Body warmer: a sleeveless cropped jacket 

I have only ever known this item as a “body warmer” in the fashion industry – precisely because its function is to keep your torso warm. However, I believe that these funky urban items are also referred to as “vests” here in America. Skiers, snowboarders, equestrians and hikers are used to wearing this item for practical purposes while engaging in sport – perhaps in polar fleece or down. This season, designers have taken the liberty of making them a fashion statement (but not in polar fleece dear Seattleites!).

They are available in an assortment of fabrics, colours and silhouettes and depending on your age, lifestyle and fashion persona – there will be an appropriate option for you. Body warmers are casual items that are best paired with jeans, casual pants, corduroys and casual skirts. They are modern, practical, often reversible, and the perfect layering item for pretty pear shaped body types. Add a body warmer to your wardrobe this autumn and feel sporty with style.

These body warmers with an urban edge are from Nordstrom.

Apply just enough to stain your lips, and no more. It’s when you apply too much at once that it smears and ends up everywhere else. As obvious as this may sound, I see women with lipstick on their teeth, face and clothing all the time because they simply use too much. The key is to make sure that your lips are moist before you apply your lipstick. That way, you’ll require only a thin layer to feel hydrated.

Licking your lips is not the type of moisture that you are after. You need one of the lip balms or moisturizers sold at the cosmetic stand in a department store. Apply this first and the smallest amount of lipstick will glide over your lips like butter. Your lip colour will look natural and you won’t run the risk of looking like a clown.

One of summer’s hottest must-have items was the knitted jersey dress – either in a wrap, mock wrap, empire or a-line style. Top designer Diane von Furstenberg created this flattering design and there’s plenty of mileage for the item as the weather gets colder. Below are three easy and fashion-forward ways to extend your summer knitted jersey dresses into Autumn: 

• For the modern classic – add knee high boots, hose and a cropped jacket or cardigan
• For the fashionista – add footless tights or leggings and heels or ballet flats
• For the daring urbanite – add skinny, straight leg or boot cut jeans, heels and a chunky chain

For extra warmth wear a knitted camisole underneath. Try one in a contrasting colour for a bit of extra interest. The different combinations not only prevent you from getting bored with your clothes, but can give you the extra edge that you might be looking for. Remember that your ensemble doesn’t need to match in order to work.

Reinvent these knitted jersey dresses from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus to create a fresh look for Autumn.

Patent leather (both real and fake) is one of the biggest statements in accessories this season. It’s very 80’s, very retro, and always very Chanel. Black patent items are the most obvious choice and easiest to wear; but don’t let that stop you from considering other colours, such as red, burgundy, grey, green, brown or yellow. Belts, wallets and ballet flats are super everyday easy-to-wear choices in any form of patent. Trenches, handbags, long boots, hair bands and gloves are a little more edgy, but just as fabulous. Remember, that one of the fastest, cheapest and most effective ways to accomplish a stylish appearance is through accessories. Capture this season’s fashion moment by adding high gloss to your ensemble – you’ll be sure to make an impact.

Bebe has an excellent range of patent accessories.

Patent shoes from Macy’s and Nordstrom.