When You're Not a Winnetka Waif: Fall Trends for the Real Woman

Let’s face it—most of us can’t squeeze into those size 2 skinnies, but that doesn’t mean we can’t embrace this season’s best styles.

Many designers and stores offer great size options that don’t all involve solid black. Here are some of our favorites.

Luxe Layers
This season’s menswear blazers look fab and hide all manner of sins, just remember to balance the silhouette. Wear with slim or bootcut denim—we love these flattering jeans from Michael Kors—and a colorful camisole or belted tunic.

Michael Michael Kors Double Zip Blazer, $140, bloomingdales.com
Calvin Klein Jeans Print Tunic, $79.50, nordstrom.com
Michael Michael Kors Sausalito Jeans, $79.50, macys.com

Soldier Girl
Military may be masculine, but this shirtdress shows off your best curves. As the weather cools, it will look equally chic with black tights and flat boots.

Calvin Klein Belted Stretch Denim Shirtdress, $138, nordstrom.com

Jewelicious
We’re not sure which is more charming—the lovely indigo shade of this shift dress or its feminine draping that will flatter any figure. This is also a great day-to-night dress—after work, just add a sequined cardigan and some sparkly earrings and you’re ready to hit the town.

Suzy Chin Maggy Boutique Drape Front Dress, $128, nordstrom.com

Party Cardi
Speaking of sequined cardigans, we like this one in gray that you can dress up or down. Belt it over a jewel-toned camisole and black pants or dark denim, then add a statement necklace and sparkly cocktail ring.

Halogen Embellished Belted Cardigan, $88, nordstrom.com
Halogen Lace Trim Tank, $32, nordstrom.com
Stretch Tailoring Zip Trousers by Anna Scholz, $161, lagrandedame.com

Formal Flare
This cocktail number hits on so many levels we’re thinking of calling it the magic dress. The wrap top and scalloped skirt will flatter your curves while making you look lean in all the right places, while the lavender shade will look as gorgeous at winter holiday parties as it will at spring weddings. Accessorize with icy diamonds or rhinestones.

Adrianna Papell Jersey & Satin Dress, $188, nordstrom.com

Statement Bling
As sales rep and mother of three Mary Beth Goss, of Winnetka, says, “Women of size must accessorize.” Find a great black or navy dress that you love, and change up its look by pairing it with different dramatic necklaces, earrings and scarves (this is a good rule for all women, everywhere). Everyone’s focus will be on your face as well as your artistic style.

Temple St. Clair Teardrop Bib Necklace, $49.99, target.com
Falling Star Earrings, $148, anthropologie.com
Couvertures et Tenues de Jour Scarf, $375, hermes.com