Waistcoat: a fitted sleeveless garment that forms the third part of a man’s formal three-piece suit. Waistcoats are usually worn over a shirt and under a long sleeved jacket. In America these items are referred to as “vests”.

I fancy the androgynous and playful look of a waistcoat. They’re decorative, structured and add layering interest to an ensemble. Eclectic waistcoats are once again on trend and might be worth a try if you don’t have one already.

I prefer waistcoats in woven suiting fabrics because that’s how the item was originally intended (as part of a man’s suit). But woven waistcoats can pose challenges for bustier gals. “Locking and loading” below the bust is an option if the stance is low and the rest of the waistcoat fits well. Alternatively, fine-gauge, tailored knitted waistcoats are available in “knitwear fabrications” (not jersey). They will stretch comfortably over the bust and offer a similar mood to their woven counterparts.

Wearing a waistcoat with a button-down is the typical pairing. But thinking out-of-the-box is even better. Consider popping a waistcoat over the following pieces for a change:

• Soft blouse: a tailored and strict waistcoat over a soft girly blouse creates a yummy contrast.
• T-shirt or knitted top: I’m condoning formfitting printed and plain T’s as layering items for under waistcoats. The sky must be falling down. Surprisingly, it’s a nice edgy look.
• Dress: A similar contrast is created when a soft, flowing dress is matched with a rigid waistcoat. I also like a structured sheath dress matched with a tailored waistcoat. Both looks add a fun dimension to frocks when you’re resting you’re denim jacket and cardigan.
• Sleeveless: waistcoats look super layered over sleeveless tops. It’s a good way of achieving an Autumn look when the weather is warm.

My friend Laurel wore a fabulous waistcoat ensemble last week. She layered a black woven waistcoat over a soft, black polka-dot blouse, and matched it with an abstract patterned cream, black and red knee-length, slightly A-line skirt. I was impressed with how well the mismatched patterns worked. Laurel looked arty, funky and pulled together. Her outfit was a great little transitional look.

An assortment of neutral woven waistcoats over button-down shirts, blouses, T-shirts, and a dress.

I’m not a fan of corduroy pants. They look masculine and it doesn’t take long for them to start looking worn. They also develop protruding “knees and bottoms” that you can live without. Then there is their “iridescent carpet” effect. You won’t convince me that wide-waled, corduroy trousers look nice on women. They are a stylish no-no. Five pocket jeans in narrow-waled corduroy are closer, but still no cigar.

A pair of jeans in a dark colour like blue, black, charcoal or cream looks infinitely better than corduroy in any ensemble. The argument that corduroy feels warmer than denim and therefore perfect for cold weather is interesting because both fabrics are 95 – 100% cotton. (I have yet to come across a pair of cords with a wool content). But corduroy is softer and cozier than denim which might offer the illusion of extra warmth.

I can manage to get my head around a pair of cream, ultra narrow–waled corduroy pants that are cut like jeans because they look more feminine and aren’t iridescent. But the J. Crew cream version that’s available in stores right now is thin and see-through, so bang goes that idea. Tory Burch has a beautiful cream pair, but $200 is steep for a pair of casual cords.

I’m not dead set against corduroy fabric. I’m all for corduroy skirts and cheeky cord jackets as long as the wale is narrow and the styling is pretty. These are items that are undoubtedly feminine. The look is casual, a little boho and a wee bit rugged in a wonderful way.

One last fact about corduroy pants. They are smarter than sweats, but more casual than a pair of dark wash jeans. Corduroy pants are NOT a business casual option. If your colleagues are wearing cords to work because they’re not allowed to wear jeans, help them out. They’re actually a lot more casual than they thought they were.

Bring on the corduroy debate. I know many of you love cord pants and will continue to wear them. I’m going to be hard to sway, but as Frasier would say, “I’m listening”.

The model on the left is wearing a pair of charcoal grey, skinny corduroy pants. The ensemble looks fab because the pant fabric looks more like grey denim or stretch velour. It’s hard to see that these pants are waled. The green jacket and yellow skirt are lovely items to have in corduroy, and especially nice when paired with denim.

I have been champing at the bit to write this post because “biker-inspired” jackets are one of my favourite edgy items of all time. For my style they are forever fashionable (at least until I’m 70). My wardrobe has not been without some sort of updated biker jacket since the ‘80’s.

Bikers are becoming increasingly popular and there are loads of styles to choose from this season. I absolutely adore the “tough edge” they add to a feminine ensemble. It’s unexpected and the contrast is simply delicious. The trick is finding the perfect biker jacket and pairing it with the right pieces.

Some tips on how to incorporate a biker-inspired jacket into your clothing mix:

• Keep the fit cropped and snug: You’re after a cheeky look and not a masculine one.
• Black is not the only option: Neutrals like brown, cream, ink blue and grey work just as well. I’ve had a red biker at some point and recently saw a style in eggplant that’s fabulous. 
• Leather is not the only option: Thick cotton twills, faux leathers, nylon and polyester blends can be just as effective and cheaper to purchase.
• Sport one biker item at a time: Leave off the biker boots, studded belt and do-rag when you sport a biker jacket. A bit of biker goes a long way.
• Keep the rest of the ensemble feminine: I like the look of a black biker jacket worn over a white knitted top, or white blouse. Add jeans, heels and Bob’s your uncle. One of my own favourite flop-proof outfits. Tartan, denim, floral and tweed skirts or soft pretty frocks also look great paired with bikers.
• Keep accessories to a minimum: Biker jackets make a huge statement, so choose your accessories wisely. Soft silk scarves add a pretty touch. My choice of accessory is usually some form on chunky pearl necklace (no surprises). The contrast of ultra-feminine, perfectly round, large white pearls against hardcore biker leather sends me into orbit. I LOVE that look.

Consider investing in a biker jacket if there’s an urban rock-chic element to your style. I’ll be posting flop-proof outfits on how to get the most mileage out of your biker as the season progresses. In the meantime, check out YLF forum members Tanya and Patience in their killer biker jackets. My heart skipped a beat when they posted their ensembles.

An assortment of biker-inspired jackets. I updated my biker jacket last year. It’s black with retro cracked patent and suede trim, belted at the waist. It happens to be my best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale purchase ever.

Scarves are a fabulous transitional accessory as your look moves from Summer to Autumn. I see scarves more than any other accessory whenever I’m in Europe. For me they are a wonderful colour vehicle and a way to keep warm in a chilly climate (I’m also never without one on a long flight).

Tying a square scarf “muffler style” is hot this season. But instead of tucking the ends under, it is key to leave them exposed on either side of the shoulder. I like the look and I’ve seen several women sport it successfully. The appearance is relaxed and makes quite a statement. It’s especially flattering on women with shorter necks because the cowl effect creates the illusion of a longer neckline.

The muffler style doesn’t look great on me because my giraffe neck needs shortening as opposed to elongation. The scarf also doesn’t stay put because there’s no knot tying involved, and I don’t like to fuss with my outfit during the day. So I’m sticking to the Euro loop. The scarf doesn’t move and I love the vertical appeal.

Give scarves a bash if you’re not in the habit of wearing them. They are practical in transitional weather and can bring new life to an unexciting outfit.

Scarves don’t need to be woolly. Cotton and linen scarves are an ideal option if you live in a warmer climate, or run hot quickly. They’ll give you an appropriate Autumn look without the warmth.

If you like fringe, this is your season. Robin Hood meets Pocahontas with a bit of the Wild West and the good old ‘70’s thrown into the mix. You’ll find boots, shoes, handbags, scarves and clothes overtly trimmed with statement fringe in stores right now.

This is not my favourite Autumn 2008 trend. I don’t fancy fringe on anything other than a flirty 1920’s flapper dress, and I only purchase items with fringe if I can remove it (for example, scarves). I’ll be bypassing this one. Will you?

The classic 30’s and 40’s spectator ped makes a modern comeback for both men and women. You’ll see them two-toned, three-toned or monochromatic. Peep-toed, mary jane and T-strapped, close-toed, matte, patent, flat or heeled. Take your pick this season. Spectators are huge and there’s lots of variety.

I adore spectators and like them best two-toned. They’re magical with a suit and just as fab with a pair of jeans. I also like spectators with frocks and skirts and a great pair of sassy hose. So chic!

I have a pair of cream spectator booties from last season that I can’t wait to wear. But they’re 3-hour shoes, so ideally, I’d like to get a pair two-toned 8-hour spectator pumps with a two inch heel. I know: tall order.

An assortment of spectator shoes for lasses and lads. If I could be assured of their comfort level and “hem” their heel height, I’d be all over the cream and black Marc Jacobs pair (top right). They send me into orbit.

Menswear inspired trends are hot for Autumn, and I love a bit of the old androgynous look thrown into the mix with an uber feminine twist. Ties, waistcoats, spectator peds, tuxedos and boyfriend cardigans are great ways in which menswear looks can work on women with the right amount of grace and girly edge.

Bobbie Thomas of NBC’s TODAY describes several ways that women are working masculine items into their wardrobes. Katie Holmes takes this trend to an extreme, wearing what looks like hubby’s jeans. Do you think she pulls off the look with style?

Casual micro-check pants have started to surface in the US. I really like the look of these pants and have two pairs that I enjoy wearing when I’m bored of denim, but in the mood for a relaxed pants look. They are a great alternative to jeans in the casual pants category.

A “micro-check” is a monochromatic, fairly subtle, plaid design. Micro-checks can be casual or business casual depending on the integrity of the fabric. In order for this look to stay casual, you’re after pants in a cotton-rich fabrication. Fabric is key. Purchase these pants in a rayon or viscose wool blend and they’re instantly dressy.

Select a leg silhouette that works for you and commit to a heel height. I like micro-check pants best matched with plain tops, but prints will work if you choose them carefully. Add a denim jacket when it’s chilly and check-mate, you’ve beaten the casual pants dilemma.

The Gap has two nice micro-check pants options in at the moment (98% cotton, 2% spandex).The one style is flared and the other straight. The black and white flared leg is not nearly as low rise as its described. It has a brilliant adjustment detail to make it fit perfectly on the waistline.

Spring’s fringe “it” shoe is now everywhere. I suspect that the peep-toe bootie was well received at retail six months ago, explaining why fashion buyers repeated the transitional look for Autumn. Interesting.

I liked the look of the ped when it first came out and I still do. It is edgy, modern and very new. They look super with a pair of skinny bottoms. I also like the peep-toe bootie with frocks and skirts on the right body type. This shoe is off limits for me personally, because I can’t wear peep-toes or soaring heel heights. But I whole heartedly appreciate the trend.

This style was not popular at YLF when it debuted. Has your eye adjusted? Are you sporting peep-toe booties? Or is this still a look you can live without.

My favourite retail season has arrived and I’m excited to discuss what the next six months of fashion has to offer. We’re kicking off the new season with Style.com’s top 2008 Autumn trends:

• “Belle Curves”: It’s all about peplum details that spotlight the waist. A peplum is a flared extension of a jacket, dress or top that comes below the waistline. It’s very 40’s and 80’s. If you like waist-cinching belts, you’ll like this look. It’s the voluminous trend with a waistline. There are loads of different peplum styles so don’t give up after trying one example.
• “Country Life”: Tweeds, tartans, plaids and checks rule. These fabrics take on a series of moods, from equestrian vibes and Chanel-esque looks, to 80’s punk and schoolgirl uniform styles. I love them all.
• “The Long View”: Mid-calf skirts and floor grazing skirts are back. I do not like ankle length skirts, but I’m into the mid-calf length if the skirt design is funky and interesting. I was surprised to have picked up a Winter skirt this length in London last season and it’s become a favourite.
• “Minimalist Tendency”: The “less is more philosophy” at its best. The look is about architecturally structured clothing and fab shoes. No jewelry or accessories. I like the look on the right person, but it’s hard to pull off without the perfect piece. I’d also miss my pearls.
• “Superhero Worship”: I do not know how this trend will be translated into wearable fashion. We’re not sporting the Superman cape or the Wonder Women cuff and leotard. But I do fancy the idea of a shiny waist cinching belt and boots that can fly.
• “Winter Garden”: Prints of foliage, feathers and leaves are hot. I’m curious about this trend and reserve judgment until I see it in stores.

My dominant season is in full swing and I’m ready for boots and tartan. If you live in a warm climate, bring Autumn colours into the mix but keep the clothing lightweight. It’s nice to sport a different look when the season changes.