For the life of me, I cannot understand why the American retail machine insists on selling clothing for Fall in July and August.  I know that it has to do with a centuries old tradition of ordering your clothes for the next season during the Summer so that they could be made, tailored and delivered to you before the leaves fell.  But this isn’t 1880 and Nordstrom isn’t custom making my Fall wardrobe. 

Yes, thinking about tights, wool coats and corduroy on days where the mercury is in the triple digits strikes me as asinine.  But since every retailer will soon be stocking their shelves with tall boots and long jackets, it’s probably time to start integrating Fall posts into the mix.  The best way to do this is probably to talk about some of the pieces that you should probably start saving up to buy now.  This way, when they go on sale in September, you’ll be able to snap one up just in time to actually wear it.  A novel concept, I know.

This Fall, fashionistas everywhere will be sporting leather skirts.  From pencils to minis, this trend will be doing double duty in the cubicles and in the clubs.  And despite my preference for soft, feminine pieces, I think a leather skirt can add a little rocker chic to any wardrobe.  And who says you can’t channel your inner Steven Tyler and look pretty doing it?

Elizabeth & James Leather Skirt (Cusp, $156)

If adding a bucket of rock and roll to your wardrobe is a mite frightening, you might try adding a soupcon instead with this leather paneled skirt.  This way, you get the look of leather with a little less dead cow and a wallet-friendly price.  Consider it a bipartisan approach to wearing leather.

DvF Marsia Leather Skirt (Diani, $325)

If black isn’t your thing, you can try a cognac, burgundy or grey skirt instead.  Or if you really want to go for the girly gold medal, opt for this dusty rose number from DvF.  Simply add an ivory, chiffon blouse and simple pump for a look that’s both ladylike and cool.

Paseo Ruffled Skirt (Anthropologie, $448)

While this mini won’t be work appropriate without some very opaque tights, I love the laser cut details.  And while this mini doesn’t come with a price to match, you could easily wear this skirt once a week during the colder months and hold onto it at least until you turn 30.