While contemplating fashion’s currently-favored editorial doctrinaire (this season’s return to so-called “real” clothes), I was tickled by a fellow EcoSalon writer’s Facebook status update, ” Just discovered I will make an effort to brush my hair for Skype but not for actually leaving the house. Technology wins this round. ” Her familiar digital dilemma of a less than pulled-together every day look was echoed by several commenters. I guess some fashion realities are more real than others.

So while it was fun imagining that my fall buy might be something terribly exciting – the Betty Draper/Prada look, anyone? And recalling the summer spent staring at the spoils of my clothing budget literally hanging on for the rare right occasion – I vowed to pick up some fall pieces that I actually planned on wearing.

So, if you are intent on updating your fall look with an easy and stylish solution to the reality of life spent hunched over a computer, may I suggest an item that suits the requirements to a T? The tactical and terrific fall tunic.

Don’t confuse this for beaded and embroidered kurtis, pregnancy duds, beach cover ups or even the Talitha Getty-inspired tunics that Tory Burch launched an empire producing. Trimly cut in luxurious fabrics and neutral colors, this season’s version hit every major fall trend – Minimalism, 70s and Bohemian Luxury – brilliantly in one piece.

Wear with pants or leggings and this season’s must-have layering piece, the turtleneck, to create a monochrome look from head to toe – which is about as flattering a look as can be had – or alternatively bare legs for evening. It may well prove the last hurrah to the past five years of leggy looks before the tastes turn to the long and lean. Seemingly hard-willed by fashion fate, the mini is once again on course to go maxi.

Here are three responsibly-made tunics I’m currently deciding between:

San Francisco designer, Sofie Ølgaard’s wool mix retro design with its dramatic sleeve and pockets works well as a dress or a layering piece to keep you cozy through the winter.

Made in NYC, Bodkin’s Algorithm bamboo and cotton blend tunic is a chic and modern option that lends itself to multiple interpretations.

Julie Park’s drapey and elegant version is made from a lightweight Australian wool blend and has front seam detailing and a button closure in back.

Main Image: LOFT

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