This Veronica Beard blouse in a romantic floral print features all-over smocking and a flounced hem, available at Kilgore Trout. Photograph courtesy of Kilgore Trout

By LAURI GROSS
This fall’s best-dressed women will be sporting classic pieces updated for the season. Here, area experts share their list of must-have items, and offer insight into the newest takes on these timeless favorites.
1 Sweaters
Laura Ganley, one of the women’s stylists at Kilgore Trout in Eton Chagrin Blvd., in Woodmere says, “Keep your sweaters classic. That way, you can wear them again and again – especially if it’s cashmere – even if you dive into a trendy piece of denim.” Classic sweater looks include crewnecks, Laura explains. Updated sweater styles include funky cropped styles with wider sleeves. This fall, look for Kilgore’s new line of Italian cashmere sweaters. “These are great quality,” Laura points out.
Sherri Knuth Bryan, who owns Knuth’s in Pepper Pike with her husband John, loves a cashmere pullover in camel, ivory or in a soft, beautiful color, for a look that’s classic and also current.
Lisa Moran of Lisa Moran, Ltd. in Eton Chagrin Blvd., says her store “is known for our great sweater collection and this fall is no different. We have lots of on-trend colors as well as the neutral color palette that is so strong this fall.”

Knuth’s vegan leather blazers offer classic style with an updated touch of elegance. Photograph courtesy of Knuth’s

2 Blazers
Laura points out that blazers can be outerwear or part of the outfit itself. At Kilgore, look for blazers in everything from classic black, to great fall plaids. Laura adds, “We are seeing double-breasted, waist-length styles, and also some that are more cropped and boxy for fall.”
Sherri says, “Classic blazers are everywhere but try one in vegan leather for an updated look.”
3 Novelty jackets or statement coat
Laura suggests one of this season’s great flannel plaids. She explains that these are functional and warm, and on-trend but won’t be out of style anytime soon. “In a novelty print or fall colors, these make a classic outfit pop,” she says. “Or try one in a menswear-inspired oversized fit.” Also, look for details like buttons in pretty colors or with a textured crocodile-look.
Sherri says, “It’s a great time to buy a statement coat or outerwear piece.” She suggests trying hot pink or a plaid in shades of brown or camel.
Lisa loves the updated look of a coat or jacket with more color than a single neutral tone. Also, this year’s best vests, she says, are in the season’s popular color of lilac, or

Coated denim jeans in army green have an elevated, textured look. Get these at Kilgore Trout in Eton Chagrin Blvd., in Woodmere. Photograph courtesy of Kilgore Trout

try one that’s quilted or trimmed with fur.
4 Comfortable and flattering denim jeans
Laura explains that, for some body types, skinny jeans are the most flattering. Whatever your body type, she says, “Keep it classic with a nice elevated straight leg style.” To stay on trend, she adds, “We are seeing kick flare, exposed hems, and exaggerated hems, plus jeans in shorter and crop lengths.”
This fall, also look for coated denim. “It gives denim a leather look and adds texture,” Laura says, as she adds, “These are great with sweaters and blouses.” Kilgore’s coated denim collection comes in great fall colors including black, army green, and brown. “The texture really makes an outfit pop,” Laura says.
For an up-to-the-moment look, instead of skinny jeans, Sherri suggests a wide leg or flare style in a crop length.
5 Blouses, especially a classic white shirt
Laura explains, “They’ll always look great with denim or a novelty jacket, or pair it with a sweater under the blazer.” Laura says this fall, her store has blouses in solid colors as well as fun fall prints.
6 Little black dress
Some of this season’s best little black dress styles include versions with a flared ruffle hem, or a maxi version with an asymmetrical hemline, or even one in vegan

This fall, Knuth’s features stylish flare-leg pants. Photograph courtesy of Knuth’s

leather. For an office-appropriate look, go for a crewneck style that’s still fresh and pretty with a flowy skirt.
7 Black pants
Sherri especially loves black pants that are high-waisted with a wide leg.
Lisa suggests updating black plants (or pants in neutral shades) “with a suede or leather version, whether they are vegan or real leather.”
8 Boots
Sherri says, “Maybe your dress shoe is a boot or bootie this season.”And she adds, “We try to find easily wearable, not too tricky, well-priced fashion in every category”
9 Loafer
Sherri points to platform styles for this fall’s best loafer looks.
10 Cool sneakers
Sherri loves some of this season’s suede sneakers with cool details.
Laura adds that western details are another fall trend. “We have blouses and denim with subtle western flair. You might see it in the seaming on blouses. Also, in belts, there might be stitching on a belt with a western influence. It’s a subtle

Fall’s best booties can double as your dress shoe this season. Photograph courtesy of Knuth’s in Pepper Pike

and elevated look,” she says.
Lisa says, “Of course, our evening collection is second to none. Weddings are back and we are ready with gowns and dresses from designers from all around the world.”
No matter what you’re shopping for, Sherri says, “if you see something you love – buy it. It’s harder than ever to get reorders.”
Additional source: Byrdie.com