Dear Dolly:

What should I buy for fall?
Signed, Need a Little Fashion In the Carpool Line

Dear Need:
Now is a great time to recycle what you have in your closet to look updated. Start layering bulky knits with thin sweaters under dresses and with straight skirts. Pull out those Lycra exercise leggings (really, I wore my J. Crew the other night). Wear them under a dress or coat or full skirt, and you will look so hip and chic. Minis are back and worn with leggings so you won’t feel so bare. You should own at least one pair of skinny pants or jeans. The best investment this fall is probably a dramatic coat or cape—think volume—either one can be worn everyday and will immediately give you a fresh look. An oversize bag in crocodile or alligator is very this season and can be worn day or night. But be sure not to overdress in the carpool line and embarrass your child. Anything new on the feet, like a cute ankle boot or fun flat, will make you look just-right fashionable!

Dear Dolly:

Are leggings back? How do I wear them this time around? Is it Flashdance revisited?
Thanks, Jennifer Beals

Dear Jennifer:
Yes, leggings are back for fall but this time they complete the outfit—they do not stand alone under a big roomy sweater! Leggings are a way to add a layer (layering is a big look this season) and some edge to what you’re wearing and, like the skinny pant, they look best with the right shoe or boot. Wear them with the popular bootie, high heel or flat and wear them to the ankle. Mid-calf is great but best when worn with a knee-length dress for that sophisticated look. I do prefer leggings with dresses, belted tunics or skirts because the proportion works nicely. And the new leggings all have Lycra so they are flattering like black tights, seen everywhere this season. Just remember, if you wear them as pants you might as well sing, “What a Feeling.”

Dear Dolly:

I have recently gone back to work and need a stylish but practical briefcase to carry my laptop as well as some files, a cord, and maybe a wallet, keys and an iPod. I can’t carry this L.L. Bean tote anymore!
Signed, Working Mom

Dear Working:
Congratulations! There are some great satchels out there in department stores and luggage shops—it just depends on what style you like and your budget. Coach has some beautiful leather briefcases that are pretty and practical. The “Leather Flap Business Briefcase” in camel with a handle and the “Logan Brief” that includes a padded handle and adjustable strap in black are both roomy enough for a laptop and extras but not too big and masculine looking. In designer bags, look at Chloe’s “Edith” in cranberry or brown or Fendi’s “Messalina” in copper. They are the perfect size for a laptop. I like Mui Mui too—a double handled bag in brown or black leather and not so pricey. Good luck!