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.

Open Front Tweed Jacket ($24.80)

Rating: Wear It Forever

Fit: Sydne and I finally made it to a store with the Love 21 Contemporary line and while I was excited to try on some clothes that were not made for 15-year-olds or club skanks (or 15-year-old club skanks? I’m pretty sure those exist in some places), I am a little sad to say a lot of pieces in this more conservative line kinda overdid it on the frump. But we’ll get to those later–this post is about something that I liked and did not frumpy at all. No, this little tweed jacket was cute and sophisticated with its clean lines and 3/4 sleeves. Sure anything with a 3/4 quarter sleeve automatically wins my approval but this jacket totally earned it..

Versatility: This is definitely something you can wear with a nice pair of jeans and flats (my favorite look) or throw on over a LBD for dinner.

Trend Factor: Tweed is one of the reasons I love fall so much.

Demographic: Everyone

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

Side Sequin Trim Top ($24.80)

Rating: Wear it forever (or at least till the beads fall off)

Fit: Amidst sequin overload, I discovered this beaded top that looked like it could easily have come from J. Crew, where embellished tees can cost you over $100. Unlike some of the tops I’ve tried at Michelle Obama’s favorite store, Forever 21’s polished beads were light enough that they didn’t weigh down the extremely soft shirt. I’m not promising the beads will stay on, but while they do, they look expensive.

Versatility: Since the shirt is so thin, I wouldn’t recommend wearing it tucked out over a pair of jeans. Luckily, it’s leggings season.

Trend Factor: Both gray and nude are in for fall—as are embellishments. But since the beadwork isn’t so in your face as other sequined tops, this one is more of a classic. Just something a little fancier than your average t-shirt.

Demographic: Everyone

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

Color Blocked Leggings ($22.00)

Rating: Wear it Forever

Fit: Most. Comfy. Things. Ever. Seriously, I did not want to take these off. If I hadn’t promised myself I wouldn’t buy anything that shopping trip they would be on my legs right now. Granted, the light color made my butt look two sizes larger than it is but a tunic or long sweater would quickly fix that.

Versatility: Really, how often can you wear pale gray leggings with rhinestones at the ankles? But they definitely beat your college sweats for a lazy Sunday.

Trend Factor: Military is in, and the leggings had a bedazzled militaristic feel—like the sweater that had too many pearls even for Jen.

Demographic: Everyone

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