The jacket is back for fall 2007, for the office and beyond. The look is a little extreme–slim and cropped or wide and swingy. At first glance, both seem like they would be difficult to wear, but the reality is that this return to a kind of 50s ands 60s elegance is virtually foolproof.

Because it’s all about proportion, baby.

For fall 2007, the look is all about balance; a cropped jacket with a full skirt, or a wide jacket over a slim bottom. And yes, when you look at fashion magazines, you will see wee tiny models who haven’t eaten since the late 1990s sporting this look, but don’t let that deter you. This combination of slim-and-full is a look that works for just about every body type, if you do it right.

Neiman Marcus tweed suit, jacket $455.00, skirt $235.00

Cropped jacket and full skirt or trousers.

Best for: women who are carrying their weight on top. Yes, really! The slim line of the jacket will minimize your top half, while the fuller skirt or trousers will give some weight to a smaller bottom half. Make sure that the jacket fits properly (you should be able to button it, even if you will never wear it that way) AND that you have a bra that fits right (your breasts should be front and center and completely contained in the cups, not swinging low or spilling out the sides). Stick with an A-line skirt or flat front trousers with a little flare, for a sleek mid section.

Swingy jacket and slim skirt or trousers.

Best for: women who carry their weight on the bottom. Again, I know it seems counter intuituve, but trust me; the full jacket balances your top and bottom half. Look for trousers with a straight leg (NOT a tapered leg–there is no good reason on God’s green earth for ANYONE to EVER wear tapered pants, ever); pants should fall straight from the widest part of your midsection, without any flare. Choose skirts that do the same (rather than a traditional pencil skirt, which narrows at the hemline). Pair trousers and skirts with a heel (even something as small as one inch will give you a little lift) or a pointy toe, for the longest possible leg. Keep the hem of your jacket at the hip or slightly higher.

Three-quarter length sleeves.

Best for: anyone, really. This fall, the three-quarter, or bracelet, sleeve is back. At first glance, this seems like a fairly limited option, but be daring; wear the shorter sleeve with a tank or short sleeved blouse, OR with long sleeves. Pair with a ruffly cuff for a girly look or with a plain tee for something more casual.

If you, like me, are closer to 40 than 20, a bracelet sleeve is a better option than a short sleeve (which is also everywhere this fall). Jackets with very short sleeves can be very youthful, but not necessarily in a good way. A three-quarter sleeve jacket, in either a slim cut or a trapeze style, is professional and versatile and grown up.

And this fall, the look really is all about being all three of those things.

Don’t forget about The Working Closet Flickr pool! Because September 1 is right around the corner.