The Fall "two piece"

I first became interested in the Fall "two piece" when I saw pictures of the lovely Jennifer Lopez at a press event this past Winter. I, like most, assumed this Chloé ensemble was just that - an ensemble - an aesthetic created from the piecing together of a brushed taffeta high-waisted skirt and a slim, cropped, tuck-in-able cashmere sweater.

But as I did my requisite find-that-outfit searching, I came to realize, that's no skirt and sweater combo -- that's a dress.

Months later, I bought the October issue of Lucky Magazine, in part because I adore all things Mandy Moore, in part because I couldn't stop staring at the skirt and ruffled cami she wore on the cover. As I hurriedly flipped to the "Cover Look" page to find out just how significant a portion of my savings acquiring her outfit would require, I saw, as I had above, not the words "skirt" and "blouse" but rather "Mandy's" and "dress." Once again, I'd been fooled.

And now I'm hooked on what I like to call the "two piece" dress. As with printed, floral, metallic and brightly colored varieties, the "two piece" dress is not a necessity. In fact, if you're looking for to add versatile professional pieces to your wardrobe this Fall, I'd steer you in the direction of separates, not a dress that gives the illusion thereof. Why? Well, for starters, dresses can only achieve a singular look. Sure, you can place a jacket or sweater over top and play a bit with your frock's appearance, but for the most part, your red, purple and white graphic printed sheath, Marc Jacobs and super cute though it may be, can only perform one act. A skirt and blouse in rich neutrals, however, can spin off, mix into and spice up your existing components to create any number of unique outfit permutations.

If, on the other hand, you've been good this past season and saved more than you've spent, I wholeheartedly endorse bringing a "two piece" dress into your for-Fall fold. Here below are a few of my favorite, almost all of which, surprise surprise, fall into the "If I had a sugar daddy..." price point.

If a $400 dress isn't and never will be a possibility, sit tight for I have a sneaking feeling Zara and company will stock their stores soon with much more affordable versions.

Until then, enjoy the view...

Runway shift dress by Tracy Reese ($400 at eluxury.com)

Turtlneck satin skirt dress by Rachel Roy ($995 at net-a-porter.com)
Two-tone jacquard dress by Milly ($350 at net-a-porter.com)*

A-line tuxedo dress by Shoshanna ($305 at southmoonunder.com)

Cowl-neck sweater dress by Thread Social ($617 at otteny.com)

Two-tone ruffle neck dress by Franny ($352 at ronherman.com)

Diamond turtleneck dress by Alice & Olivia ($396 at saks.com)

High-waisted knit dress by Adam + Eve ($385 at saks.com)*

Two-toned belted shirt dress by Calvin Klein ($140 at dillards.com)
Coince cap-sleeve dress by Tibi ($400 at shopbop.com)*

Dotted wool dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs ($498 at shopbop.com)

*your Editrix's top picks