Hats, the longtime staple of the fashion-forward, are making a push to be the must-have accessory for fall. Personally, I used to fear hats— I bought them but never knew how wear them. This fall, I’ve armed myself with a hat how-to and sought out some well-topped inspiration. Of course, I needed to look no further than the stylish Shopbop studio. These ladies have been spotted in styles both elegant and bohemian, proving that all you really need to pull off this on-trend look is a confident smile.

--Libby S.

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Our team hit the ground running for New York Fashion Week, literally in some cases, attending shows and presentations from Shopbop’s favorite designers as well as many new names. The back and forth between Lincoln Center, Milk Studios, and the spaces in between, makes proper footwear all the more important. Shopbop buyers Jenny and Jane stuck to classic black—Jenny in sleek cap-toe booties from Sigerson Morrison, and Jane in walkable, low-heeled Alexander Wang sandals. Our Fashion Director Treena and Senior Stylist Aya trotted through the rain in matching studded booties (unplanned, they swear!) and buyer Justin shined in metallic Balenciaga sneakers.

--Libby S.

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Look 1: LOMA cape sweater, James Perse shirt, Rag & Bone/JEAN skinny jeans, Superga sneakers. Look 2: Current/Elliott jacket, Rag & Bone/JEAN tee, Current/Elliott legging jeans, Rag & Bone boots, Cheap Monday hat.

Football season is finally back. How can I maintain my style while I cheer on my team?

Nothing says fall like a crisp day spent rooting for your favorite team. A jersey or team colors is a definite must, so use updated layers to inject your personal style into the look.

A hint of green and gold (if you just happen to be cheering for America’s team) peeking out from the cozy knit of a LOMA cape is a perfect balance of football and fashion.  For a more blustery game, try a classic leather jacket with shearling trim. The rugged leather and soft accents will keep the wind at bay. Current/Elliott has a few great options, and Citizens of Humanity has a fantastic quilted denim vest that begs to be worn to a tailgate. Keep your bottom half simple, since the statement is your jersey/outerwear combo—denim leggings are both comfy and fuss-free. And finally, remember to bring a few cozy accessories and plenty of team spirit!

--Loni

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Soft, tousled waves with the perfect coolly messy finish are the envy of most women I know. It’s a style that’s often attempted but rarely successful outside the professional world. Thankfully, our in-house expert Kendra was happy to share her secrets for perfecting this in-demand look.

Step 1: Prep
Work a medium hold styling spray into damp hair, then hand dry by lifting at the roots and scrunching in the ends. When finished, your hair should look lofty and airy. If the hair around your face naturally curls, use a brush and a hair dryer to blow dry it straight.

Step 2: Section
To make curling easier, you’ll want to section your hair into three working areas: bottom, middle, and top. The bottom is the biggest section, running from ear to ear. The middle is the section from temple to temple. And the top is the leftover section at the very crown. No need to make them all from the get go, just start at the bottom and section as you go.

Step 3: Style
Time for curling! Starting at the bottom section, wrap a small chunk of hair around the iron, holding the tip with your fingers. Repeat around the whole bottom, spraying each curl with a flexible hairspray. For the next section, and this is key, wrap the hair around the iron in the opposite direction. This keeps hair from clumping. [Editor’s note: this is literally a life changing tip—I followed this advice and finally got the look I wanted.] For the top section, flip curl directions again. The only time to break this rule is with the hair right around your face. There, you always want to curl the hair away.

Step 4: Spray
Once all your hair is curled, lightly brush through it to blend everything. This softens the waves into a nice shape.

Hair and makeup by Kendra Gassner.

Step 5: Finish
Spray once more with a firmer hairspray for hold, and you are all set.

--Libby S.

Check out other great hair and beauty tips here. 

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Preppy is back for fall and I couldn’t be more excited. What is the easiest way to incorporate it in to my daily style?

Preppy styles like collared shirts, collegiate stripes, chinos, and tailored blazers feel so quintessentially fall. My go-to preppy piece is a chambray button-down. Thin and easy to layer, it’s a great place to start. With the right styling, a shirt, like this one from DSQUARED2, can easily transition from casual to dressy.

RELAXED PREP
The modern preppy look is less crisp than in the past. Ripped denim and slouchy sweaters feel right at home alongside skinny corduroys and structured totes. For this look, I started with a soft DSQUARED2 shirt layered under a semi-sheer Rag & Bone sweater. Pairing with super slim Paige Denim pants, keeps the boyish look from veering too masculine. Polished jewelry and a burgundy tote finish the look with a casual, cool-girl feel.

POLISHED PREP
Primary colors feel very on-trend here, so I tucked the DSQUARED2 shirt under a bright Alice + Olivia jacket. The navy No. 21 skirt complements the dark wash of the shirt as well as the bold jacket, while a stack of bracelets keep it looking young. Anchor the look in the modern, messier prep style with a deep side part and soft tousled waves.

--Loni

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This time of year is one of the most difficult for dressing. It’s still too warm to pack up the tanks, yet chilly enough for sweaters at night. The trick to surviving (stylishly, of course) is to make your key items work in any weather. Studio assistant Kyla has this skill mastered. On a hot day in August, we snapped her wearing her favorite denim shirt crop-tied with a maxi skirt and slouchy Frye boots. As temperatures dipped early this week, she rocked the shirt again, this time with rolled skinnies, a draped Inhabit cardigan, and classic Rag & Bone Newbury booties.

--Libby S.

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Rachel is wearing See by Chloé boots (black sold out).

With such a travel-savvy group here at Shopbop, the only thing harder than picking what to wear, is picking where to visit. Next up on the list? San Francisco. Stylist Rachel packed her bags and headed west to the City by the Bay.

Since the weather in San Francisco is a bit cooler, I jumped at the chance to get new fall boots, and these cuffed See by Chloé boots have been on my have-to-have list for way too long. They ended up being the perfect shoe for the hilly city. I wore them for lunch by the marina, sightseeing at Lyon Street Steps, shopping with my sister, and even with tights and a dress for cocktails. I can’t wait to go back!

--Rachel

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Shop See by Chloé boots.

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On Loni: necklaces from Vanessa Mooney, Iosselliani, and Heather Hawkins and a Clare Vivier clutch.

I love the look of layered necklaces but I struggle to find the right mix. Any tips?

Throwing a few necklaces over an outfit is a perfect extension of your personal style. The tricky part is making a cohesive grouping. The key is to give meaning to each piece. Varied chain textures and pendants create a look that feels like it’s curated over time. Strike a balance with similar colors and finishes. To keep the chains from clumping and tangling, layer different lengths with diverse shapes—think U shapes, with Vs, and Ys.

Another great tip is to use your neckline as a guide. A portrait collar begs for layers of necklaces. Just be sure to keep the lengths within the edges of the collar. Short necklaces will get lost on a boat neck or a crew collar, so layer long necklaces to create classic silhouette. With a button-down, you can either button it all the way up and stack short necklaces under the collar, or open the neckline to show off layers of mid-length necklaces.

--Loni

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Nails by Studio Assistant Dokia. She’s holding a Rebecca Minkoff clutch and wearing an Adina Mills Designs ring.

Whether you use a signature lacquer, paint with advanced artistic inspiration, or keep your nails natural, it’s important to not overlook basic nail health. Our in-house beauty expert Kendra has five simple tips to keep your hands happy.

1. Moisturize your hands after every wash. This keeps them from getting too dry and chapped all year long.
2. Clip your nails only when a lot of length needs to be removed. Otherwise try to file your nails to desired length. This will prevent your nails from cracking and splitting at the tips.
3. Always use a base coat when painting your nails. Skipping this part can leave you with dry, polish-stained nails.
4. Never cut your own cuticles. It can lead to infections. Use cuticle oil and gently push your cuticles back.
5. If you have extra-dry hands, rub a petroleum product all over your hands and cover them with gloves to hydrate overnight.

--Libby S.

Check out more expert beauty advice from Shopbop.

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On Phoebe: Helmut Lang blazer, A.L.C. top, Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace, Theyskens’ Theory shorts, Alexander Wang pumps. On Karina: A.L.C top, Theyskens’ Theory shorts, 3.1 Phillip Lim pumps.

The rich textures of fall are slowing seeping into our wardrobe rotations here at Shopbop. Leather is a seasonal favorite, so we asked two of our lovely stylists to create looks for each other anchored in black leather Theyskens’ Theory shorts.

Karina on Phoebe:
“I love the way a pop of black leather adds edge, balancing out an ultra-feminine look. The give a ladylike blush A.L.C. top with a preppy Marc by Marc Jacobs collar necklace a modern, fresh twist. Now, I know showing a lot of leg can be intimidating, but a flattering, pointed-toe pump will keep you feeling confident.”

Phoebe on Karina:
“Leather shorts can look tough, so I thought this feminine paisley A.L.C. top would be a great counter, especially when the shorts are worn in a boyish, uncuffed way. Graphic 3.1 Phillip Lim pumps bring out the tones in the shirt and shorts, and a structured blush clutch adds just a hint of color.”

--Libby S.

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Hi there, Shoptalk readers! It's Liz from Sequins & Stripes sharing three fall-inspired outfits to take you from day to night as the days get cooler.

Equipment Anita Slim Signature Blouse // Juliet & Company Magique Necklace // Stella McCartney Round Sunglasses // Jennifer Zeuner Cursive Love Bracelet // Juicy Couture Eton Plaid Pants // Messeca NY Jacqueline Ballet Flats  //  Rebecca Minkoff Python iPhone Case // Christopher Kon Lady Woven Wallet // See by Chloé Clic Clic Keychain // Loeffler Randall Rider Bag

Wilt dress, Lisa Marie Fernandez swimsuit, Soludos flats, Stella McCartney sunglasses, Rag & Bone tote.

I want to get a few more summer essentials before parkas and boots take over. What should I stock up on?

As summer winds down, I take advantage of late summer arrivals and look for classic warm-weather items that will last me through Labor Day and last-ditch beach parties. Scuba-inspired swim is still huge. Look to Lisa Marie Fernandez and Zimmermann for sporty suits that can double as fun, sexy tops. Cotton dresses are a great go-to for late summer, and for the inevitable fall heat wave, I love the easy silhouettes and fun colors from Wilt. Finally, pick up a few of your summer standards. I always end the season with a new pair of Soludos espadrilles, a printed beach bag, and simple sunglasses. You can score some awesome deals, and you know they will still work next summer.

--Loni

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Introducing the Michael Kors New York Limited Edition Chronograph Watch. An update on one of the designer’s bestselling timepieces, the New York watch pays homage to Kors’s hometown, with “New York” script and a luxe diamond on the dial and an etched NYC skyline on the case back. We’re obsessed with this limited run (only 2,000 were made), and so far, our favorite way to wear it is paired with a simple, single Michael Kors bracelet.

--Amie

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Moto Jacket: Cut25 by Yigal Azrouel. Look 1: Charlotte Ronson Floral Dress, Michael Kors Collection Gia Saddle Bag, Aquazzura Cutout Sandals. Look 2: A.L.C. Joni Sweater, Alexander Wang Shirt, James Jeans Skinny Jeans, Alice + Olivia Booties.

I’d like to invest in a leather moto jacket. How can I get the most wear out of it as we transition from summer to fall?

Hands down, a leather moto jacket is a great investment for your wardrobe. With timeless appeal and endless versatility, it’s sure to be a go-to fave for ages. A soft leather Cut25 jacket is a great piece to throw on in almost every season. For chilly summer evenings, pair your jacket with a flowing, printed dress. This adds a hint of masculinity to a sweet, feminine outfit. In the fall, it’s about layering! Wearing your jacket over a button-down and sweater combo toughens up a crisp fall look. 

--Rachel

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Today, Merritt from The Style Scribe takes her turn styling a fall essential: leather. See how she does it in both pant and skirt form.

Photography by Natalie Cortes

Hey guys, it's Merritt from The Style Scribe here to show you how I wear my favorite leather pieces for fall. Leather is one of my absolute favorite materials to work with—it's soft, luxurious, and can be easily dressed up or down.

The first look above features my Helmut Lang leather pants and my new Vince bottle-green sweater (love!). Can't beat that juxtaposition of casual and glamorous. This is a look that goes perfectly from day to night and it super comfortable. No muss, no fuss.

Pants: Helmut Lang, Sweater: Vince, Bag: Chanel, Sunglasses: Dior (similar here), Shoes: Kate Spade (similar here), Necklace: Rich x Ruse (similar here), Watch: BCBG (similar here), Bracelet: Chan Luu

Often overlooked for trendier pieces, the basic tee is a wardrobe workhorse that deserves some time in the spotlight. Super-soft variations from T by Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and James Perse feel great and pull double duty in the styling department. A tee can send a casual, sexy message when worn with skinny jeans and killer pumps, while pairing it with a pencil skirt and funky blazer is a coolly professional look. Find a cut and silhouette that works for your style (I love the deep V from LNA) and stock up in every color.

--Libby S.

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Pictured clockwise from the left: Hemlut Lang sweater, BB Dakota vest, 3.1 Phillip Lim jacket, LD Tuttle booties, Rag & Bone/JEAN jeans.

Fall is coming and I’m looking to refresh my wardrobe with things that are cool but not too trendy. What are your fall must-haves?

Fall is the perfect time to update your wardrobe with stylish investment pieces. The key is to look for classic silhouettes and time-tested styles. Check out my top five recommendations for a fashion-filled season.

GO ANYWHERE BOOTIE
Finding a walkable and fashionable shoe is the driving passion of footwear fanatics everywhere. The marbled suede exterior and stable, cushioned footbed of the LD Tuttle booties pictured go the distance in both style and comfort.

LAYERING KNIT
Soft knits anchor an autumn look in casual, cozy warmth.  An asymmetrical Helmut Lang sweater tosses easily into a handbag and is perfect for pulling together an effortless look.

DISTRESSED JEANS
A staple in any wardrobe, a great pair of distressed jeans lends a pinch of edge to any jean look. A pair from Rag & Bone/JEAN has a fantastic fit and a hint of stylish attitude

EASY OVERCOAT
A chill in the air means warm layers. To avoid getting lost in a big puffy coat, reach for a sleek silhouette with minimalist details. 3.1 Phillip Lim has slim styles that complement your everyday looks without adding bulk.

FUR VEST
A fur vest—or faux fur, like one from BB Dakota—is a great option for both inside and outside wear. These styles can be oversized, so keep your other layers fitted to balance out the silhouette. .

--Loni

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The fall arrivals are starting to trickle in, but summer's heat isn't going anywhere just yet. We've asked The Stylebook's Krystal Schlegel to style a fall classic, the pleated leather mini, for weather both warm and cool.

The leather Alice + Olivia skirt can be worn year-round just by tweaking your accessories.

I call the fall version a London look for a working girl on the go. I styled it with a classic trench, oversized Karen Walker sunnies, black booties, and a Celine bag. This look would also be great paired with black tights when it gets really cold (Spanx are my favorite!).

The temperatures have finally dropped below 90, and I can’t help but dream of fall layers. The reason for my autumnal musings? An influx of Equipment sweaters. To the delight of their devoted, blouse-loving fan base, the French line has introduced a collection of super-soft cashmere sweaters in a rainbow of rich colors. Constructed in fine knit, they layer perfectly over crisp collared shirts and print button-downs. Fall might be two months away, but these sweaters will be in my closet long before then.

--Libby S.

Shop Equipment sweaters.

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The nail art phenomenon has shown no signs of slowing down, and we needed to look no further than one of our own stylish Shopboppers to find a unique perspective on the trend. Studio Assistant Dokia boasts a collection of more than 50 polishes and updates her mani nearly every day (amazing right?), so we challenged her to find some finger inspiration in an unusual place: two iPhone covers.

GRAPHIC CONTENT
“The wild pattern of the DANNIJO iPhone case called for an equally electric look, so I started with a glittering green base and layered crackle polish over a single nail for an unexpected twist.”

SLEEK SNAKE
“The snake-print Rebecca Minkoff iPhone case demanded something sleeker. After paining a metallic red base, I added a regal gold tip to every other nail. What can you say, I love nail art!”

--Libby S.

Check out other expert beauty advice from Shopbop.

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