You've been to 10 stores searching for your daughter's perfect pair of jeans, but now you don't have time to even think about what you're going to wear this fall. How about a short shopping list to give you a head start?

With these easy pieces, you can put together a stylish work wardrobe. Add some jeans to the mix, and you've got the weekend covered too.

— Start with a new suit. You may be accustomed to wearing separates, but there are plenty of great "matching" suits that will quickly become the base of your wardrobe. Pick a neutral color, and you'll be set. Black or gray is your best bet, but there are many other available choices.

— Try the cropped jacket, or more shaped "Spencer" jacket, for a sleek fall trend. Stick to jackets that are classic in silhouette and not too oversized, even if they are more "cocoon" shaped. Lengths that fall at the hipbone or just below are more flattering to most women; they can easily be belted for more of a nipped-in look.

— Choose new skirts, which include slim and narrow pencil styles or more flared A-line shapes. Most of the skirts hit right above the knee; however, it's best to choose the hemline that is most flattering to you. Wearing new opaque hosiery also makes choosing a skirt length easier.

— Add a romantic-inspired blouse to this fall's clothing options. Whether it's a white cotton blouse with a tie-neck bow or a black, lace cap-sleeve top with a little more frill, the ultra-feminine blouses soften up polished suits and often stand alone when worn with skirts or trousers.

— Extend your working wardrobe from the weekday to weekend with a pair of tailored trousers. A great alternative to the skinny pants of the past few seasons, fuller pants are the perfect partners to shorter, shapelier jackets, soft blouses and knit tops.

— Create the versatility of your wardrobe with a classic turtleneck. Turn up the volume with a floppy funnel-neck in a basic neutral or a berry color to brighten up your suits and add a little more casual touch to weekend denim.

— Expand clothing selection with a sheath dress. In a solid satin or a pretty print, this columnar shift shape has stood the test of time; it can be layered under suit jackets or coats for a variety of occasions.

— Don't forget to update all of the above with a new trench coat. In glossy metallic or colorful cotton, the trench coat will cover you in style from client lunches to posh parties.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.