it’s not the easiest to wear, but it looks great when done right. Tuck your shirt in to show off the natural waist. Look for them at  or Forever 21.

8. Secretary blouses. These are the kind of tops you might imagine the ladies on Mad Men wearing: sheer, brightly colored or patterned, with big bows at the neck. Check out H&M, J. Crew, or .

9. Cape shapes. I may be a bit out there, but even I can’t get behind wearing a full-on cape. However, a lot of styles pare down the look a bit to cape-style wide pullovers or coats, which are the epitome of comfort and look easily chic with skinny jeans or leggings. Find the look at  or Old Navy.

10. Button-ups. I’ve never had much love for button-down blouses, but recently saw a spate of stylish women at New York Fashion Week wearing theirs buttoned all the way to the neck with chokers under the collar. It’s an easy way to make your inoffensive simple blouses into a statement piece. Go for solids or bold patterns (no plaid!) from Old Navy and H&M.

11. Winter shorts. See, you don’t really have to say goodbye to your shorts! This look isn’t easy to pull off, nor certainly warm, but you were warned. You can either go the flannel/tweed route or tuxedo style for a fancier look. Do it with tights and boots or booties.  Shop for these at the usual suspects – Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, H&M.

12. Colored jeans. I am loving this right now. Get them in your favorite fit, in bright pinks, reds, and blues, from Gap, Old Navy, and Nordstrom.

13. Cross-body bags. While I love a big carryall purse, these sleek saddle bags are fresh and keep your hands free, which is especially useful in the evening versions. Go to JC Penney’s MNG by Mango or Francesca’s.

14.  Oxford shoes. A way to get the back-to-school look with less commitment, these shoes are put-together as flats or heels. Find them in your favorite neutrals, or in metallics for more impact. Look at Call it Spring or Forever 21.

15. Polka dots. 2010 was the year of a million stripes; somehow, everything I bought was striped. This year, the pattern you’ll be seeing all over is polka-dots. They’re retro, sweet, and can be a bold graphic look. See spots at Old Navy and Charlotte Russe.

With just a few of these trendy pieces, you can jazz up your whole fall wardrobe, and maybe even incite some joy at the bare trees and crisp weather – so get shopping!