After a summer spent frolicking in the sun, fall is the time to get serious and get back to work.  And while the “getting back to work” part doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, there is a part of fall that is fun.  And that’s getting to revamp your office wardrobe for the working year.  It’s during the autumn that all of the designers fill their collections with sharp, professional, and wearable pieces that will complement your office wardrobe for years to come. 

When shopping for a fall wardrobe for the office, you have a lot of flexibility with what to buy.  Because with the cooling, changing weather of the season, almost any item in your wardrobe can be worn.  You can layer lighter pieces with heavier ones.  You can combine flouncy, feminine materials with serious wools and corduroys.  You can combine textures and styles in a way that you can’t in other seasons. In short, fall is the best time to have fun with fashion.

There are a few particular pieces that every woman must have if she’s looking to revamp her office wardrobe for fall. These are pieces that will last for years and take you easily from autumn into winter, and beyond.  Some of this year’s autumn fashion staples for the office are:

Tweed:  Tweed is really big on the fall/winter 2008 runways, and is a wonderful trend to wear into the office.  As a bonus, most tweed pieces can be combined with rustic pieces to follow the “Country Living” trend and take you into the weekend, as well.

Pencil skirts:  The biggest fashion accessory of the season?  The waist.  A high-waisted pencil skirt needs to be a must-have item in your office wardrobe for the fall.

Masculine styling:  Because masculine styling is still in for 2008, a few masculine pieces are great for the office.  Understated, professional, but trendy, masculine styling makes the perfect statement.  Try a vest or waistcoat with wide-legged trousers for a fashion-forward office look for fall.

Belts: In the fall, it’s hard to predict exactly what the weather will do.  Because of this, layered pieces are an important part of your fall office wardrobe.  To bring these pieces together, cinch the waist, and transform an outfit from “thrown together” to “perfectly put together,” a waist belt is a must-have.  Wear them over oversized cardigans or with wide-legged trousers.

Tailored jackets:  There is a ton of minimalist styling on the runways this season.  And one of the best fall 2008 runway fashions for the office is the tailored jacket. Wear a sophisticated and tailored jacket with a wide-legged trousers or a loose and flowing skirt for a great office look—both feminine and put-together.

An autumn bag: It’s during the fall that all of the best handbags for the office come out.  Pick up a soft-but-simple bag in a rich brown or caramel color to accompany the rest of your autumn office wardrobe. Put your black bag aside until winter.  Fall is all about warm shades and soft fabrics.