Fall Fashion 2010

It’s about that time again.  September is here!  Squash and zucchini overload the farmer’s markets, back to school sales are dying down (but still worth checking out), college campuses refill, and the beaches empty.  It’s also the time to switch from tank tops and shorts to pants, long-sleeves, and sweaters.

This season, the runways have taken a neutral tone.  Luscious camels, cozy creams, deep blacks, and shades of grey are everywhere.  At first glance, one might think that the recession has made these great designers a little depressed.  Though these tones don’t scream fall, they do allow for bright and bold bursts of burnt orange, or stunning plaids.  Camel jackets that made a come back last fall are still around and a perfect way to warm up, but still hint at the deep fall color you’ve got beneath with a pop of red or purple.

Warm cozy fabrics and rich vibrant colors can still fill your closet’s palette.  This autumn, floral prints are making a come back.  Look for rich colors that make for bolder prints.  Stand out in a print like Elie Tahari’s floral stretch cotton dress.  Or find some subtlety in a cozy cardigan from Anthropologie.

Another trend to keep in mind this fall is military style.  Call it utility, call it warrior wear, or call it military, if you’re wearing it, you’d better be rockin’ it like a fashion fighter!

Hunter greens, lots of buttons, great structure, and uber sexy bomber jackets all fit this trend.  Rachel Zoe loves blacks, military greens, and camel colors (hmm, a nice complement with the neutral trend) for the military look.  She recommends not to take it too literally.  With things like a double breasted jacket or blazers with squared shoulders, a belt at the waist helps give the silhouette some femininity.   There are all kinds of military jackets out there – check out these from Zara, Free People, and Banana Republic:

Of course, this trend isn’t limited to just jackets. Alloy and J. Crew have some great military utility pants.

Thankfully, designers have been hard at work to make these pants stylish rather than bulky.  In these, your hips won’t lie and say they’re three sizes bigger than they are – hello sexy skinny cargos!

If you’re not up for the military chic look or are looking for something to pop off that forest green, take a dive into the animal print trend.  Keep it subtle with a printed belt,  scarf, or a printed shoe.  Or take it loud with a bangin’  leopard jacket.  This trend is a fantastic way to express some spice and sexy flair to any outfit, work, casual, or on a hot night out.

For yet another sexy trend this fall, turn to Mad Men.  This early 60’s style is back in action.  Accentuate your curves.   Get into a high waisted pencil skirt like Adrienne Vittadini’s in a to die for houndstooth (never out of style).

Find tailored blazers, blouses, and dresses with darting in just the right spots.  Still have those skinny jeans that raged this last year?  Well keep them on!  They’re a perfect match to a plaid blazer and some knee high boots. With this style, its important to keep fit as the number one priority.  If you’re in love with a coat or dress but the fit isn’t just right, don’t make the purchase if you can’t bite the bullet to get that perfect item to a tailor.

Finally, let’s get to those shoes.  Happily, there are many trends to love here which means lots and lots of shoe shopping this fall!  Get into lace-ups, like Rachel Zoe’s picks on Piperlime.  Jump into some thigh high boots, tip toe in some kitten heels, or go Dutch in some clogs.

So as the weather cools and you contemplate that first fall stew, keep these trends in mind.  Happy shopping!