Expert Picks: Clerks Pick Fall Fashion Faves

Updated: September 25, 2008

Your fashion sense is only slightly more on point than Sarah Palin?s foreign policy plan. But don't worry--taste is something you can actually fake. Trust these seasoned shop owners and clerks and heed their picks for pieces you can't miss this season. Whether you choose the all-in-one tuxedo from Albertine, or the kimono dress from Oak, you?re bound to look sharp for fall.

On this page:Albertine: Tuxedo Suit, Alter: Men's Parka, Legacy: Bubble Skirt, Mayle: Coat, Oak: Kimono Dress.

Albertine: Tuxedo Suit

  1. 1 3 Star Rating: Average Albertine
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    13 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

    Store owner Kyung Lee selected this women's tuxedo suit by Lover as the best bet for fall ($518). "If you only invest in one piece, I think it?s great because you can wear it so many ways, and it?s never going to go out of style." Our advice? Bank on Lee's investment tip--at least over any Wall Street exec's.

Alter: Men's Parka

  1. 2 Alter
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    109 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (map)

    Roy Caires, the man behind Alter, recommends this parka from Cheap Monday's Kostym line ($220). "It?s super soft, so it feels like you?re wearing a blanket from your house. It's totally comfortable," he promises.

Legacy: Bubble Skirt

  1. 3 Legacy
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    109 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012 (map)

    When asked what piece would be most relevant this season, designer and shop owner Rita Brookoff immediately gravitated toward this bubble skirt . ?I think this shape is really important for the fall going into spring," she mused while holding this limited edition skirt of her own design ($398). The price and materials of the piece vary, as each is one-of-a-kind.

Mayle: Coat

  1. 4 3 Star Rating: Average Mayle Store
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    242 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012 (map)

    This coat with stylish hardware detailing by Mayle ($1,010) was chosen by the boutique owner from the store's collection of her own designs because "it's shockingly warm, and timeless." Considering the cost, we hope we can wear it forever, plus five years.

Oak: Kimono Dress

  1. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Oak 28 Bond
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    28 Bond St, New York, NY 10012 (map)

    "What I really like is that there are two separate snaps, so you can wear this as a dress or a coat," said store clerk Alicia Hogan, praising the versatility of the United Bamboo piece ($598). "Skinny jeans, high heels and a turtle neck work. It?s easy to dress up, but it looks great as a regular dress too."