Already thinking about your fall style? Of course you are.

While there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy, many of us are getting a head start on how we’re going to tackle the whole fall style thing—you know, without falling victim to every new trend in sight or losing our sense of individuality in some fast fashion black hole.

Hey, fashion faux pas happen to the best of us, but why not use each new season to regroup and learn from our mistakes? Yep, that means ditching your what-the-eff-was-I-thinking duds and thoughtfully building the wardrobe of your dreams. And while you’re at it, use these fall style resolutions to make sure you don’t come home with clothes you might kinda sorta regret later:

1. Dress to impress… yourself

I know you hear this all the time, but don’t buy clothes you think you “should” buy—buy the clothes you’re drawn to, that excite you, and that make you happy. Period. Fashion trends will come and go, but a timeless capsule collection of clothes you’ll love forever is… well, forever.

2. Choose your trends thoughtfully

Not every trend suits every body type or personality, but if there is a fall style trend that leaves you drooling, splurge wisely. Once the trend is over, will you still love the item? Or will you be able to morph it into something else/wear it differently once it’s old news? The more versatile the trend, the less wasted closet space in your future.

3. Buy local

If you always shop at the same stores, maybe it’s time to see other boutiques. You’ll never know the unique, one-of-a-kind pieces you’ll find if you don’t venture out of your comfort zone.

4. Try something new

Do you always buy the same styles and colors? If your wardrobe’s feeling a little stale, make a pact that you’ll buy something daring to amp up your fall style. Whether it’s a new style of jacket or a bold-colored top, go big or go home.

5. Find your dream handbag

You know, the unicorn handbag: The one you can wear every day, with every outfit, that suits every occasion. It may have been easier to find your husband than it will be your soulpurse, but like the hubs, it’ll be worth the wait.

6. Plan for an investment piece

We’ve all got that big-ticket item on our wish list that we say we’ll splurge on “one day”—that gorgeous jacket, those sky-high boots, or that uber-sparkly bracelet… only “one day” never seems to show up. The fact is there’ll always be a more responsible way for you to spend your money, but why work hard if you’re not going to allow yourself a perk every now and then?

7. Upgrade your undies

While nobody can tell that your granny panties are totally riding up on you (like, right now), isn’t it about time you trade those stretched-out, worn-out undies in for some comfier digs?

8. Replenish your basics

They might not be the most fascinating part of your wardrobe, but those simple tanks, plain tees and basic jeans really do come in handy. Do an inventory and replace the basics you’ve worn to pieces, so you’re armed and ready for the new season.

What fall style resolutions will you be making?

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How to accessorize your little black dress for any occasion.

You can’t own a little black dress without searching for a training manual on how to accessorize it. After all, it’s the most versatile piece in your wardrobe – each time you wear it, you can make it look new again, all by swapping your accessories.

Here’s how to accessorize your LBD 8 different ways and maximize its potential:

1. Think in opposites

The more complicated the design of your dress, the simpler your accessories should be – and vice versa. You don’t want to look too blah or too busy.

2. Pump up the volume

On your hair, that is. If you’re not big on jewelry, let your tresses be the accessory. Go with big waves a la JLo for a night out with the girls, or a stunning beehive a la Adele for a work-related cocktail party.

3. Add a pair of tights

If you’re going to a more casual shindig, you can dress down your LBD with a pair of creative tights, such as polka dots or plaid.

4. Party on with power prints

Pair your little black dress with a patterned clutch that has as much personality as you do, such as a chevron pattern in a striking shade.

5. Make a statement

Statement necklaces are a foolproof way to kick your LBD up a notch (or seven). I mean, who ever got anywhere in life being subtle? A dramatic necklace will transform your outfit into a showstopper.

6. Swing from the chandelier

Okay not really, but if you’re going for a lux, sophisticated look, a jaw-dropping pair of chandelier earrings will do the trick and then some. In fact, it’s not likely you’ll need to accessorize any further.

7. Edge it up

Edge up an ultra-feminine dress with futuristic-looking accessories, such as an intense bib necklace or a geometric cuff.

8. Go bold

If you’re going to pair a color with your LBD, make it a high-voltage one, like fuchsia or emerald. And whether that color’s added in the form of sky high heels or a unique clutch is totally up to you.

What are your favorite tips on how to accessorize a little black dress?

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How to layer clothes so you’re not left out in the cold this fall. (See what I did there?)

Fall is the best worst season ever, isn’t it? It’s beautiful, it’s soothing, it’s bold – but when it comes to the weather, it really needs to make up its mind already. I mean, if you want to be warm, then great – our summer duds can last just a teensy bit longer. If you want to be cold, we can deal with that too – we are women, after all. But as it stands, I have to take my sweater on and off so many times in a day my biceps are starting to look like Mr. Clean’s. Throw us a bone already, will you?

Since we already know that’s never going to happen (pffft!), we’re going to have to take matters into our own hands. By learning how to layer clothes, we won’t have to spend the fall feeling like menopause has come 20 years too soon.

Here are 9 fashion hacks on how to layer clothes (you know, minus all the bulk):

1. Play with proportions

If you want a balanced layered look, the key is mixing proportions. For example, short with long or fitted with loose: A short sweater layered over a long tank, or a fitted tank layered under a chunky knit sweater. Really, the combinations are endless. Think in opposites, and you’ll find your layered looks will come together quickly.

2. Simplify your color palette and focus on texture instead

Layering can be overwhelming, especially when trying to mix colors and prints. Since fall tends to be more about soothing neutrals, try layering different textures instead. It’ll help take the pressure off while giving your look a cozy, yet bold feel.

3. Start with a dress

How to layer clothes depends on the weather in your area, but no matter where you live you really can’t go wrong with thin layers. For example, wearing a dress with pants underneath is kind of a big deal this season. Sweater dresses with tights are also a fun staple to accessorize, and are great for work and play.

4. Punch your neutrals (you know, with color)

I’m a big fan of keeping my fall clothes simple in color, then BAM – adding a bold accessory, like a yellow handbag or red shoes. This especially comes in handy when you’ve been procrastinating on your laundry, since everything always goes together no matter the season. Give simple outfits a touch of the unexpected, and you’ll never run out of things to wear.

5. Stock up on basics

Basic tees, cardigans, button-up shirts and tights tend to be the glue that hold your layered outfit together. They’re super easy to toss on underneath your textured or patterned pieces.

6. Knits? Bring. It. On.

Cardigans, sweaters and vests are your BFFs in the layering department. If you’re wearing a generally basic outfit, you can layer on funky patterns and bold textures with ease. There’s nothing better than looking like it took you forever to get ready in the morning, when really it only took 10 minutes. (Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she?)

7. Expand your jacket collection

You don’t want to layer to the point of looking homeless, and this is where light jackets come into play: When they’re made of canvas or other light fabrics, jackets allow breathing room amongst your layers, while giving your outfit a touch of structure.

8. Don’t forget: Accessories are a layer too

Scarves shouldn’t be the only trick up your sleeve: Chunky earrings, statement necklaces, bangles, even gloves all add more movement to your outfit and make for a great finishing touch.

9. Don’t give up on your summer duds just yet

How to layer clothes in the fall doesn’t mean you have to ditch your summer style the second you see a brown leaf. Layer your fave summer shorts with a pair of tights and a bold pair of ankle booties. Throw a blazer over top of a vintage tee or a long sleeve shirt under it. The sky’s the limit, and makes your wardrobe that much more versatile.

Are you savvy on how to layer clothes? What tips would you recommend for fall?

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Do you know the best jeans for your bod – or just think you do?

I’ve never actually stopped to think about what makes a great pair of jeans. When I go shopping, I tend to focus on my waist size and leg length – both of which are ballpark figures – and once I hit the change room with what I believe to be the best jeans, I freeze… since, you know, I have no idea what it even means.

Have you been wearing the best jeans for your body type? To help you find out, we caught up with Moniqua Plante, top LA fit model, who’s worked with such ah-mazing clients as True Religion, Lucky Brand Jeans, Forever 21 and Bebe Studio. (There are even Tukatech & Alva mannequins of her bod!)

Here’s what you need to keep in mind during your hunt for the best jeans:

1. Enjoy experimenting
“The biggest piece of advice I can give is don’t be afraid of trying on a few different sizes,” says Plante. “We’re socialized to believe that size is everything. Meanwhile, no one’s looking at the label inside your jeans, they’re looking at your cute butt on the outside.” Plus, when jeans are mass-produced, sizing will always vary slightly, so make sure to bring your go-to size, one size up and one size down to the change room.

2. Know what to look for
“When you try on jeans, they should feel a little tight, but not like sausage casing,” says Plante. “Denim will grow as you wear it. I always do a few squats and knee bends in the dressing room to get a feel for how the denim moves and to see how quickly it stretches out.”

Once you’re checking yourself out in the mirror, here are three important areas to pay attention to:

• If the mid-thigh area is too tight (the area between your upper thigh and knee on the back of your leg), you’ll end up with extra fabric above the back knee and serious creases on your back thigh. Plante calls this extra fabric fold behind the knee “knee buckets.”
• If you have a muscular calf area, the stretchier the jean, the better. You don’t want your calves to seem larger, so try a slight boot cut to avoid emphasizing this area. This will help to balance out your figure.
• Are they bootylicious enough? Use the back pockets as your guide: You want to make sure they’re not too big and not too small. If you’ve got a big booty, small pockets will make it look bigger. If it’s small a larger pocket will help fill you out. If your rear’s flatter, look for pockets with a flap or embellishment of some sort to accentuate all you have to offer.

3. Know your body type
“There are a number of body types,” says Plante, “But you probably fall under one of the main five.” Here are her recommendations for each:

Curvy
Balanced upper + lower body with a slim waist.

“You want to accentuate your awesome curves without making yourself look fuller than you are,” says Plante. Skinny jeans are ah-mazing for this body shape. If you’re not a fan of skinny jeans, try a pair of boot-cut or flared jeans with a low- to mid-rise waist to even out your curvy hips and booty. Wider-legged styles will also look fabulous on you. Go for denim with a bit of stretch for extra comfiness.

Straight
Athletic build, straight up and down without a defined waist.

“Lower-rise jeans will create the illusion of a defined wasiteline,” says Plante. The best jeans for this figure are bootcut or slightly flared. Make sure they’re relaxed around the calves and ankles, but fitted around your hips and booty. Steer clear of higher-wasted styles, as they will add too much width to your lower body.

Triangular
Wider shoulders/larger boobs with a slim booty and thighs.

A wider leg will help balance out your chest so you don’t appear top-heavy. “A lighter wash denim will also draw the eye downward and away from your chest,” says Plante. “Go for low-rise, boot-cut or wide leg jeans to achieve the effect.”

Apple
Slim shoulders + hips, wider midsection.

Low-rise jeans will emphasize your fuller middle and give you a muffin top (dun dun dunnn!). “I recommend mid-rise jeans with a boot-cut or slightly flared silhouette,” says Plante. A straight leg style will show off your lean legs, and if you love skinny jeans, go for it! Just make sure you choose a flattering, flowy top that helps hide the tummy.

Pear
Wider hips + thighs with narrow shoulders + bust.

“The most important thing is to look for a style that will elongate your legs,” says Plante. “I caution against skinny jeans because they’ll emphasize your fuller lower regions, as well as super high-waisted jeans, which will make your legs look shorter.” Give mid-rise, straight leg or bootcut styles a try – with a dark wash that will flatter your shape.

Have you found the best jeans for your body type?

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Fashion tips on which necklines work best with your body shape – and which ones really, really don’t.

Whether you’re buying a t-shirt, sweater or dress, the neckline will often be what makes or breaks your look. Choose the right one and you’ll look taller, slimmer and stylish. Choose an unflattering neckline for your body shape and… well, the opposite. There are oodles of fashion tips out there to help you accent your best features, but it all begins with your neckline.

Below are 12 necklines (and the fashion tips that go with them):

1. Boatneck
If you’ve got an hourglass figure, a boatneck will give you a more balanced look. If you have narrow shoulders and a small chest, it will make you look bustier (cha-ching!). You should avoid this neckline if you’re apple-shaped, since your broad shoulders will appear even wider and throw your figure off-kilter.

2. Cowl Neckline
A cowl neckline is the BFF to both the small-chested and well-endowed woman: It adds volume to a small chest, while downplaying a larger one. The way the fabric drapes will highlight your neckline in a unique way – and if you’re a minimalist like me, you’ll love how it stands on its own sans jewelry.

3. Crew Neckline
This neckline is the simple, versatile rounded neck we all know and love. Because there are many different ways to wear it, the crew suits most body types. Steer clear if you have a round face, and choose a deeper scoop if you have a short neck. If you don’t have much going on in the bust department, stock up on this neckline, stat.

4. Halter Neckline
The halter makes practically every woman look like a hot tamale. Halters look best on tall women and/or women with broad shoulders. Bonus points if you’ve got well-toned arms and smokin’ shoulders. Avoid this neckline if you’ve got bulky arms and/or a large bust, as it will make you look wider than you are.

5. Off-shoulder
The off-shoulder neckline is similar to the boatneck in shape, but it sits lower on your body. It comes in oodles of styles – some show both shoulders while others expose only one. This look is super-flattering if you’re bustier or have narrow shoulders. If you have wide shoulders or bulky arms, an off-shoulder will make you look even wider.

6. One-Shoulder
If you dig drama, nothing beats a one-shoulder – or asymmetrical – neckline. If you’ve got narrow shoulders and thin arms, it will add fullness to your figure. If you’re bustier, make sure you’re wearing a dependable strapless bra, as this neckline will add volume while offering little support.

7. Scoop Neckline
This neckline is uber-versatile, as long as you watch out for the size of the scoop: A wider scoop will make women with narrow shoulders look wider, and give a bustier look to those who are challenged in that area (you know, like me). If you’re already busty, wearing a narrower scoop will create the illusion of a smaller bust. This neckline’s especially perfect for an hourglass figure, since it helps to balance out your body.

8. Square Neckline
Square necklines are great for busty women, as they provide a sophisticated look without showing too much cleavage. If you have a shorter neck or narrow shoulders, this neckline will help elongate your body. If you’re uber-scrawny, wearing a fitted square neckline will give you the illusion of curves.

9. Strapless
As long as you’ve got a proper foundation underneath (in other words, steer clear of those hideously uncomfortable sticky bra pads), practically anyone can pull of a strapless look. They elongate the neck and make petite women look taller – plus, if you love your arms and shoulders, why not flaunt them?

10. Sweetheart Neckline
This neckline is perfect for large-busted ladies, as it accentuates your cleavage while offering considerable coverage – sayonara wardrobe malfunctions! If you have a short neck, it will help you look elongated. If you’re self-conscious about the central part of your body, then it’s best to nix this neckline from your repertoire.

11. Turtleneck
Turtlenecks are best if you have a longer neck, since they tend to make women look shorter. They can also make your head look like it’s floating if you’re not careful, so make sure to leave some room between your chin and the top of the turtleneck. If you’re small-chested or have narrow shoulders, you’ll benefit a lot from this neckline. You should avoid turtlenecks if you have a round face, large chest, or have an apple body shape.

12. V-Neck
The most versatile neckline of all, the v-neck is universally flattering: It will make you look leaner and taller, no matter your body shape. If you have a larger bust, just watch the cut: A high V might make you look saggy, and you probably won’t be able to trust the girls in a plunging V.

Which neckline fashion tips do you live by?

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