At SavvyBroad.com, one of the most common questions we get is what are the “rules” for dressing after Labor Day. We are not necessarily into rules, but do like the idea of editing and organizing your wardrobe to keep your look fresh. Therefore, use Labor Day as an opportunity to store away items that look summer therefore enabling you to create a fresh fall look which is hot weather friendly. For example, try a cotton khaki, military green or black sleeveless dress that is accessorized with gold jewelry or a leopard bag. You are still comfortable in 80 plus degree weather but have a cool fall look.

Summer items to store:

• White, pastel or tropical colored pants, jeans, jackets and skirts.
• Linens with the exception of highly textured items in fall colors.
• Florals.
• Prints in bright colors.
• Shoes with cork heels and platforms.
• White, pastel or tropical colored shoes and bags.
• Accessories that are made from natural materials such as wood, straw, raffia or shells.
• High shine metallics.
• Lucite jewelry.

Summer items that go into Fall:

• Dark, taupe, khaki and military green summer items.
• Animal print or snake skin accessories.
• Muted metallics.
• Beige and winter white.
• Warm colored shoes and bags like mustard, plum or red.
• Patent leather.
• Nautical striped tops in navy or black and white paired with military green.

I have just spent the last few days in New York. This time I decided to skip the high end shopping and just observe the everyday New York women in the hip areas of Soho, Chelsea, etc. What I loved was how they were able to look chic, yet practical regardless of size or age. You see, when you travel by foot you’ve got to make smart choices. Statement necklaces make simple outfits look stylish. Stylish wedges are walkable and a bag doesn’t have to be expensive, but a fresh shape is a must. I think I have some editing to do – how about you?

It doesn’t get any better than a cozy, figure forgiving chunky sweater. Actually, it does get better – chunky sweaters are one of Fall’s biggest trends. Pair a thigh to 3/4 length soft oversized sweater with everything from a Fall dress to jeans and riding boots. Luxury and comfort can coexist!

With the casual look becoming the norm, your black pant and jean wardrobe has more of an impact on your overall look. If you are like me, you have a “good’ pair of black pants and several “decent” pairs, but they are all “dress” pants. You also went through the painful process of finding the perfect boot cut jean last year or so.   However, in these casual times a varied pant and jean inventory is the key to capturing some of the most fashionable looks. The good news is black pants and jeans are being offered in forgiving fabrics with a wide range of cuts that enhance and incorporate all sizes, shapes and heights.

To expand your options and update your look, you must have a variety of  leg styles. With jeans, add a pair of super straight and trouser cut jeans to your collection. In addition to a great black “dress”pant, i.e. trouser, your black pant collection should include a relatively straight long and lean pant, as well. Also, don’t be afraid to try on jeggings (jean leggings) that stop an inch or so above the ankle to replace your black leggings. They are offered everywhere from New York and Company to Talbots in a broad range of sizes with stretchy fabrics that pull you in. Please note that since jean fabric is heavier, with the appropriate amount of coverage they can be more flattering than leggings!

Finally, pair these pants and jeans with tops and shoes that are modern and create a flattering proportion. Here are some tips:

Straight pant – Hem long and choose a shoe with at least little height, preferably a modern heeled and platformed sandals or booties to lengthen your leg. (There are a variety of heel and platform heights, so find what works for you.)  Pair with a long jacket or a blouse with volume to create balance.

Midrise Jean or Black Trousers – Choose a longer hem also and try pairing with a feminine blouse and belted cardigan.  Remember, you have volume on the bottom, so minimize the amount of volume on top.

Super Straight Pants or Jeggings – Until the temperature drops pair with a long and light drapey sweater or cotton tunic, when it get’s cooler try a full, chunky and long sweater.  Once again, experiment with belting to create waist definition.  Wear flats – think Jackie O – or with the jeggings tucked inside flat boots.

Fantastic news, several figure friendly lines have updated their looks. Finally, real women with real figures and budgets can look really chic. Talbots, Eileen Fisher and Chicos have all hired new creative teams to make their figure friendly brands chic. Sometimes the new look gets watered down in the store, so go to their websites to get a true feel for their new look. Pay particular attention to their leather items, chic sheath dresses, forgiving yet fashionable jeans, sophisticated animal prints and great cardigans – all in a broad range of sizes and cuts.

Usually there is a major disconnect between the runway and a real woman’s closet. However, I must admit Fall 2010 is full of “grown-up” clothes. Of course, we all have to make modifications to make it figure, budget, or age appropriate. But for those of us who remember the 80s and Dynasty this is familiar territory and maybe you can wear a trend the second time around.

As soon as a child is able to somewhat hold a conversation, he or she is asked what they want to be when they grow up. Early on the choices begin – lawyer or actor, doctor or musician, right brain or left. However the truth is, regardless of our chosen profession, engaging the opposite side of the brain enhances our work product and is the source of potential solutions. The same theory applies to your look and fashion.

If you are a left brain professional, your look must exude a focused confidence. However, adding a great pair of pumps in a chic color, stylish boots, a well-made animal print bag, a tailored leather jacket or statement jewelry stimulates the right side of your brain. If you are a creative right brainer who wants to reinforce the fact that you mean business, do your thing but make sure to “complete” the outfit by including one thing that pulls it all together. This could be a necklace, jacket or color.

Finally, regardless of which side of your brain is most developed, self expression through your dress is fun and empowering.

Who has time to focus on their “look” when there are so many substantive responsibilities pending? Thankfully there are a growing number of websites that allow you to “try on” fashions from your laptop while waiting for your delayed flight.