tops

Whether your style proves Ivy League-inspired all year round or you just happen to prefer classically charged Fall layering, we've got a preppy sweater lineup you won't be able to resist. Between these sweaters' enticing price point (nothing over $100 — beat that budget!) and a timeless aesthetic (cable-knit piping, slick elbow patches, turtleneck silhouettes, and the no-fail crewneck pullover), we're positive you'll get your prep-school fix and then some. Pair a navy nautical-striped iteration with dark-wash skinny jeans, brown riding boots, and a tailored trench coat if you're going for the all-American approach. Or style a more relaxed toggle-detailed rendition with slouchy boyfriend jeans and Tretorn sneakers for a laid-back rainy-day slant. We could keep going, but we'd rather you click on to see what's at your preppy-sweater disposal.

It's as easy to slip on a silky blouse with your jeans as it is your go-to t-shirt — that's part of what makes Fall's chic silk tops so appealing. Of course, the other big part of why we love them is just how gorgeous and universally wearable they are. Their soft finish makes them one of the most comfortable options in our closet, but there are also endless iterations to make them one of the most popular. This season, we're looking to silky plaid button-downs — a fresh redux on a Fall classic, rich jewel toned silks, and pretty versions that marry our favorite trends, like lace or florals on a great silk button-down or party top. Not only are these 14 toppers incredibly lovely, they're also incredibly practical — you'll be wearing them from now through holiday-party season and well beyond. Click on to shop your favorites and shake up your t-shirt routine.

We've covered our lace, studded detailing, and brocade bases; now, it's time to take on the embroidered silhouette. No, we're not referring to the kind that comes with monogrammed initials. Instead, we're culling shopping inspiration from the Fall 2012 runways. Jason Wu crafted an Eastern-inspired collection marked by its ornate gold appliqué embroidery, which was added to everything from compact clutches to sexy cocktail dresses. Stella McCartney put a floral-embroidery spin on her sportier, cobalt-blue trumpet-hem skirts and crisp, white blouses; Rag & Bone embellished its jeans with quirky embroidered side piping; and Miu Miu put a classic embroidery crest on its luxe, jewel-heeled loafers. To say this trend spanned a wide spectrum of designer sensibilities is an understatement. Get Fall's new approach to embroidered wares with our editors' need-now picks — right here.

Source: Free People

Sometimes it's not so much about reinventing the styling wheel as it is about reinvigorating it. That said, we're looking to punch up the ladylike layers we already own — a classic blouse-and-sweater set, in this case — with this season's prettiest Fall color combos. Trust us: it's a sweet and polished pairing that complements everything from a cozy tweed miniskirt to a slicked-up brocade trouser. And, to help you put your color-wheel cravings and cold-weather layering to work, we've styled up 10 of our favorite combos as a jumping-off point. First up: saffron yellow and emerald green. We wouldn't mind wearing this jeweled-toned combo with a black wool miniskirt and lace-up booties — what about you? Click on to see (and shop) the color combos worth experimenting with this Fall.

While Fashion's Night Out certainly gives way to an evening of retail indulgence, that doesn't mean it's a walk in the park. Translation: between the party hopping and navigating crowds, it's as much a night of fabulous fashion as it is a test of one's strategic styling. In an effort to minimize wardrobe stress, we've already mapped out three easy-to-emulate ensembles that cover all the FNO bases. If you're feeling Fall's oxblood-red obsession like we are, you're the perfect candidate for our sophisticated schoolgirl outfit. Plus, how slick (and cozy) do those printed calf-hair loafers look? If you're a denim loyalist, try on a coated iteration, complete with edgy zipper pulls and a crisp white finish. Don't stop there, though. We've got a little lace, a little paisley, and a little ankle-boot adoration, too. There's no time like the present to brainstorm outfit ideas — Sept. 6 is but a stone's throw away, so keep clicking.

We know it's hard to let go of that Summer break freedom, but let's face the facts: we can hear those (figurative) school bells beckoning the return of class, study sessions, and dorm life. Before you're knee-deep in textbook shopping, we've made the process of back-to-school shopping an easy and superstylish one. Instead of going overboard on one-off pieces, focus on investing in staples that can not only play part in a chic transitional wardrobe, but nail the whole schoolgirl-meets-sophisticated-lady vibe, too. We've found the perfect dark-wash cigarette jeans that will get you through late-night library brainstorms and look great on your first date with the boy across the hall. There's also the footwear must haves: a classic ankle boot, a statement metallic sandal, and an Audrey Hepburn-inspired skimmer flat in the sweetest nude hue. Lest we forget, we've culled a versatile mix of slinky sheaths, polished layers, and eye-catching accents, too. It's time to put those erudite skills to the test; first up, commit this equation to memory — 16 styling essentials, 17 ways to wear them, with an infinite number of future outfit combo possibilities to ace the Fall semester.

Don't let a burst of color or a tricky print get in the way of your personal style. To set you on the path of graphic-printed t-shirt righteousness, we've outfitted this bold comic-inspired 3.1 Phillip Lim tee ($175) five unique ways. If you've got a more polished 9-to-5 dress code, add a black leather pencil skirt, slick ankle-strap sandals, and statement jewelry to the mix. If you're more of a laid-back kind of girl, play up the bright hues in the shirt via a navy-blue blazer, neon-yellow shoulder bag, and classic white Chucks. We've thought of everything, even catering to an ethereal blend of flowy chiffon and mixed metallics for the ultrafeminine style setter. Click through for our take — five ways — on this season's vibrant printed t-shirt, and then shop the look that makes this quirky piece work for you.

Even if you aren't necessarily a jeans-and-tee kind of girl, everyone can totally appreciate the appeal of a great vintage t-shirt. The beauty of these throwback tops is that they've already surpassed the test of trendiness, and instead, represent a feeling or memory about a particular time, place, or thing. While it's a cheeky front-and-center way to show off your favorite sports team, your college alma mater, your childhood sleepaway camp, your first concert ever, and so on — it's an easily styled basic, too. Whether you pair it with sleek tuxedo-inspired trousers and sandals or play up its nostalgic feel with denim cutoffs and high-top Chucks, these shirts are the perfect complement to an array of day-to-night outfits. See which softer than soft, go-with-everything vintage tees are currently on our need-now list.