Long cardigans are great layering pieces for the last days of summer and will keep you warm well into fall. For now, stash one in your bag in the morning, and pull it out when you get to the office, where the A/C is probably cranked so low you feel as though you’re about to get frostbite. As the weather cools, try reaching for a cardigan instead of a jacket; they are great layered over long-sleeved dresses, t-shirts, and even other knits. Stick with airy, light-weight versions of the staple now, and when the air turns crisp, try out something a bit heavier.

This brown Chloe cardigan is a fabulously versatile option — it works over a dress, belted as a jacket, or even just on its own. To get this look, throw it on over a light weight T-shirt and a pair of tights, add a belt, and you’ve got a fantastic sweater dress. Plus, it’s cashmere—super soft and cozy! Available at Net-A-Porter.com.

Le Prairies de Paris’ blue “Colombo” cardigan is also a great investment. It lays open, without a closure, which means you can easily throw it on for a pop of color over a T-shirt and pair of black jeans on the weekend, or belt it over a beautiful blouse and pair of trousers for a more polished look during the week. Available at LaGarconne.com.

Finally, we love this grey cable knit cardigan from Lutz & Patmos. It would be smart addition to your wardrobe as it gets cooler—think of it as a fall coat. A play on textures looks really chic, so try layering it over a super soft, flowy dress. Available at LaGarconne.com.

Our sources tell us, if you’re on the hunt for any of these looks at a certain price, both the Gap and Banana Republic have great long cardigans with friendly price tags!

Fall is just around the corner—and fashion week is just a couple of weeks away! It’s time to start thinking about how to update your wardrobe for the coming season. Here are five items we think you need to give your closet a boost:

The Stiletto
When we saw the army of chic, LBD-clad glamazons strut down the Balenciaga catwalk in those vertiginous 6-inch heels, we knew the stiletto was back. And just in time, too: with fall’s return to more lady-like dressing, they make the perfect accessory. We love them paired with perfectly sculpted wool dresses and high-waisted pencil skirts. Here, YSL’s Nicole stiletto in purple and black patent leather, available at Barneys.com.

The Cropped Pant
Let there be no question: this season’s runways saw pants of all kinds—harem, pegged, slouchy, and pleated, to name a few. We think one of the chicest versions of the trend is the slightly cropped pant, cut right at the ankle. Seen on stylish women for years—think Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O—a modern interpretation, paired with edgy ankle booties and a romantic blouse, is perfect for right now. Here, 3.1 Philip Lim’s Cropped Carrot Pant, available at LaGarconne.com.

The Tuxedo Blazer
Seen on stylish stars like Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow as a new alternative to the boyfriend blazer—and on perennial fashion heavyweights like Diane von Furstenberg and Carolina Herrera as part of total le smoking looks—the tuxedo blazer is one of fall’s most versatile pieces. Try one layered over a great pair of jeans and a t-shirt for day, or over a chic dress for evening. Here, Paul & Joe’s Edgarpoe Tuxedo Jacket, available at Net-A-Porter.com.

The Statement Piece
One of our favorite trends from spring, costume jewelry, has carried on into fall, and we couldn’t be happier! We love great statement pieces; not only are they a fantastic way to add some immediate personality to a lackluster ensemble, but they can also be found at any price. Layer a bold necklace over a simple T and chic skirt to spice up a day look, or, for evening, amp up a simple cocktail sheath with a chunky cuff. Here, a rhinestone bib necklace from House of Lavande.

The Long Skirt
The long and short of it: fall’s hemlines have dropped well below the knee. Whether it’s recession-dressing, or simply a return to plain modesty, this season is all about the calf and the ankle. We love a super-skinny pencil skirt paired with a fitted knit and a chunky shoe, or a mid-calf length, a-line version with a menswear shirt and flat boots. Here, the Bronwyn silk skirt, by Jonathan Saunders, available at Net-A-Porter.com.

The long cardigan is the perfect piece to seamlessly transition your Summer looks into Fall. The much beloved “grandpa sweater” has always been an essential closet staple, but these three chic girls are really rockin' it the right way.

(L-R)
Look 1: We love how Danielle paired the long sweater with short jean shorts–the play on the lengths is great and makes for the perfect laid-back summer look. Tip: the sweater is from H & M!

Look 2: In the second photo, Catherine pulled together an incredibly chic ensemble pairing the long cardigan with a flow-y, printed dress. By belting the sweater she really pulls the outfit together making it feel more like a polished look and ready for the Fall season.

Look 3: Finally, we love the cozy look that Courtney has going on — the cocoa colored sweater looks great against her dark denim jeans and works well with her printed top. We l-o-v-e how long the sleeves are on her sweater! We think she looks effortlessly stylish — and comfortable — which is key! This Fall look makes us want trade in our flip-flops for boots ASAP.

Monday morning, huh? We know, we feel the same way. That is why we are going to feature “10 Things I Love” interview on Mondays, to get your week started in the right direction. The Closet Couture team will gush about what we love first, so that you get to know us a little bit better, then we will feature stylists, retailers, and members!

10 Things I Love: Chris Elia

Favorite Designer(s)?

I love Michael Bastian’s aesthetic—prep with a personal twist. Dries van Noten makes the most amazing scarves, ties, and interesting updates on seemingly basic items. I also love Bottega Veneta for its timeless appeal—Thomas Maier’s creations look great now, but they will also be relevant in ten years.

Favorite Jeans?

I love APC’s denim—it comes completely unwashed, totally rigid. It softens and forms to the shape of your legs as you own them. I live in their New Standard cut. Also, Seven for All Mankind’s Ginger jean…dark washed, bootleg cut. Works for me!

Day Uniform?

Rolled Pants, J. Crew Button Down Shirt, Lanvin patent blue marine flats, Blinde baby bagel sunglasses, Closet Couture Tote Bag

Night Uniform?

Crisp White Shirt, Dark Denim Jeans, Denis Columbe scarf, and gold bangles

Favorite Fragrance?

I like to mix—usually Santa Maria Novella Melograno and R & G Vetiver. I also love Aqua di Parma… can you tell I am also an Italian citizen??

Favorite Artist(s)?

Louise Bourgois, Lee Krasner and Lucian Freud, for his whippet paintings

Favorite Shopping Site?

I love ShopJake.com. It’s the online component of the store Jake, located in Chicago. They’ve always got such a great selection of new designers and things I’ve never seen before—for both men and women. Plus, it is named after Jake Ryan from 16 Candles…the hottest guy ever.

Favorite Vacation Spot/Hotel?

Dutton Hot Springs, Dutton, CO. An former ghost / mining town that was bought and re-done several years ago. Individual cabins in the beautiful Colorado mountains with plenty of hot springs all over the property. Bliss.

Favorite Annual Event/Celebration?

There’s a little town in Massachusetts, about forty-five minutes north of Boston, called Hamilton, home to Myopia Hunt Club. My favorite thing to do when visiting the in-laws in August is to head over for Sunday afternoon horse shows, club polo and of course, tailgating.

Favorite thing about Closet Couture?

I love the sharing of closets function! It’s so cool that you can go into one of your friend’s closets, and create looks for them.

Our favorite actress from NBC's Lipstick Jungle, Lindsay Price was spotted hanging out at McCarren Pool this week. Taking in the Wilco concert with a crowd of Brooklyn hipsters, Lindsay blended in perfectly, sporting a cute mini skirt and Frye boots. We loved how she wore an edgy look but still looked refined by pairing it with a plaid shirt and a vintage Louis Vutton bag. Looking forward to seeing Lindsay, Brooke, et. al. pounding the pavement come the Fall Season.