Spotlight on Fall’s Fashion Trends

We’ve told you about fall’s must-have beauty looks (http://www NULL.singlemindedwomen NULL.com/womenslooks/517/falls-new-beauty-buys NULL.html). We’ve clued you in about the season’s to-die-for handbags. But what about, um, your clothes? Fret not, little lady—we’ve saved the best for last with this round-up of fall ‘08′s most important, need-to-know fashion trends. From lace to cropped blazers, these looks will enhance your style profile this season—because expired trends are like expired milk: rotten. 

Jewel Tones: Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but sapphires, rubies, and emeralds will get you through this season in fine form. Look for color-saturated pieces—whether it’s a scarf or a blouse—in rich purples, pinks, blues, greens, reds, and yellows. SMW’s Pick: Banana Republic’s Flutter-Sleeve Pleated Top in Ocean Floor Blue (http://www NULL.bananarepublic NULL.com/browse/product NULL.do?cid=12065&pid=617994). 

Lace: Fall fashion gets a romantic boost via this delicate fabric. To make this style work for you, look for simple, streamlined silhouettes that aren’t old-fashioned or overdone. SMW’s Pick: Nanette Lepore’s Boudoir Lace Top. (http://www NULL.saksfifthavenue NULL.com/main/ProductDetail NULL.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574491979183&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446197321&R=801303428320&P_name=Nanette+Lepore&sid=11BF753874C4&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474399545537&bmUID=1219625213272)  

Winter Florals: Florals are still in full bloom this season, but shift from summer’s bold and exuberant petals in favor of darker and more exotic prints. SMW’s Pick: Milly’s Deco Floral Print Silk Chiffon Blouse. (http://shop NULL.nordstrom NULL.com/S/2991371?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=guidednav&keyword=floral+in+All+Categories+%3e+Women%27s+Apparel+%3e+Designer+Collections&origin=searchresults) 

The LBJ (Little Black Jacket): Pay tribute to YSL’s classic “Le Smoking” jacket in a shrunken black blazer that adds a sexy-tough edge to any ensemble. SMW’s Pick: Theory’s Ladarius Blazer. (http://www NULL.shopbop NULL.com/) 

Ombre: The color-melting trend continues into fall, giving color-blocking an artsy twist. SMW’s Pick: DKNYC’s Ombre V-Neck Empire-Waist Silk Dress. (http://www1 NULL.macys NULL.com/catalog/product/index NULL.ognc?ID=321898&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx NULL.esn_results) 

Knits: As the temperatures drop, chunky knits will be working their way into your wardrobe. Look for a chunky knit sweater or sweater coat, or throw a long cardigan over a camisole and skinny jeans. SMW’s Pick: Spiegel’s Whisper-Weight Long Cardigan. (http://www NULL.spiegel NULL.com/)

Tweed: Add some texture to your fall wardrobe with tweed, a fabric that adds polish to any career gal’s closet. SMW’s Pick: Taylor’s Ponte/Tweed Dress. (http://www NULL.anntaylor NULL.com/) 

Cropped Jacket: Instead of drowning yourself in yards of wool, wear a stylish cropped jacket over a long-sleeved top (add gloves to up the glamour quotient). SMW’s Pick: Tory Burch’s Margaret Jacket. (http://www NULL.toryburch NULL.com/)

 

More SMW Beauty & Fashion Advice

Fall’s New Beauty Buys

20 Simple Ways to Update Your Style

Baby, It’s Cold Outside: How to Heat Up Your Wardrobe