StyleList for Mobile

With the weather taking a gusty turn, it's time to stop lamenting the dog days of summer and move on to fall. If you're a last minute shopper (like me), then you're still wondering what would be the most strategic purchases for the season.

Cue our guide to the Six Essential Pieces for Fall. These key items - from a sassy red dress to a punctuating statement necklace - will take you through autumn and beyond.

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Six Essential Pieces for Fall

Want to touch on the fall trends but not sure what to buy? These six pieces will are great ways to update your wardrobe without seeming faddish. Click on to find out what they are.

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Six Essential Pieces for Fall

A KNOCK OUT NECKLACE
Sometimes it's not so much about the outfit but the way you highlight it. A killer neck piece is a good way to jazz up an ensemble that needs inspiration. It will always be a conversation starter as well!

Roxanne Assoulin mixed glass and acrylic crystal necklace for Lee Angel, $400, available at www.leeangel.com

Shop for more statement necklaces for under $100 at Shopstyle.com

Six Essential Pieces for Fall

THE CLASSIC BOMBER JACKET
Cropped leather jackets are making a resurgence for fall. Update your look by going for a vintage-inspired bomber. (Bonus points for a detachable hood!)

Hayden Hartnett Dekker Leather Bomber, $488, available at www.haydenharnett.com

Shop for more bomber jackets for under $100 at Shopstyle.com

Six Essential Pieces for Fall

THE PERFECT RED DRESS
The fall collections - typically dark and austere - were populated with punches of color. Prada, Lanvin, and Dries van Noten eschewed the omnipresent neon shades for passionate reds.

Moschino red, pleated, v-neck dress, $989, available at Moschino NYC, (212) 639-9600

Shop for more red dresses for under $150 at Shopstyle.com

Six Essential Pieces for Fall

THE MEN'S TROUSER
You can't go wrong with a classic pair of black pants. This season, plenty of menswear-inspired trousers rollicked along the runways so don't be afraid go for styles with a baggier fit.

Reiss slim leg trousers in black, $140, available at Reiss, Bleeker Street, NYC, (212) 488-2411 & www.reiss.co.uk.

Shop for more black trousers under $100 at Shopstyle.com

Six Essential Pieces for Fall

A SWEET SKIRT
In addition to a hearty trouser, the skirt is also a pivotal piece this season. With a cute cardigan and the right pair of boots, the look can take you from the office to out on the town. This draped silk pencil skirt is a fun variation on the original.

Adam black, silk skirt with elastic waistband, $295, available at ADAM 678 Hudson Street, (212) 229-2838.

Shop for more black skirts under $100 at Shopstyle.com

Six Essential Pieces for Fall

TALL BLACK BOOTS
Highflautin fashionistas will gravitate towards the over-the-knee boot this season, but let's be realistic, that's not for everyone. In lieu of a thigh-skimmer, opt for a classic number that you'll be able to wear with almost any ensemble.

Nine West "Zelipe" boots, $179, available at www.ninewest.com.

Shop for more black boots under $100 at Shopstyle.com

Six Essential Pieces for Fall