A look ahead to the fall's fashions

With the temperature dropping to uncomfortable lows, and the pressure to work looming upon your shoulders, you might think that wearing the same ensemble day after day spares you unnecessary grief. My first piece of advice for the unhip is this: pull out that mirror, suck in that tummy, and get real--revel in the power of fabulous fall fashions. If you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, nothing can bring you down, not even rain on your new cK coat. Whether you can afford to shop or not, fashion can be a great spectator sport. And unlike sports fans, fashionites know that subtlety and a simple aesthetic beat all odds.

The first sign of a fashion diva is her shoes. This season is no exception, so burn those Birks, and slip your feet into something with a little more structure. This fall lets you strut your stuff in elegant square-toed boots; my favorites are a pair of black leather, side-zipper darlings with an elegant heel and stitching down the middle. My tastes are exclusively my own: stubborn and uncompromising. That's why my pair is still on order, but for the less anal-retentive, I promise that you will thrice click your heels in anything by Charles David, GUESS?, Nine West, or Nathalie M (wife of famed Marciano brother, Maurice). Barney's own label also makes too-good-to-be-true knockoffs of pricier shoes. Look for minimal bar designs on loafers with the 'tude no penny loafer can wish for.

If you're a Cinderella in search of your prince, you want to make sure your feet are pretty enough to kiss. Go straight for Prada's superstacked heels, but beware: the Prada Store in New York, despite regular visits from the likes of Naomi Campbell, often provides scarce stock in the shoe department. I recommend Barney's and Bergdorf Goodman for everything Prada (I left drool marks on the cashmere crewneck sweaters and stretch wool flannel trousers, both in gray). Also, hail a cab to the Miu Miu store in SoHo and test out the prim and proper schoolgirl hip of Miuccia Prada's less expensive line, which includes wool v-necks, knee-length skirts, open-toed sandals over ribbed tights, and my favorite piece of the season: a classic car coat.

"Feminine, fluid, and never too complicated," designer Alberta Ferretti knows what's hot in apparel this fall. It's '20s meets the '70s, so pull out your intricate flapper dresses and your polyester bootcut hiphuggers. To get the look of luxury, always keep in mind the basics: ribbed turtleneck sweaters (the Gap's are $34 each, in chocolate and charcoal), a cashmere maxi coat, an impeccable pantsuit, and a touch of gold. For a night on the town, get a dress with a sexy asymmetrical neckline. If you're leggy, try long ankle-skimming slit hipster skirts, or new lengthy pencil skirts by Jil Sander; wear them over fishnets or textured tights. Leave your friends in the dust, and take a ride on the camel bandwagon: this season, camel is as necessary as black. I may look like a potato in a camel coat, but try it out head to toe or complemented with white and black. For inspiring additions to your coat rack, look for slim-fitting maxis by Calvin Klein and timeless classics with faux-fur trim by Benetton.

For those who would rather balance feminine style with touches of menswear, Jil Sander's minimalist pants and zip-up jackets will drown your wardrobe in classic tones of gray and brown. Tommy, Tommy Hilfiger's new line for women, is perfect for the collegiate class. Not too preppy nor too nerdy, but definitely an over-achiever's wonderland, Tommy's fashion à la Americana includes plaid skirts and striped rugby shirts.

Shopping for me is a lot like going to the zoo. I'm not referring to the over abundance of furry items, nor to my compulsive need to feed the clothes. What I mean is that I never leave a store without petting every garment. I guess that would make it a petting zoo, right? Anyway, this month has been a great season to touch and tell. Rich textures and fabrics satisfied my every fetish and included everything from wool, cashmere, and tweed to velvet, silk, and suede. DKNY and Gucci introduced new suede accessories that I'd give my hide to own.

Before this piece on fall fashion starts souding like a fashion bible, remember the words of designer Michael Kors, who said that "fashion is always changing. The times are always changing. The business is always changing. It's perfect for me because I have a short attention span." As a member of the Sesame Street generation, I couldn't have said it better myself.