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

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

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

Pleated Silky Dress ($22.80)

Rating: Buy It Maybe

Fit: You can see Sydne sneaking into my dressing room behind me and the first thing she said was, “Whoa boobies!” And seriously, whoa boobies in this dress. I tried it on because anything pleaty immediately request a trip to the dressing room and I’m happy to report these are flattering pleats, but it is low cut so it might work better for the smaller chested girls out there. Also, it was quite hard to find one of these dresses on the rack that wasn’t riddled with runs in the polyester so just beware that this dress will inevitably get ruined. In fact, I imagine it will happen the first night you wear it out, but I’m probably just being a pessimist. Actually, no. That probably makes me a realist.

Versatility: This is a nice dress for an evening out.

Trend Factor: The light color and pleated skirt evoke a sort of Old Hollywood vibe.

Demographic: 20s, Sophisticated

Leopard Combo Dress ($24.80)

Rating: Trendy for Now

Fit: I hated this dress at first. The bottom half looked fab, especially if I had Spanx underneath, but the patterned top cut off my neck, making me look like I was wearing a dress four sizes too small. We then tried pulling the neckline down on each side, and bam! Supercute dress. You can attach tiny brooches to your bra straps to achieve the same sweetheart neckline.

Versatility: Between the animal print and bodycon bottom, this dress screams, “Take me out to a hot club!” With some sexy gladiators or sky-high booties, you shouldn’t have to wait behind the velvet rope.

Trend Factor: A mix between Hervé Léger bandage and Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana leopard, this dress is right on trend for the upcoming months.

Demographic: 20s, Sophisticated

Tie Back Sweater ($19.00)

Rating: Wear It Forever

Fit: The ribbing on the sweater is extremely slimming, as it draws attention to your chest while creating a narrower midsection (though busty women, you might want to steer clear). The pearl beaded posies look just as nice as any 50+ J. Crew embellishments and the lavender, taupe and black are equally pretty, making it difficult to choose which color to buy.

Versatility: The only reason I didn’t purchase the sweater is a) I’ve been spending way too much during my Forever21Report research shopping trips and b) I rarely wear pants. The ribbed empire waist would look weird tucked into my ubiquitous pencil skirts at work. But if you’re a slacks girl, go for it!

Trend Factor: The embellishments tie-in with fall’s lady-like looks but the sweater overall is simple enough to wear year after year.

Demographic: 20s, Sophisticated

Blurred Floral Bustier Top ($17.80)

Rating: Buy It Maybe

Fit: Finally! A corset style top at Forever 21 without that tacky elastic back. Granted, the quality wasn’t perfect. I could already see the sticking unraveling at the bust. But the print is pretty and a zipper is better than elastic any day unless you’re preggers.

Versatility: Wear it over jeans with a blazer or tucked into a high-waist skirt.

Trend Factor: Artistic prints and florals are perfect for transitioning from summer into fall.

Demographic: 20s, Sophisticated