(ARA) - Kids going back to school and a chill in the morning air signal it's time to start thinking about your fall wardrobe. Now is the time to add a few trendy pieces to your closet as well as restock the basics.

Whether your office attire is "work casual" or more traditional, the good news is that today's work wardrobes allow women to express their individuality. The padded-shoulder power suit is a thing of the past. Looking professional doesn't mean wearing only navy blue pinstripes.

Here are some of this season's hottest looks that will take you not only to work, but also to soccer practice and a night on the town:

* The perfect white blouse - No wardrobe should be without this staple that can go with everything from a business suit to blue jeans. This fall, style is all in the details. "Look for blouses that have that special something: a side tie, a great ruffle or rouching," says Melinda Anderson of ShopNBC. Shoppers at the television and online retailer will find plenty of beautiful Finley blouses to choose from to fill this need in their wardrobe.

* The easy-to-wear jacket - On busy mornings, a great jacket or blazer makes it easy to look put together even in the face of a chaotic day. "The right jacket makes an outfit look instantly pulled together," says Vanessa Keller. Texture, color and details are key this year. You'll see jackets and blazers in fabrics ranging from leather and suede to velvet. Choose a jacket that coordinates with items already in your wardrobe. For example, if you wear a lot of black, a beautiful blue or red leather blazer will make the black pop. Keller also reports that brown is coming on strong as a new neutral, accented with reds, purples and olives. The DiVita collection of jackets as well as pieces from the Pamela McCoy line offer a variety of stylish options.

* Sweater dressing - Practical, comfortable and more stylish than ever, knits are back in a big way this season. "A few basic knit pieces can get women through just about any occasion," says Keller. A knit pant, skirt and cardigan offer many wardrobe options and combinations. Pamela McCoy really shines here, with knitwear featuring retro couture lines combined with modern relevance. Add an embellished cardigan or sweater coat to your knit ensemble and you can go from the office to a dinner party with ease. Both the Pamela McCoy and Michael Simon lines include pieces that are set apart with trims like sequins and crystals.

* The perfect handbag - Bags have become a fashion statement, not just a way to carry your wallet and cell phone. For fall, handbags come in all sizes, from oversized totes for daytime to small but stunning bracelet bags for evening. Look for bags with lots of texture, pops of color and trims like studs, grommets and even chains. Metallics and faux crocodile are still in vogue; other trends for fall include soft leather and woven leather. The Find, Sharon Goie and Charlie Lapson all bring fashion forward style to handbags this season at ShopNBC.

See all the latest fall fashions and accessories at www.ShopNBC.com.