Don't gamble on your wardrobe. These on-trend pieces guarantee your a first-place finish this fall.

Photography by: Jaclyn Locke | Shot on location at Woodbine Racetrack, Toronto

1. Something red

The easiest—and most affordable—way to inject life into your wardrobe is to incorporate the season's "it" colour: red. If you're feeling brave, try a head-to-toe fiery monochromatic look; the colour-averse can insert a touch of crimson into a dark ensemble for an instant update.

Trench vest, $118, and pants, $70, express.com. Leather top, $450, cosstores.com. Watch, linksoflondon.com. Ring, swarovski.ca. Bag, bananarepublic.ca. 

2.  Glossy finishes

High-shine patent isn't relegated only to accessories; look for it on skirts, shirts and even coats. We especially like the shiny finish when it's embellished with faux fur or a ruffled trim for softness.

Jacket, $470, marc-cain.com. Babaton top, $75, aritzia.com. Skirt, $60, lechateau.com. Necklace, jenny-bird.ca. Bracelet, anntaylor.com. White topaz and midi rings, foeanddear.com. Smoky quartz and double ball rings, erintracy.ca. 

3. Ladylike pinstripes

Pinstripes are making a comeback, and we're not talking about ill-fitting suits from the '80s. This fall, menswear motif makes a powerful statement in womenswear. A tailored shirtdress balances masculine and feminine elements.

Dress, $124, and bag, bananarepublic.ca. Necklace, jenny-bird.ca. Bracelet, express.com. Rings, swarovski.ca. Shoes, ninewest.ca. 

4. Velvet textures

This fall, everything from slouchy blazers to wide-legged trousers has been remade in elegant velvet. Equal parts chic and comfy, this fabric is irresistibly soft. 

Shirt, $123, lisettel.ca. H&M Studio pants, $80, and hat, hm.com/ca. Necklace, swarovski.ca. Knuckle and double rings, foeanddear.com. Thick-band rings, erintracy.ca. Shoes, anntaylor.com. 

5. Puffer jackets

These toppers are fall's reigning outerwear trend. Juxtapose the utilitarian look with a dressy frock or, for warmth, layer it under a jacket. Fashion meets function!

Jacket, $49, joefresh.com. Vest, $90, turtleneck, $33, and jeans, $80, gapcanada.ca. Sunglasses, lechateau.com. Bracelets, express.com. 

6. Embellished treasures

Bold embellishments such as sequins, paillettes and colourful embroidery aren't just for eveningwear this autumn. The trick to tempering statement pieces (and making them office-friendly) is to pair them with modest separates, such as an accordian-pleated midi skirt and Mary Jane pumps.

Jacket, $399, scotch-soda.com/ca. Top, $660, necklace and shoes, jcrew.com. Babaton skirt, $195, aritzia.com. Bracelet, anntaylor.com. Ring, bananarepublic.ca. 

7. Breton stripes

Black-and-white stripes stormed the fall runways. The standout style? A winterized French-striped dress. Add edge to the look with faux-leather leggings or elevate with a charming tweed blazer.

Blazer, $160, anntaylor.com. Dress, $55, gapcanada.ca. Necklace, hm.com/ca. Bag, bananarepublic.ca.