Fall 2008 Trends

It's not just for school girls anymore! From plaid skirts to jackets to tights, plaid reigned supreme on the runways in February (remember the shows are six months ahead of the season). Ok, I don't see anyone wearing a plaid gown (sorry, Ralph Lauren) except maybe to the annual Highland Fling while channeling Charlotte York. But plaid is always a great way to liven up a more basic outfit with some color. Just be careful of overdoing it -- either stick to just up top or on the bottom. You don't want to cause dizziness!

Every year there is one color that really pops on the runway. It's also the one color that manages to sneak into all our closets whether we want it to or not becoming the "it" color of the season. Last year it was yellow. This season it's a rust or orange color, which makes perfect sense with fall's palette of golds and browns. What's great about an "it" color is that it's the ideal complement to your basics of blacks, browns and beiges that every fashionista should have in her wardrobe. If you're not a color gal, fear not. Try starting slowly with some accessories like a scarf or bangle and moving up to bigger things from there.

Sure there are always wacky details on the runway, but a reoccurring (and not wacky) one was bows. There were small, large, over-sized, bitty -- bows of all shapes and sizes seen coming down the catwalk. And the more we saw, the more we knew that come this fall, bows would be on shoes, bags, jackets, jeans, everything and anything fashionable. This is fine as long as it's not overdone. For those of you who are not extremely girlie, and the word bow you associate with arrow, no worries. Bows can be worn in the most masculine of ways, such as a little bow-tie with trousers and a tuxedo shirt emulating the still-popular menswear trend from last season.

If you think bows are girlie, wait until you see ruffles. If you don't watch out, wearing too many ruffles or the wrong shape of ruffles will make you look like you've been swallowed whole. But wearing them just the right way is a hit. Ruffles can look elegant, chic and above all else, just plain fun. Ruffles also add a romantic twist to a a basic white button-down shirt or to sleeves and a collar. But be careful, ruffles do add fullness so if you're concerned about certain areas (hips! thighs!) don't wear a ruffled skirt.

Grrrrr. It seems that some kind of animal print is always in vogue, but that doesn't bother us at all. Leopard print, when worn right, can be glamorous and fun. Plus, with just a bit here or there, it's the perfect accent to an all-black ensemble. But if you're hesitant about trying it out (or spending money on something that seems so faddish) just try something small at first like earrings. And remember, wearing something like leopard or any animal print will immediately draw attention to that area so try and avoid your trouble spots and highlight one of your best features instead.

Say howdy to boots, ponchos and fringe -- just maybe not all at once. The beauty of this trend is that you can pick and choose from a variety of different options. Even if you have no desire to look like Annie Oakley, you might love a little fringe on your handbag or some cowboy boots to spice up your denim. And who doesn't love a warm poncho to snuggle away the cold fall nights?