11 Ways to Be a Stylesetter This Fall

By Instyle
Updated Aug 18, 2011 @ 11:44 am
Johns PkI/Splash News; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

11 Ways to Be a Stylesetter This Fall

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RE/Westcom/Starmaxinc; Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Amp up fall's best trends this season with celebrity-inspired tips and tricks.

Layer Lace with Something Unexpected
Lace looks all-out edgy when worn with unusual patterns and textures. Emma Stone looked sexy-cool in a Bottega Veneta minidress with a striped underlayer, while Michelle Williams gave her Nina Ricci tee a heavy-metal vibe with a studded Wren skirt.

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Switch Out Your Jeans For Striped Pants

Martin Karius/Startraksphoto; Norman Scott/Startraksphoto

Chic and slimming, striped trousers are a fresh alternative to denim. Both Kate Moss and Heidi Klum punched up simple separates with cropped pairs by Isabel Marant.

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Upgrade Your Wardrobe Staple With Velvet

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A classic wrap dress flattering almost every figure and is a wardrobe essential for day and night; add a fresh twist with a velvet version. Look for long sleeves like those on Emma Roberts's Salvatore Ferragamo minidress and a knee-grazing hemline like that on the Catherine Malandrino number worn by Vanessa Hudgens. Add a blazer and close-toed shoes for a luxe, office-friendly look.

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Add Hints of Red to Retro Polka Dots

Sonia Moskowitz/Globe Photos; Christopher Peterson/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic

Give a nod to '50s chic without going the full I Love Lucy-route with an unadorned polka dot dress worn with a pop of red. Alexa Chung updated her vintage shirtdress with a cherry clutch and patent booties, while Liv Tyler brought out the dots on her DKNY design with sexy peep-toes.

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Try a Post-Labor Day Maxiskirt

Humberto Carreno/startraksphoto; Anthony Behar/Sipa Press

Long skirts work year-round when paired with menswear-inspired toppers. Olivia Palermo's chiffon floral piece looks fresh with a boyish striped sweater, while Selita Ebanks's floor-grazing pleated version looks lean with a tuxedo blazer.

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Edge Out a Blazer with Leather Leggings

Henry S. Dziekan III/Getty Images; WENN

Stretch leather leggings plus a boxy blazer equal an uber-cool alternative to a suit. Lauren Conrad topped her own Paper Crown pair with a camel jacket, while Mandy Moore styled hers with a similar black topper.

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Slip on a Ladylike Leather Dress

Dave Hogan/Getty Images; Jun Sato/WireImage

Seek out a leather dress with details like pockets or lace trim for an enticing style that is more sophisticated than biker chic. Jennifer Aniston wore a Celine design with a high neckline, while Rosie Huntington-Whiteley opted for a Marios Schwab with an equally demure silhouette.

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Sport a Menswear Print in a Feminine Style

Albert Michael/Startraksphoto; Lionel Hahn/AbacaUsa

Houndstooth looks mod, not mannish when part of a figure-flaunting ensemble. Selena Gomez topped her Nuj Novakhett mini with a sheer long-sleeve tee, while Ginnifer Goodwin looked anything but boyish in a bandage sheath from Herve Leger by Max Azria.

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Think Floral for Fall

Ramey Photo; Johns PkI/Splash News

Autumn florals are all about a dusky palette and painterly prints. Camilla Belle looked ready for the season in a mustard and rust Madewell shift, while Leighton Meester chose a Vera Wang print skirt in muted shades of moss and navy.

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Try a Tie-Neck Blouse

INFphoto; Getty Images

Upgrade a sheer, silky blouse with a tie-neck top. Katie Holmes styled her Holmes & Yang design with skinny jeans, while Rose Byrne wore her Tommy Hilfiger shirt with low-slung trousers.

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Pump Up Your Look with a Bold Sheath

Johns PkI/Splash News; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

A bright sheath is just as flattering as an LBD- and more memorable. Kerry Washington radiated in a cobalt Calvin Klein Collection number, while Gwyneth Paltrow glowed in a citrine Rachel Roy design.

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