Mail time! Let’s see what we have in the old mailbox this week.

The weather has definitely changed in Western New York but I’m not ready to go straight to winter sweaters and suits. What are some work-appropriate looks that I can wear for the next couple of weeks?

The first piece I would suggest is a good trench coat. Look for something knee-length in a nice khaki color. Trench coats are great for in-between weather, giving you protection from the elements without making you look like the Michelin man before there’s a single snowflake on the ground. Target has a great trench in a few different color options for less than $50.

I’m a huge fan of tights in the fall, as well. I’m a wimp when it comes to skirts in the winter, so I try to wear them as often as possible during the fall. Tights make me feel so much warmer and look cute while still being professional. A black pencil skirt can be livened up with a pair of colored tights, or a hounds-tooth skirt with black tights can give you a preppy vibe for a casual day in the office.

I just found out that I will be having an unexpected performance review with my manager in the next few weeks and I am FREAKING OUT. What can I do to prepare and put my best foot forward?

Don’t panic! Reviews don’t have to be nerve-wracking. In fact, they can be great for you and your career.

Take a deep breath and a good look at what you’ve done over the past year. Really review it all—the good, the bad and the ugly. You can be sure your boss will, so you might as well be prepared for everything. Make notes, lists or whatever else might be helpful to you when you’re actually in the meeting. Preparation before your review will prevent you from looking like the cat took your tongue as your manager discusses your work throughout the past year.

Have information handy so you can celebrate your successes (because no one else will but you!) and talk about what you learned from your mistakes. Mistakes happen and can be great learning experiences. If you’ve had a few, don’t shy away from talking about how they helped you grow into a better employee. When it comes time to talk about what you did well, toot your horn! This is the time when bragging is more than acceptable. How will you be sure that your bosses know you were the key player in closing the company’s biggest deal of the year if you don’t tell them?

A review can be a great opportunity to learn more about what’s expected of you in the coming year, as well. Be prepared with some goals of your own and ask questions on where your boss sees you in company or department’s plan moving forward. Make your review interactive so you can walk out the door knowing exactly where you stand, what’s expected of you and how to best tackle the next big project. Good luck!

Have questions on issues facing young professionals? Send them to me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and you could see the answers in an upcoming Young Money post.

Photo from Flickr / arthit.