Wool Blend Overcoat ($39.80)

Rating: Wear It Forever

Fit: It was love at first sight when I saw this coat pop up on F21’s website. 60’s Jackie O vibe always instant love in my book. But you never know if an Internet relationship is going to work out until you meet in real life (make sure it’s a public place!). So Wool Blend and I met up after a couple more weeks of intense Internet bonding and I’ll admit, I was a little let down. Blame my high expectations but the weird hem you can kinda make out on the photo above is much more prominent in real life. It’s less noticeable in black, but I had already bonded so intensely with cream colored Wool Blend that I decided to look past this flaw and now we’re happily living together.

Versatility: It works pretty good as a general defense against cool fall weather and also really pulled together my half-assed Jackie O Halloween costume.

Trend Factor: Perfect to feed your 1960’s Mad Men obsession if you happen to have one. Ahhhhh! What’s going to happen on tonight’s season finale?! More Joan pls.

Demographic: 20s, Sophisticated

Satin Jacquard Skirt ($15.80)

Rating: Wear it forever

Fit: Now whenever I see jacquard I think of Michelle Obama, but that’s certainly not a bad thing. I think the first lady would approve of this skirt which is slimming, thank to vertical pleating, which give just enough volume to hide your flaws, yet still lies flat across the body. And when you don’t know what to do with your hands during an awkward conversation with your boyfriend’s boss, you can just slip them in the hidden slant pockets.

Versatility: It’s a great skirt for the holidays because it can easily take you from work to a party. Wear it with a blazer and tights at the office, then take off your jacket at night and show off a silky cami and your fave statement necklace.

Trend Factor: Purple is one of the hottest colors for fall, but it’s often on trend for fall so really, this skirt is a classic.

Demographic: 20s, Sophisticated

Blotchy Floral Woven Dress ($22.80)

Rating: Wear it Forever

Fit: Padded busts. A Forever 21 feature Jen and I absolutely despise. But there’s an exception to every rule and this is one of them. The subtle padding combined with the crossover sweetheart neckline actually enhances the bust, rather than making it look like you just got a bad boob job. Then there’s the waist, which actually hits at the waist. Hallelujah! The full pleated skirt is extremely flattering and unless you’re one of those lucky model-types, you shouldn’t have a problem with the hem. The only part I didn’t like about the dress was the straps, but those are removable.

Versatility: I adore florals for the winter. Make the dress cold weather appropriate with plum tights and gray pumps or ribbed charcoal tights, sparkly flats and a cardi. When it starts to heat up, this dress obviously works for spring and if you get bored with the bow, you can easily remove it and throw on belt to show off your waist.

Trend Factor: Florals are in, but really when are they ever not?

Demographic: Teens, 20s and maybe 30somethings might be able to get away with. I’d just recommend replacing the bow with a thin, sophisticated belt ASAP.

Draped Cardigan ($24.80)

Rating: Buy It Maybe

Fit: This cardigan (this is not a cardigan, btw) has absolutely no fit so really I shouldn’t spend too much time going on about it. But I’m just going to say I’m not the biggest fan, that’s just a taste thing though because really it’s just a piece of fabric with two holes cut in it for arms, there’s not much to hate. Also in the store it had a safety pin to hold it together and I was not into it but then Sydne was like “It’s actually a trend for fall” and I was still like ew. Anyway, now that I see the model just wearing it all open and free, I kinda feel stupid for wearing the safety pin.

Versatility: I understand that the comfort factor this sweater thing offers is seriously high. So buy it to sip hot chocolate by the fireplace while reading The New York Times Style Section. That’s totally okay with me. Also, grocery store shopping/general errand running is a suitable place to don such a shapeless piece of fabric. Oh, and morning coffee runs but those might fall under general errand running. America’s Next Top Model viewing parties with a few good friends? Yeah, this could work for that. One more! Baby bump concealer.

Trend: I’ve already mentioned the safety pin aspect of it, if that was actually intended. Also, fall is a time when the weather starts to cool so sweaters are huge during this particular season. (Duh. I know you know that.)

Demographic: 20s, lounge-y sophisticate

Floral Printed Dress ($39.00)

Rating: Buy It Maybe

Fit: This is a cute enough dress–nice print, 40’s inspired silhouette. For a lot of people this dress will work and look supercute while for a lot of other people the cut of the skirt will make them look like a bell. I happen to fall into that latter category. The way the skirt comes in to form the bottom ruffles really exaggerates the hips in an unflattering way. However for more narrow hipped girls, congratulations, this dress is perfect for you.

Versatility:With tights and boots you can probably wear this well into fall.

Trend Factor: The colors are definitely welcoming fall and being from the Twelve by Twelve line, F21 is trying to conjure up a little vintage feelings.

Demographic: 20s

Slinky Knit Dress ($22.80)

Rating: Wear it forever

Fit: If I didn’t know better, I would think Diane von Furstenberg was designing a affordable line for Forever 21. This dress fits just as well as printed DVF pieces in my closet. The piping at the empire waist draws attention up towards a flattering neckline and the subtle pleating below lets the dress drape effortless across the hips. If you’re better equipped than I am in the bust area, for starters I envy you, but you can always layer a colorful cami underneath when you’re at the office (Forever has them in basically every color for $2.50). And I’m usually not a fan of dresses that tie in the back but everything else was on point so I’m willing to let it slide.

Versatility: This is the perfect day-to-night piece. Wear it to work then throw on some bright lipstick and maybe Forever’s Crystal Mesh Necklace ($5.80) or Droplet Draped Necklace ($5.80) and you’re ready for happy hour.

Trend Factor: A printed dress that gives you a spectacular hourglass shape is always in style.

Demographic: 20s, Sophisticated

Velvet Sheath Dress ($29.80)

Rating: Wear it Forever

Fit: I had very low expectations when I saw this dress on the hanger. But after trying it on, it took an immense amount of will power not to buy it. And the only reason I didn’t buy it is because I already have a velvet LBD and I’m trying to save money. But it fits like a glove and reminds me on a vintage Jean Paul Gautier. Plus, since it’s part of the Love 21 collection, it’s not too short and the cutout is just the right amount of revealing. Even the beaded neckline was impressive. Up close, sure it had a few loose threads. But when a dress clings to your curves the way this one does, nobody is going to be staring at your necklace.

Versatility: I think Jen said three times what a great holiday dress this is (she came very close to convincing me to buy it). And she’s right: wear it with strappy gold sandals, black tight and pumps, with booties and a leather jacket, knee-high boots and a blazer and even sparkly tights with ballet flats and you have just about every type of holiday party covered. Plus, it’s stretchy. So you don’t have worry about indulging in the eggnog.

Trend Factor: Velvet is super trendy for fall. Forever 21 failed before but made up for it with this dress.

Demographic: 20s, Sophisticated

Jacquard Evening Dress ($24.80)

Rating: Wear it forever

Fit: Finally! A dress that hits the waist just right . This dress wasn’t extraordinary but for 25 bucks it’s pretty perfect. The banded collar elongates the neck, the pleated skirt is roomy enough that you don’t have to worry about wearing Spanx, the exposed zipper in the back adds an extra trendy element and the hemline is short but still appropriate enough to wear after you’ve had kids. My only complaint? The fabric belt loops that pop out on the sides of the dress. But with a few snips that’s a very quick fix.

Versatility: The website says it’s an evening dress. And yes, you’ll look like Audrey Hepburn with a pearl necklace and some classic black pumps. But you can also easily wear this to the office with some bright color tights, flats and a cardigan.

Trend Factor: Michelle Obama is a major fan of jacquard. And you know anything the First Lady touches is a fashion hit.

Demographic: 20s, Sophisticated

Exposed Zip Jacket ($38.00)

Rating: Trendy For Now

Fit: Why do I like this? I’ve spent all afternoon pondering what it means to my identity that I like this. I am someone who dresses like a old lady and not a 24-year-old and then spends the rest of my day wondering if my 42-year-old self will be mad at my 24-year-old self for not showing it off when I could have or whatever. So I just don’t get it! Anyway, like I was saying, I would never wear this exposed zipper vest but I would love to see someone with a more edgy style really just wear the shit out of it. I’m not a fan of the belt because it makes the whole thing look more like a Project Runway “make something of these car parts” challenge but whatever. Someone put on some fierce shoes and go out for drinks in this.

Versatility: Ladies night! Definitely something you need to sex up for nights out with the girls.

Trend Factor: I think exposed zippers are supposed to be cool or maybe I’ve just seen too many celebrities like Kate Bosworth in the Philip Lim dress I love.

Demographic: 20s

Faux Leather Skort ($17.80)

Rating: Trendy for Now

Fit: I cracked up when I tried this on. I don’t think I’ve seen a skort since the early ’90s! But the skirt is so short that I was thrilled there were itty-bitty shorts underneath. On the hangers this was my least fave, but it fit the best because there were no pleats or volume attempts. It simply laid flat.

Versatility: To my surprise, I’ve already worn this skirt three times since buying it days before New York Fashion Week. I’ll prob wear it with tights at least three more times if this heat ever goes away.

Trend Factor: Biker chic was all over the fall runways—as was exposed hardware.

Demographic: Teens, 20s