Fashion essentials for the season

It is time to update your closet and push your summer shifts to the back. Cooler weather (we believe) is on its way. With this in mind, inRegister asked 21 fashion insiders to reveal what items will be wardrobe necessities for fall. Their top picks cover a variety of styles, from tassel necklace accessories to classic cashmere ponchos.

“My favorite essential for fall is the Robby Vest by Elizabeth & James. This patchwork fur vest is an easy piece that will elevate any outfit. It’s versatile and can be worn over dresses, a silk top or even a long-sleeved tee.” Rhonda Lynch, store manager, FeBe

“The matching set trend is still going strong for 2014. I personally love this one from Greylin because it is extremely sophisticated yet still fun. The feathers, tweed and leather combine to make a playful and edgy look. The best thing about matching sets is that you can use the pieces on their own, too. This top would also pair wonderfully with skinny jeans for a night out with the girls!” Shanna Boudreaux, owner and stylist, Rodéo Boutique

“My number one must-have piece is a one-of-a-kind tassel necklace from our exclusive designer. This will be your go-to necklace for this fall and every season to come. It truly goes with everything you could possibly wear and is 100 percent just yours! Every piece is made with a one of-a-kind antique brooch.” Lauren Bailey Pollard, owner, Edit by LBP

“My fall essential is a cashmere poncho. This pocket poncho from White & Warren is one of my favorites! It’s such a great staple for your fall wardrobe, to layer and wear with leggings or slim pants. Toppers are a super easy and comfortable look for fall. We will be featuring a large assortment of coats, sweaters and vest toppers similar to this one at Carriages.” Mallory McMahon, assistant buyer, Carriages Ladies

“My fall fashion essential is the Danni Jumpsuit in Gypsy Dream by Show Me Your Mumu. It can be dressed up or down for a day of shopping or paired with a leather jacket for an evening downtown. The Danni [jumpsuit] can be for any Hemline customer.” Abigail Stein, manager, Hemline

“The most essential items to have or add to your wardrobe for fall are garments made of or containing trims of Vegan Leather. Vegan leather is the new phrase for faux leather, and it is everywhere this fall. Updated and sophisticated accents of vegan leather zippers and edgy details are in the forefront of fashion-forward women’s wear.” Jamie Tarwater, owner, Poise ’N Ivy

“I am in love with the sophistication of 3.1 Phillip Lim. His aesthetic fuses understated luxury with a New York feel. It’s cool, contemporary and utterly feminine.” Michele Percy, co-owner, NK Corporate

“Last fall we saw a glimpse of the boyfriend blazer. This fall, outerwear is bigger, and more glamorous than ever. It is the new statement piece. Try adding a trendy, oversized jacket with your skinny cropped pants or miniskirt with an ankle bootie. My favorite pieces come from the collections of Rebecca Minkoff, Chloé, and Anthony Vaccarello. Although these unstructured jackets may be reminiscent of the early eighties, this new fall trend is far more sophisticated.” Michelle Reinhardt, owner, Swap Boutique

“A suede and leather long coat with a turtleneck sweater and all-over suede leggings in neutral will be seen everywhere this fall. This is an exquisite outfit by Lafayette 148 New York.” Brandon Maxwell, general manager, Ballin’s LTD

“We’re in love with this Ecru faux fur vest for fall. Dressed down with boyfriend jeans or up with leather leggings, it’s the most versatile accessory!” Sydney Knight, merchandise manager, Perlis

“Wear this cheerful, sophisticated and very lightweight raincoat from Mycra Pac, and let it rain! We are in south Louisiana, right? At least, you can dash through inclement weather with a fashion-forward fierceness. When the skies clear, pack the coat up into its own clutch.”  Chris Russo Blackwood & Susan Ross, owners, Russo Ross

“Fall is my favorite time of year, especially for fashion. My fall uniform consists of loose, flowy tops, sweaters and leggings, so an amazing pair of everyday boots is necessary. The more worn in, the better!” Rachel Kazibutowski Hill, owner, Mint Shoes

“A great fitted biker jacket. There is something very chic and cool about it.” Hartley Crockett, buyer/manager, Lukka

“Fringe. Fringe skirt in leather or suede.” Lynda Jenkins, Femme Fatale

“Jumpsuits have truly made their way to the top this past year. As it was a popular look during the summer, it has gained enough momentum to carry on through fall. It is certain to be one of the hottest trends this season.” Jordan Bergeron, management, JuJu’s

“With the new season comes a new handbag. Choose one that will transition smoothly into your wardrobe. This charcoal Rebecca Minkoff is a no-brainer.” Cammy McGehee, Kiki

“The sneaker gets a luxe update! We love this look paired with skinnies for cool weekends this fall.” Kristen White, manager, Eros

“A go-to item for the gentleman this fall is a custom-made tweed or bouclé jacket that can be dressed up or worn with jeans. An exciting fabric collection called Town Tweeds combines the best of England and Italy with 83 designs that have been updated for today’s modern clothing silhouette.” Manuel Martinez, owner, Martinez Custom Clothiers

“A 100% cashmere night cap—the Night Cap by Barbisio, made in Italy—is the quickest way to stay warm on a chilly fall evening.” Chase Bass, George Bass

“Once fall arrives, a new sweater is an essential piece to every man’s wardrobe.  The Peter Millar quarter-zip sweater is available in Italian Merino wool or luxurious cashmere in a variety of colors. For an added touch, many styles can be accented with a rich Napa leather trim. Often the only layering piece you need in Baton Rouge, wear it over your favorite sport shirt with jeans or slacks, or pair it with a sport coat for a dressier look.” Will Aguirre, buyer and manager, Carriages Men’s

“I’m loving it when a guy can sport a patterned button-up shirt. This trend takes me back to when we were children and our mom was dressing us in all-over printed clothes. For a bolder look, men can try patterned pants or even a plaid blazer.” Leah Gray, owner, Aristocracy