Skirts: Your Fall Wardrobe Foundation

Maxi, midi, mini, and everything in between. Skirts of every length are this season’s foundation pieces. Go bold with colorblocking or patchwork plaid, or go dramatic with floor-sweeping black velvet. Get the job done at the office in a classic tweed pencil, and then take a flirty pleated mini for a spin about town. When in doubt, go with a skirt of any length or print, color or fit. Your fall wardrobe starts here:

1. T by Alexander Wang Panne Velvet Maxi Skirt ($315)
A spin-off of this summer’s boho maxi, this skirt goes glam with its floor-sweeping length and rich velvet fabrication. Dressed up or down, this skirt is all drama.

2. Alice + Olivia Niall Tweed Pencil Skirt ($330)
Tweed with a pencil fit, a seemingly classic piece gets fresh with an exposed zipper, an orange nubby knit, and an unmistakably sexy midi length. Pair with peep-toes or pumps and a punchy blouse.

3. Club Monaco Gwen Pleated Satin Mini Skirt ($140)
Made to play, this Club Monaco piece is flirty and feminine to the max. Its blush pink color complements its ultra girly pleats and leg-baring length. Lined with an underskirt.

4. Tory Burch Lula Skirt ($495)
Walk your own personal runway with this Tory Burch. School girl fun for grown-ups, this skirt has a classic shape that’s made-over with its mix of houndstooth-plaid and contrasting plaid felt panels. Pair with a caramel-colored pair of suede pumps.

5. Preen Carter Skirt ($1540)
Color-blocking = serious style for 2011. What starts as a prim plum skirt ends as an edgy cobalt-blue wrap skirt. Midi length with slant hip pockets and welt back pockets. Goes with your most daring footwear.