Whittling down the best looks from the season’s runways is never an easy task. But when it comes to choosing timeless fashion pieces, we’ll always stand by quality over quantity in our investments. So we took on the difficult feat of choosing the top 5 fashion pieces for fall to splurge on this season—feel free to mix and match, and wear them forever.

Fall fashion investment piece: The oversized coat
zara-navy-blue-checked-wool-coat.jpgRunway inspiration: Balenciaga, Carven, Stella McCartney, Miu Miu
Why we love it: This season’s favourite XXL fashion piece made a—pun intended—big statement on the runway. And here we are, swathing ourselves in sheaths of cashmere and wool for mega sartorial impact. Bring it on, winter!
How to wear it: Play with opposing structure here: pair an oversized coat with a silhouette-hugging bottom. Take your cues from Céline’s Fall 2013 runway and go for over-the-knee leather boots (in mulberry) with a knee-length coat in plaid.
TRY: Checked wool coat ($159), at zara.com.

Investment pieces: 12 DESIGNER HANDBAGS

Fall fashion investment piece: The textured sweater
minniemouseforever2-investment.jpgRunway inspiration: Lanvin, Balenciaga, Mary Katrantzou, Givenchy
Why we love it: Nothing feels better in the winter than snuggling up in a giant, cozy sweater—with a mug of hot cocoa, if we may. And designers this season bumped up this comfy weekend piece with chic neoprene fabrics and quirky cartoon prints (think sweaters stamped with Bambi at Givenchy).
How to wear it: Add some sophisticated, nighttime chic to your graphic sweater. Pair it over a buttoned-up blouse and skinny black jeans with pointy heels. Add a chunky statement necklace for a sparkly accent.
TRY: Minnie Mouse Sweatshirt ($22.80), at forever21.com.

Style tips: HOW TO BUY A COAT

More fall fashion investment pieces on the next page…

ankleboot-investment.jpg
Fall fashion investment piece: The ankle boots
Runway inspiration:
Céline, Isabel Marant, Saint Laurent, Rag & Bone

Why we love it: The shoe that literally goes with everything,
the ankle boot is your go-to footwear this fall. And if you invest wisely, the pair can last you at least five or six seasons. That means at least six years of Isabel Marant’s pony hair suede and leather ankle boots? Sold.

How to wear it: Opt for a chunky-heeled ankle boot in this season’s must-have colour:
cobalt. Pair with an A-line skirt or little black dress and add a blazer over top for the office. Swap for a leather jacket to add a little
biker chic edge to your night out.

TRY: Steve Madden Lambi Chelsea boots ($160), at gravitypope.com.


FALL BOOTS WARDROBE: 12 top styles

Fall fashion investment piece: The ’40s skirt

PhilipSparks-skirt-investment.jpg
Runway inspiration: Aquilano Rimondi, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Rochas

Why we love it: Every Hitchcock heroine has an A-line skirt. Think rich fall textures with
feminine tailoring and silhouettes. The flared structure and knee length makes for the perfect office look. Swap in heels and add an interesting, feminine blouse for an elegant date night look.

How to wear it: You’ll never get tired of finding new ways to pair this classic statement piece. Go for a flirty print or stick with a thick, fall tweed and add a dainty ankle-strap pump.

TRY: Philip Sparks full skirt ($350), at philipsparks.com.



Fall trend spotlight: FILM NOIR FASHION

Fall fashion investment piece: The cape

wool-cape-investment.jpg
Runway inspiration: Chloé, Giambattista Valli, Victoria Beckham, Derek Lam

Why we love it: Any way you pair it, the cape looks effortlessly cool and chic. This fall saw a stylish hybrid of the tuxedo jacket/cape at Victoria Beckham, as well as fabulously printed, structured, and wintry-soft styles across the runways.

How to wear it: Pair over a pencil skirt and blouse in a soft
neutral colour for the office. For an all-purpose and sharp style, try a structured cape in sleek black, worn over tech jacquard pants or slim mini skirt.

TRY: Alexander McQueen wool cape ($2.795), at mytheresa.com.


Read more:
10 shopping tips that will change your life



How to buy boots you’ll love forever: 5 shopping tips
10 fall coats under $250
Fall work wear: 10 cozy and chic sweaters