If you are like me, your closet is full of neutrals that you bought because you thought they would be easy to mix with bright colors and bold patterns. But all those colors and patterns? Somehow they haven't made it into the mix yet so too often I end up wearing black and grey head to toe.

An easy way to add versatility to your neutrals is by adding a patterned scarf and/or  patterned blazer to your rotation. Layer existing pieces, mix textures and play with lengths. One of my favorite tricks is to wear a long sleeved sweater under a 3/4 length sleeve blazer to make my staple items feel fresh and trendy.

A pattern doesn't need to be bold or brightly colored to make a great statement, it just needs to visually break up the monotone of a neutral colored outfit.

As soon as the leaves start to turn you can be sure that camel will start popping up in window displays. The color camel that is. A soft wool or felted camel piece is as much a part of fall as apple cider or candy corn. This year my favorite way to wear this classic color is in a short jacket.

Felted Wool Moto Zip Jacket
Ann Taylor $198

Wear to Work: Pair with brown or black trousers or a brown tweed skirt. Layer a burgundy or deep plum silk blouse under the jacket.

Casually on Trend: Follow the formula of the outfit shown in the photo to the left. For an outfit with more of a pop, trade the plain white tee for a winter white & camel striped one.

Evening Out: Pair with a jewel tone skirt and a cream silk shell. Accessorize with a short, chunky gold necklace and a pair of patent heels.

The little black dress has become the essential piece that nearly all women can agree on. The prefered style of a LBD differs greatly from person to person, but you would be hard-pressed to find a woman today without one in her wardrobe. Yet I rarely see the LBD used to its full potential. It seems that many women only pull out this piece for cocktail parties, weddings or other special events. If you feel beautiful and confident in your LBD, there is no reason not to wear it on a regular basis.

Here are five ways to style your favorite LBD so you don't look overdressed for your everyday life:

1. Pair with colored tights, a skinny belt worn at the waist and a colored cardigan (I like to match my tights to my cardi). Finish off the outfit with black riding boots for a chic lunch-date look. Keep jewelry to a minimum so the outfit feels more relaxed. Not sure what pop of color to try? Teal is perfect for fall!

2. Layer a white oxford underneath a black sheath dress. Cuff the sleeves of the oxford and belt at the waist. Accessorize with a narrow bracelet and a basic black pump.

3. Wear a light brown tweed jacket over your LBD and cuff the sleeves once. Pair with grey tights and light brown riding boots for a mix of neutrals that is anything but boring.

4. Pair with a plum cardigan and flats. Button the cardigan at least halfway up and accessorize with a patterned scarf.

5. Layer a striped long sleeve tee underneath a black sheath dress. Belt at the waist and finish off the outfit with grey tights and black riding boots.

Pro Tip: The easiest way to dress down your LBD is with a casual shoe (flats, riding boots, etc.) and by layering with long sleeved shirts, sweaters and/or tights.

It has gotten chilly in Chicago this last week and my apartment building even turned on the heat before the legally required date of October 15. Now is the time to pull out your favorite sweaters and breathe new life into them:

1. Layer over a lace trimmed camisole and a dark pencil skirt. Let the lace peek out from the bottom hem of the sweater. Belt at the waist with a coordinating pop of color and scrunch your sleeves to show off a bracelet.

2. Wear untucked with a pair of black trousers and a 3/4 sleeve blazer. The sleeve of the sweater will be visible around the wrists. For an extra punch, wear a chunky bracelet over the sweater. Mixing the sleeve lengths is a great way to turn your summer blazers into chic fall pieces.

3. Layer over a striped oxford and pair with slim pants and flats. Leave both the sweater and the oxford untucked. Roll the sleeves so the stripe of the oxford is visible near the wrists. Accessorize with a short necklace.

4.Tuck into your favorite fall skirt. Wear a belt half an inch below the top of the skirt. Finish off with a patterned scarf and a pendant necklace.

5.Layer over a striped long sleeve tee. Allow the tee to peek out at the wrists and then scrunch your sleeves up towards your elbows. Pair with your favorite jeans and a down vest for a warm and casual fall look.

6. Wear a long shell over a pair of slim leg pants. Layer the sweater over the shell so the bottom hem of the shell is visible below the hem of the sweater. Add a pendant necklace and/or a patterned scarf.

Wispy Feather Print Shell
LOFT $49.99
(Plus an additional 60% off sale right now!)

Wear to Work: Wear this untucked with a pair of trouser jeans. Belt at the waist with a gold skinny belt and layer over with an unbuttoned cardigan.

Casually on Trend: Wear as a layering piece underneath a pullover sweater. Make sure the hem of the sweater is shorter than the shell so you can see the pattern peeking out at the bottom. Pair with jeans or cords.

Evening Out: Pair with narrow black pants and a cropped black jacket. Accessorize with a chunky gold bracelet and your favorite heels!

Pro Tip: If wearing prints is a scary thought for you, start with a neutral colored print and layer over it so it does not feel like the focus of your outfit.

Color Palette: With a tan or beige colored shell like this, pair with warm colors such as plum and burgundy. Accessorize with gold jewelry for a little sparkle.