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The good news is that fashion has taken a more ladylike dressed-up turn for the fall. And to keep this fall/winter clothes young at heart and up to date, the new fashion trends are figure friendly and an easy mix into what you already have. Even more exciting - this year's cold weather must-haves are the answer to many of our fashion prayers.

1. The sweater coat.
If you've been looking for an alternative to a jacket to cover your hips and buttocks, the sweater coat may be the one item you've got to buy. It's the new statement sweater, so versatile you'll probably be layering it over everything from jeans and trousers to dresses and skirts. If purchasing only one, then buy it in grey. Grey works with last season's blacks, browns, navy, ivory and jewel tones. You'll find them in a range of silhouettes from hip to above-the-knee lengths in shapes from big buttoned classic v-neck cardigans, to modern short sleeve cocoon variations with a high button or tie neck or chunky, fluffy, ribbed and flat knit texture styles in cowl and shawl collar styles.

2. A short sleeve turtleneck.
Get one or more in different colors while they're hot! For all of us who may be shy of showing off our neck for personal reasons, we all know that these little problem solvers are not always easy to find. The short sleeve version can be layered over a lightweight silky long sleeve tee or for even a dressier look, try a silky white or jewel tone long sleeve style for the colder days ahead.

3. A silky jewel tone ladylike blouse.
Pretty on its own with jeans, pants or skirts and fabulous under a suit, choose one in a the new dressy shade of pink, cobalt, burgundy or plum to put some color next to your face and dress up any separates you may already have. Don't be afraid to mix in a deep orange to wear with last year's brown tweeds, or work in a neon green that can be combined with black or beige, or try a heated pink to wear with grey. If you feel like blouses in these vibrant colors are just too much for you, select a darker color and then add a silky shiny colorful scarf or a jewel toned broach.

4. Chunky heels.
Whether you have your eye on a new pair of round toe pumps, the new shoe boots, or ankle or knee high boots, this season's well-heeled looks all have chunkier heels, which means that they'll be easier and more comfortable to walk in than some styles from years' past. Just don't get carried away and buy more new shoes than you can wear out in a season or two. We all know heel styles are the first things to go out of fashion.

If you plan to purchase a new pair of the irresistible array of high heeled shoe styles to go with a dress or skirt, make sure the cut of the shoe or boot you choose shows off your legs to their best. Yes, those demi-boots look fabulous on the display table, but do try them on with fall/ winter's must-wear black hose and the dress you plan to wear with the shoes to be sure you're not cutting into your leg line just to be in style.

5. Ballerina flats.
The assortment of colors, prints, patterns and details
including buckles and bows, make this season's flats another ultra- ladylike pick. If heels aren't your thing, you can now find a pair of ballerina flats to go with anything.

6. A boxy-shaped bag.
There are those of us who just don't feel together
without at least one new bag for the season. The boxy shapes are great carry-alls. If you're feeling that you need to add some punch to your wardrobe, choose one of the new jewel tone leathers. Pick a shade that works as a "basic" with everything you own, especially if your wardrobe is screaming for a little color. You'll be surprised what a deep red or green can do for your navy, brown, gray and black looks. Most of the new bags have some statement hardware on them. This is where you want to choose carefully. The less hardware (silver and gold buckles, chains, studs) the more wear you'll get from your new bag and the better you'll feel about the way your new bag works with shoes, jewelry and coats.

7. A dress.
You may not need one for work, but you've got to have a least one of the body skimming stunners for a client lunch or dinner, an interview or a corporate party. Even if you typically prefer jeans and tee shirt, this season, the "girls" are taking the opportunity to dress up for special occasion lunches out with friends or co-workers. A plain and simple black or even a red sheath dress can be just as comfortable when worn with flats and a casual cardigan in any of the new grey shades or a steely blue gray knit. And for all those other occasions, you already know how to dress a plain and simple dress up to the nines.