Top Ten Trends for Fall 2011

TOP TEN TRENDS FOR FALL 2011

There are some carryover trends from spring as well as last fall, but of updated to reflect the change of season and cooling temperatures.

1. Colored pants

Bright pants can punch up any outfit and banish the gloom of dark days, but keep the top simple. Skinny jeans are still popular so choose a color to enliven your denim collection.

2. Color blocking and Geometrics

Mix unexpected hues for maximum impact. Color blocking can also be achieved by pairing unexpected colors in tops and bottoms, like purple and saffron, fuchsia and red. Black and white always makes a strong graphic statement.

3. Maxi skirt

Hemlines fall to the ground, but this fall eschews the bohemian look in favor of the more tailored and urban, or in the case of Dries van Noten, tribal and patterned. But with volume on the bottom, keep the top half simple and fitted.

4. Lace

Lace continues to be a fall favorite, in all incarnations--- sheer, layered onto sweaters, and a heavy version called "guipure". If wearing lace head to toe, stay monochromatic as in these luxe versions in black and in the deep red of the season.

5.High heeled Loafers

Loafers have lasting appeal, but they are going to new heights with high-heeled ones this fall.

6. Structured handbags

On the heels of the cross body handbag, the structured handheld handbag is having its moment of popularity and is the perfect accompaniment to ladylike dresses and sleek menswear suits.

7. Polka Dots

Polka dots offer a touch of whimsy. Marc Jacobs could not get enough of polka dots, going overboard with dots on everything. Stella McCartney layered white sequin like discs as well as black polka dots over sheer tulle for a very sophisticated effect.

8. Red and Bordeaux colors

Red and Bordeaux are but two of the myriad choices of rich colors this fall, a welcome relief from the omnipresent black. Look for jade green, cobalt blue, saffron and deep purples. Metallics are always in fashion. If wearing color feels too risky, try a punch of color in accessories with your blacks or neutrals.

9. Leather skirts

Leather skirts are stealing the limelight from the must have leather jacket, and some styles have an ease about them, thus avoiding the sausage casing look.

10. Poncho

The poncho is an easy throw on piece available in many guises, from wool to knits. Keep it simple and more tailored to avoid the flower child look of the 1960s. This poncho works more like a top.

These are but a few of the many choices that await you for a stylish fall! Enjoy!