“Being fashionable is not just about the way you dress, it is the way you live your life,” our women’s buyer Colleen Brooker says, and her ideology is supported by this season’s trends. Last February, geometric silhouettes, brassy outerwear, loud prints, and bold shades of reds, oranges, and blues dominated fashion week. Whether paired together or broken up with neutrals and looser-fitting garments, one thing was clear: Confidence is paramount this fall to carry the trends that translate best from runway to everyday.

“Open to Buy” is our latest monthly column, where one of our buyers shows us how to edit the runway into sustainable pieces for our wardrobe. In our first installment, Colleen helps us to think about trends as accents, curates November’s must-haves, and warms us up to mainstays that hold up months after the last snow melts away.

What are some of your favorite trends for fall?

Polka dots were all over the runways in February and can be found just about anywhere this fall. They’re especially feminine and sophisticated when they appear on a sheer sleeve, as they are on the DVF Linda wrap dress. It’s an easy way to take polka dots from cutesy to chic in seconds flat.

Outerwear had a large presence too, especially parkas. Colors are bright and bold and designers are, thankfully, embracing Chicago’s stylish girl who dresses for fashion and function. My absolute favorite piece of outerwear this season is the Allegri Puff Coat in a dazzling midnight blue with a fur trim hood (hint, hint Santa). It’s the perfect piece to stay warm in the Windy City, and still have a defined waist.

Which do you see sticking around?

Luckily for me, polka dots and color aren't going anywhere. My favorite dotted piece for spring is a Max Mara Studio dress that is covered with grey, black, and red spots, and perfectly finished with a skinny red belt.

Bright and bold colors are important this season and neon will spring up, after the snow finally melts. The best way to wear it is via accents and Raoul perfected this look for Spring with his khaki pencil skirt that has a peak of neon pink beneath the slit.

Which items items from the store are in rotation in your wardrobe this month?

My absolute favorite piece hanging in my closet right now is a pair of Joe's Skinny Visionaire jeans in Raisin because they’re comfortable and they transition so easily from work to weekend. The rich, burgundy color is sophisticated enough for me to wear to work with a silk blouse, and playful enough for me to pair with a blazer, lace tank, and pumps for the weekend.

Who is your favorite emerging designer for spring?

Jennifer Chun showed a lot of character during her New York fashion week debut in September. Her spring collection is utilitarian with an impeccable and balance of feminine and masculine details. One of the best examples of this is a spin on a baseball raglan with embroidered lace and silk.

Which established designer have you been most surprised by this fall?

Cedric Charlier, who designs for the French label, Cacharel. Although he has recently left his post at Cacharel, Charlier's fall collection was the face-lift that Cacharel needed. He elevated the brand while staying true to their heritage, like his update on the sweet floral prints Cacharel has always been known for.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a buyer?

Begin your career in retail and make sure it is something that you are truly passionate about. It’s important to spend time on the sales floor, and it is a great place to get started and to get to know your customer. Learn what is wearable and what sells. As important as it is to understand all aspects of the business, actually experiencing them first hand is something that can take you a long way. Most importantly, work hard, read, and never lose the desire to keep learning.

-- As told to Marissa Muller, Marketing Coordinator