Confession: Sometimes we get a glimpse of an upcoming trend and love it in theory (or how it looks on the model coming down the runway) but can’t always pull it off in the morning when it’s time to leave for work. So we turned to Rue La La stylist Maureen for easy styling solutions to this season’s most vexing trends.

Lingerie
The trick to mastering lingerie pieces is making it look like you’re not wearing a nightie in public. A couple of easy options: Wear a lacy camisole top under a blazer, or try a slip dress with opaque tights and a chunky sweater.

Fur (or faux fur)
A fun look for day or night: Wear a luxe fox collar or shrug over a casual T and jeans, or draped over a sweater dress with boots.

Socks with sandals
This has forever been a fashion no-no, but if done the right way, it can be adorable. First you want to make sure the sandal has some substance to it. A wooden chunky-heeled sandal paired with a thinner-to-medium textured scrunched sock is a great way to wear this trend (never wear an evening strappy sandal with socks).

Velvet
This is such a rich and lush fabric that it’s normally thought of for evening. But you can find gorgeous blazers in rich fall tones that would be perfect for daytime. Wear them with jeans and a T or a pretty silk blouse underneath for the office.

A cape
A wool cape in a neutral shade (camel, grey, or black) should become a staple in your fall wardrobe. Try wearing a shorter one over jeans for a toned-down, more casual look. Elbow-length gloves in leather or suede keep your arms nice and warm while looking fashion forward.

White tights
Trading black opaque tights for white can be a daunting trend for most. White tights tend to make legs look fuller, so it may not appeal to some. But if you want to be a little adventurous this fall, try white tights beneath soft knit sweater dresses and pair with a slouchy boot or bootie.

Sheers
These pieces are not for the faint of heart. If you’re not afraid to flaunt it, try a sheer dress with a shorter fitted mini beneath. A pretty satin bra would look stunning underneath a completely sheer blouse.

Knee-high socks
I love the look of knee-high socks peeking out of pair of distressed leather, calf-high boots. But if you want to embrace your inner schoolgirl, don them with heels and a skirt. But keep in mind the skirt length - you don’t want to wear a micro mini. For evening, you can wear a sheer knee-high pulled slightly over the knee with an evening shoe or bootie.

Over-the-knee boots
The trick here is to avoid looking dominatrix-y. Try a neutral grey-tone boot in a distressed leather and wear them with a knit dress or mini. To keep balance, pair your mini or dress with an oversized sweater or blazer and layer on opaque tights.

No matter what trend you’re trying to master, remember this: Style is all about taking risks. Just be sure to keep proportions in mind, and most importantly - have fun.

As a personal shopper and stylist, it’s no secret that I love fashion. And for me, there’s nothing more exciting than finding that holy grail – something that can seamlessly transition between seasons with a few simple changes. Here are my go-to pieces to buy and wear now – and keep handy for fall.

LEOPARD WEDGES
Wear it now: With denim boyfriend jeans, a tank (I like the look of an army green tank), and an arm of bangles.
Wear later: Keep your summer look, just add a blazer and trade summer bangles for a light scarf instead.
Why I love it: Leopard is everywhere this fall, so adding a touch of the print can instantly update your wardrobe, and with leopard, a little goes a long way.

WIDE LEG PANTS
Wear it now: Because the pants are loose, go with a more fitted top, and if you are comfortable with your arms (not everyone is) go with a tank. A belt will break up the tight top and wide bottoms, and make the look so polished.
Wear it later: Keep the belt, but trade your tank for a super-soft cashmere top – and layer on a jacket.
Why I love it: Wide leg pants are universally flattering. Who doesn’t want their legs to look longer and leaner? They are one of the pieces in your closet that should be tailored to perfection and they can create a new illusion for you body.

WHITE BUTTON-DOWN
Wear it now: Look cool and crisp by pairing with a camel skirt (which will also be huge for fall). Add gold jewelry, a classic tote, and sunglasses.
Wear it later: Keep the skirt and add a pair of tights, or switch to wool trousers and a belt. Keep the gold jewelry, tote, and sunglasses.
Why I love it: This is a piece every woman should own. It can be paired with almost anything in your closet and as long as it’s clean and pressed, it will make your look pulled together. It can be the most conservative piece in your wardrobe or one of the sexiest. It’s all about how you style it.

3/4-SLEEVE BLAZER
Wear it now: To instantly pull together any look, throw over your favorite summer dress, or pair with a tank and denim shorts or a skirt. Make sure the jacket is tailored perfectly – when it comes to jackets, fit is everything.
Wear it later: Pair with jeans or trousers, but stay away from wide leg because you can end up looking boxy. If you do choose to wear wide leg pants, belt the blazer to emphasize your waist.
Why I love it: For me, this is a definite must-have. If you can, invest in black, charcoal, and white versions. I usually suggest spending less on staple pieces and more on bags, shoes, and other accessories, but this is an exception. Jackets should be of good quality with an expensive fabric so they last. Spend the time (and an extra few bucks) to have it tailored, and you will find yourself wearing it a few times a week. Totally worth it.

JEAN JACKET
Wear it now: With just about anything! It’s the quintessential summer jacket. Right now I’m wearing mine over a romper.
Wear it later: Layer over a short or longsleeve shirt, and just make sure your bottoms aren’t denim! Some designers pulled off the denim-on-denim look in their Spring 2010 collections on the runway, but for the most part I wouldn’t recommend it for everyday wear.
Why I love it: Denim is everywhere this summer, and this piece can easily transition into fall. Chances are it will keep coming back in style, so don’t toss it come winter. If you have an old jean jacket that looks dated, try cutting off the sleeves and making it into a vest.

BLACK SKIRT
Wear it now: I love to jazz up the classic black skirt with a trend, like a tank in a neon shade.
Wear it later: Black skirts are universal, so most longsleeve shirts or sweaters will work. The mini length is going to be huge for fall, but since it’s short, pair with tights and ballet flats.
Why I love it: Another staple, and a piece you should hold on to since it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. You can create a trendy look around the skirt, and black has a tendency to make legs look thinner.

SILK BLOUSE (in a blush color)
Wear it now: With your little black skirt! Just add a pair of flats and jewelry - très chic.
Wear it later: Switch the black skirt for black jeans or trousers, and a pair of booties or heels (this color looks amazing with black!).
Why I love it: Tons of designers showed blouses on their runways for spring and fall, but it’s important to know how to wear them. A silk blush-colored blouse with black on the bottom is flattering on just about everyone and is suitable for most occasions. It can be your “go-to” outfit for summer and fall.