Okay, so I’m not going to a black tie event every weekend or anything like that, but a girl has to be prepared for those occasional fancy outings with an evening gown or two (or three…or a dozen…), right? Nothing makes for a more impressive contrast from regular daywear than a long, flowing silhouette. This plum satin ruffle neck gown by Vera Wang features beautiful draping, a dramatic cut, and a unique neckline, which makes the dress more modern than many of its contemporaries. The color alone will stand out in a sea of black.

I’ve also got my eye on this playful, gorgeous gold number by AdamPlusEve that will instantly make any girl feel like a jewel.

And who doesn’t want to feel like a goddess every once in awhile? In winter white, chocolate, or black the Goddess gown by J.Crew is perfect for those spontaneous dress-up occasions ⎯ you know, for all those times when your boyfriend wants to go to the ballet or the opera.

Is the vintage inspired shape of the three-quarter sleeved, rectangular neckline, tunic/dresses cute in a babydoll-esque sort of way, or is it just the tiniest bit frumpy? In this ultra-short Alice+Olivia tunic, Serena Williams does look sleek, but there’s something kind of housewife-meets-Star Trek about the color and shape combination. But it looks like I’ll have to get used to the style, since it’s all over the runways this fall. Even my beloved Cynthia Rowley, who is never in bad taste, has done her take on the shape with her Matalasse Dress. Perhaps with a leather belt and a pair of stilettos we could all rock the retro tunic, but I think I’ll stick with the classic wrap dress myself.

Fall makes me think of sharpened pencils, turning leaves, and preppy clothes, which is why I’m so in love with the clean, menswear inspired looks that are so hot this season, yet timeless in a 1940’s glamour sort of way. The New Dream Argyle Sweater Dress from J.Crew is the freshest take on the schoolgirl prep frock, which I love paired with the red flats shown on the model.

I also adore the Donegal Tweed Jumper at Old Navy, and the Sweater Dress Jumper with the sweet pleated detailing at the empire waistline at Forever 21.

I’m particularly fond of this look with long bangs, red lipstick, and boots with a bit of heel. Mmmmm, fall…

For fashion and budget conscious brides-to-be, the Pre-owned Wedding Dresses website is the secret to getting that gorgeous Vera Wang or Carolina Herrera gown without breaking the bank. Unlike our mothers and grandmothers, many of us don’t plan on keeping our wedding dresses forever for the unlikely event that our granddaughters will want to wear them, so some brides have opted to sell their designer gowns on this fabulous site. The dresses are broken down by size (street sizes, not crazy wedding gown sizing, which nobody ever understands anyway), and the designer is listed under a photo of each gown. For a fraction of the price of going into a boutique, you can have the gown of your dreams with a little clicking around – and best of all, the gowns must be professionally cleaned before being sent from one bride to another.

Ever since I was a little girl I’ve loved soft things. My friends have had to get used to walking around shops with me in the fall and winter, exclaiming, “Ooooh! It’s so soft! Touch this!” So, needless to say, my most favorite fabric in the world is cashmere. As it gets cooler in the fall and into early winter, there’s nothing better than a simple cashmere sweater dress. Not only are they totally comfortable, a good sweater dress is also versatile, warm and cozy, and will become a staple in your wardrobe that will last for years.

Of course, a cashmere sweater dress has to be cute, not just soft. I’m in love with the Bette Cashmere Dress for Marc by Marc Jacobs. It’s a simple shape, which can easily be contoured with a leather belt and a great pair of high heeled boots.

The Audrey Dress by Vince is the perfectly casual silhouette for running around town, or can be dressed up for business with dangly earrings, heels, and a bolero blazer.

The Cashmere Dress in Academy Purple by J.Crew is the sweater dress that I will wear so often this fall that people will begin to wonder if I live in it. I love the un-fussy crew neck cut, which makes it easy to wear even at home, if you want to. I’ll throw on a pair of leggings, a thin headband and some ballet flats to feel Audrey Hepburn-esque