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1. The Neutral, but Unusual, Knit

A basic, wearable – but slightly unique – piece is the one thing you absolutely need in your closet and, lucky cats, Fall 2006 is going to give you the very best knitwear options. Slouchy, oversized sweaters, easy, long and loose cardigans – even the dresses to come in this sector are worthy of investment. We can’t think of a time where cashmere, wool, cotton and alpaca have gotten more creative. Make this the one addition you must have in your closet – the designs have never been cooler! Choose your selection wisely – the right novelty sweater or knit dress can be a timeless classic in your closet long after the season’s trend passes.

2. The Platform Pump or Wedge

There’ll be plenty of ways to work your leather knee boots come fall, but don’t be tempted to make another investment! Much of what’s coming in resembles things of last year, and if you’ve already made plenty of previous boot buys, you’ll probably be able to coast through 2006 without issue. Focus instead on a killer platform pump, peep toe or slingback – nearly every designer on the market has something to offer.

Skip the Louboutin pump style that has now knocked off by everybody from Steve Madden to Jessica Simpson and go with a clean, cool wedge (Tara Subkoff for Easy Spirit, etc.) or suede pump – you’ll be ahead of the curve and able to rework again in the coming year.

3. The Sophisticated, Sturdy Handbag

Who isn’t glad to see the hobo bag take a backseat to something different? Fall 2006 bags are sturdy, structured and sophisticated, from Marc Jacob’s quilted patent leather styles with chain handles to YSL’s enormous satchel, the coming season is all about stiff, stoic bags.

4. The Color Gray

Nothing speaks fall like a slick, slate or watery gray tone, the perfect match for so many other hues on trend for the season. Mix dark charcoal with black, light gray with ivory, chalky stone with pale neutrals – you can’t go wrong with whatever shade you select. If there’s one item we want in our closet, it’s something in this hue – look to suede pumps and boots, handbags, and cozy knits, as well as tights and leggings for the coming season.

5. Something Patent

Patent leather can be hard to work around but a little experimenting and you’ll quickly see why it’s such a great addition to an outfit. Again, forgo the Louboutin/Steve Madden/Everybody else on the planet patent, closed toe platform pump for something unique and innovative – be it a slick, sophisticated knee boot in a candy color or a strong patent handbag. Belts, headbands and buckle cuffs tap the trend with a little something unexpected.

6. The Skirt

Isn’t it funny how things come around? Dresses were bananas for Fall 2005 and Spring/Summer ’06, but the coming season is all about the skirt once again. We’re not talking about the hippie style or peasant vibe, but a refined, creative take on classic pencil and A-line designs. Watch for pleated hems and reverse pouf cuts in grown-up girl fabrics like tweed, rayon, wool and subdued silk and satin. The look is hot with platform pumps and closed-toe wedges, though you should be able to slip in last year’s leather knee boot buys without missing a stylish vibe.

7. The Relaxed Vibe

That contrived, over-styled feel of 2005 has also taken a back seat, bowing to the newfound trend of simply throwing on something fabulous. Heavy thought, overly layered pieces and the editorially styled vibe that has championed the looks of teen-bop stars like Hillary Duff, Nicole Richie and Jessica Simpson has fallen to the wayside for a more clean, creative but simple vision. Toss on a loose knit with an easy pair of slim cut pants with a wide, double row leather belt and you’ve got the look – it’s much more intuitive without the heavy-laden sense of recognition-focused fashion.