Five Key Items to Buy Now

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Print Dresses

WHY NOW The dress returns—and advances beyond the simple sheath, the pretty floral or the formal plaid to more art-inspired territory. With a looser, less constricting fit and a flirty wink to bohemia, the print dress transitions nicely from this season to a chillier one, when you'll layer it with a structured jacket or a chunky cardigan.

Silk dress, Graham amp Spencer, $388; visit

revolveclothing.com.

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Print Dresses

Cotton dress, Theory, $335; at Theory, visit theory.com.

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Print Dresses

Silk satin dress, Castle Starr, $396; visit revolveclothing.com.

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04 of 15

Tailored Jackets

WHY NOW After seasons of reconfiguring, menswear-inspired jackets re-emerge in all their classic versatility. Cut longer, with pronounced lapels and shoulders, single- or double-breasted, they flatter skirts and trousers and add urbanity to the kind of dresses shown on the previous page. Listen: That's your work wardrobe uttering a sigh of relief.

Wool-linen twill jacket, Araks, $1,200; call 212-982-5652.

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Tailored Jackets

Wool jacket, Ralph Lauren Blue Label, $598; at select Ralph Lauren stores, visit ralphlauren.com or call 888-475-7674.

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06 of 15

Tailored Jackets

Wool blend jacket, Yaya Aflalo, $425; call 310-317-9975.

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07 of 15

Ruffled Blouses

WHY NOW Too girlie? Actually, try very showgirlie. This season's ruffles are gloriously off-center or beautifully multilayered. The more overtly baroque the top, the edgier your pants should be: Veer toward drop-waist, multipleated, leather or pegged bottoms. And then, of course, there are always jeans. Skirts can work too, but we prefer the streamlined look of pants.

Silk ruffle top, Badgley Mischka Platinum Sportswear, $348; visit

neimanmarcus.com.

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Ruffled Blouses

Silk satin blouse, Diane von Furstenberg, $285; visit dvf.com.

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09 of 15

Ruffled Blouses

Silk top, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, $288; at Saks Fifth Avenue, call 877-551-7257.

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10 of 15

Fuller Skirts

WHY NOW Enjoy the great strides awaiting you in these stylish beauties—and not just because of their volume. Innovative tucking and pleating, plus rich fabrics and vibrant patterns contribute as well. Most are flatteringly cut to fall at mid-knee. Jazz them up for evening with a boiled wool jacket—or settle them down with a placketed blouse and cardigan for day.

Silk skirt, Walter, $228; call 978-287-1469.

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Fuller Skirts

Silk charmeuse skirt, E.Y. Wada, $340; visit honeyintherough.com.

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Fuller Skirts

Poly-cotton skirt, Corey Lynn Calter, $174; call 406-993-2779.

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Chunky Knits

WHY NOW Obviously it's not a season for understatement: Here's another example of going to desirable extremes. These pieces, often handknitted, have far more impact than a V or a turtleneck (you might want to wear a light layer underneath in case it gets toasty indoors). And don't discount them for evening:They can certainly make a mark at night.

Wool sweater, Nicole Miller Collection, $440; visit

nicolemiller.com.

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