Our resident fashion expert, Jill Zarin, talks about what styles she has her eye on this fall and how she stays organized as the weather turns colder.

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Essential Editor: What fashion and accessories trends are you wearing this fall season?

Jill Zarin: Right now I am most excited to wear my new Burberry trench coat—not only are trench coats great fall staples, they’re classy and chic. If you invest in a timeless piece like a trench coat, custom-tailoring it is a great way to personalize it to your own style! I also just bought neon pink Prada ballet flats. Not only are they adorable, they are also so comfortable and great to wear with my healing broken foot.

EE: If you had to pick one fall item as a must have for every wardrobe, what would it be? Boots, scarves, hats, or something else?

JZ: Boots, boots, boots! Moto boots give even the most basic outfit an edgy update in seconds! Frye boots are one of my personal favorites. I also LOVE colorful scarves to brighten up an outfit for the fall. I really like Sarah Pacinni’s scarves. Not only are these scarves so warm and soft, they also come in great colors that go with every skin tone. I cannot wait to bundle up in mine this fall! I also love my Buddha ring by Jill Zarin jewelry, because it gives me spirituality everywhere I go.

EE: Daylight savings time: Do you change your watch style when you set your clocks back?

JZ: I like to mix it up with my watches. I don’t like to wear the same watch week-to-week, let alone season-to-season. For fall, I am really into bigger, more masculine watches. I would recommend something similar to a vintage Rolex. For example, Michael Kors makes great statement watches. Rose gold is going to be huge for fall 2013 so I LOVE this on-trend watch.

EE: What color do you use to add fall accents to your home and wardrobe?

JZ: I love using cobalt blue and deep red to spice up an otherwise simple outfit for the fall. I have my eye on this Diane Von Furstenberg cobalt blue, leather satchel.

It is such an on-trend piece that compliments just about every style I have in my closet. White and black combination pieces are going to be HUGE for fall 2013 as well. I will definitely be wearing the white/black trend throughout the season, as it is incredibly chic and effortlessly elegant. Of course, I love black for all seasons because it flatters every figure.

EE: Do you do a big “fall cleanup?” What do you keep and what do you toss?

JZ: If I haven’t worn it in the last two seasons, it has got to go. After that and if I still don’t have enough room for my new fall items, I get rid of everything I haven’t worn in the past year. It’s quite the process, but always rewarding. After my daughter, Allyson, picks out what she wants, the rest is sold and proceeds given to my favorite charities.

EE: Are and your family taking any fall vacations? Where to, and what on the trip are you looking forward to most?

JZ: We are going to Boca Raton, Fla. in a few weeks to visit my parents—I am so excited! Once October hits I start to miss the warmer summer months, so it will be refreshing for my husband, Bobby, and I to get away for a few warm days. While in Florida, I will be appearing at Lord & Taylor to promote Jill Zarin Jewelry and SKWEEZ Couture—I always try to kill two birds with one stone. Then, our big fall trip this year is a visit to the Esperanza in Los Cabos, Mexico. This is one of my favorite vacation spots and I can’t wait to spend quality time with everybody.

EE: How do you cope with wanting to wear your fall clothes when it’s still hot and muggy outside?

JZ: I don’t! As soon as Labor Day hits I break out the fall boots! I love fall clothing so it can be difficult to cope with the occasional, muggy September day. Dark wash jeans are great for these transitional months. I really like True Religion jeans.

As mentioned earlier, I adore my new neon Prada ballet flats, which are great for this in-between time of year too. Similarly, I also love the Steve Madden Temmper flats, this black and white tribal pattern is great for seasonal transitions. Ballet flats like these are so comfortable and can be worn with just about anything!

EE: What are your favorite fall hair style tips, to ease the change between humidity and cooler weather?

JZ: I’m pretty easy about my hair, especially in the fall. Most of the time I wear my hair down and try not to fuss with it too much. The natural look is definitely the way to go this season. When it comes to hair products, I believe less is more. I have thin hair and someone turned me on to clay products, which thicken your hair. Brocato has a complete line and I would love other suggestions! Otherwise, my best hair advice is to listen to your hairdresser; they always know what is best for your hair type and texture.

EE: What is your favorite fall pastime with your family, and why?

JZ: I love going apple and pumpkin picking with my grandchildren in the fall. My close friend has two beehives at her home in the Hamptons. I really want to try on her beekeeper suit and visit the bees before they go into hibernation! One of my favorite things to do as a family is head out to our house, also in the Hamptons, in the fall when it gets so quiet and empty around there. As much as I love a big city, it is so refreshing to get away from the hustle and bustle for a weekend of fun and relaxation with the people you love. I may even like being out there in the winter more than in the busy summer months—it’s like we are on a mini vacation. I couldn’t ask for a better weekend getaway!

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Stay tuned for more from Jill Zarin throughout the fall on Essential.