The arrival of fall not only signifies the moment when you can confidently dress like your autumn Pinterest moodboard, but it also marks the time for a total wardrobe refresh as we prepare for the colder days ahead.

To guide us through this style transition, we turned to Kim Appelt, a renowned celebrity stylist, fashion expert, and author of “Style for Everybody: A Guide to Curating Your Essential Wardrobe,” to get the inside scoop on what shoppers should be wearing this season. Hint: the key is to shift your focus from blindly following trends and, instead, prioritize finding clothes that “complement your body shape and personal style.” Let’s dive into Kim’s advice for discovering fall essentials tailored to you!

Understanding Your Body Shape and What Looks Best on You

While we're all familiar with fall fashion staples, Kim points out that “we buy very different basics” depending on our body shapes and the features we wish to emphasize. She categorizes these shapes into four primary types: inverted triangle (broad shoulders), apple (more weight around the waist); pear (broad hips), and hourglass (narrow waist). For example, an oversized, deconstructed blazer suits an inverted triangle shape because it adds volume, while those with a pear or hourglass figure may prefer a cropped blazer to emphasize their waist. Individuals with an apple shape might opt for a lightweight wrap blazer for movement around the midsection.

Kim’s Must-Have Fall Fashion Essentials

Kim recommends having a cardigan and a blazer in your wardrobe because “[they serve] as great layering pieces in the fall and can be worn as a coat over your shoulders in the spring.” She also emphasizes the importance of owning a pair of flat shoes, such as loafers, ballet flats or booties, for their exceptional versatility. Additionally, Kim suggests investing in a pair of plain jeans, free from any distressing or design. “I would go for a ‘90s, straight cut silhouette so that you're not going too skinny or too wide,” she elaborates.

Kim’s Top 3 Styling Guidelines

Kim understands the challenges many women face when putting together outfits, especially when layering in the fall. To address this, she shares three invaluable tips for crafting any outfit:

1. Start with one piece you love: Begin with your favourite item and build your outfit around it, much like decorating a room around a cherished carpet.

2. Accentuate your best features: Understanding what looks most flattering on you will boost your confidence when selecting an outfit.

3. Utilize Pinterest as a visual styling guide: Kim recommends searching for ideas specific to your outfit, such as "oversized mushroom blazer outfit ideas," to ignite your creativity.

Kim’s Must-Follow Shopping Advice For Your Next Mall Visit

Kim likens a trip to the mall to preparing for the gym or a work presentation –– it requires thoughtful planning. Here are her top five tips for a successful shopping experience:

1. “Make a shopping list” if you need to fill gaps in your wardrobe.

2. If you plan on trying things on, make sure you are wearing the proper undergarments to ensure an accurate impression.

3. If you're not a confident shopper, “bring a stylish friend” to assist you in making decisions.

4. When searching for a specific item, “look for resources within the stores”; salespeople know the inventory intimately!

For more in-depth advice on determining your body shape, personal style, building a versatile wardrobe, and shopping efficiently, explore Kim's new book, "Style for Everybody: A Guide to Curating Your Essential Wardrobe," available at Indigo.