Colors that are perennially favorites for the cooler months, and aren't shown in the chart, are the jewel tones and of course, black and white. You'll probably see a bit more white this year (the dry cleaner's favorite color!) At a recent meeting of the San Francisco chapter of the AICI (Association of Image Consultants International), with whom I am a Board member, we were reviewing the current trends and I just had to snap a picture of one of our members who was wearing the 'white trend' so beautifully. Alyce is one of the founders of AICI and wears this trend with her usual dramatic flair.

THE CLOSET

Influences of the Past
We're seeing a resurgence of the influence of past decades, in particular the 60's-80's. The old saying about not wearing a trend if you wore it the first time around isn't necessarily true. Trends do look a little different when they're recycled. If it's your true "style personality" , for example 'bohemian', then you can embrace the trend more fully. (I wrote about style personalities, or archetypes, earlier this year. You can read about them here.) Otherwise, if something is speaking to you, you may want to incorporate it in small doses, in your accessories or shoes.

For the 60's, think boho, fringe detailing, suede and lace-up boots and shoes. The 70's influence features velvet, lace and brocade (always a luxe touch for this season). For the 80's we have the menswear look (pantsuits, Oxfords, aviator jackets) and the minimalist (think Giorgio Armani.)

Choices in Pants
For those who haven't done much pant shopping because it was difficult to find anything but the skinny leg, you'll be jumping up and down with joy. Pants are now available in straight cut, flares and wide legs, as well as in a higher rise. Stock up this season on your favorite cuts - with fashion you don't know how long they will be around!

Outerwear
Capes and ponchos abound and are a good layering piece for the season. Wrap coats are another good bet, as are aviator and moto jackets.

Love the camel and gray combo too!

Fabrics & Patterns
Lots of plaids (in dresses, coats and hats), knits (in dresses, ponchos, and oversized cable-knit sweaters), metallics, denim (alone or in combo with other fabrics), and the previously mentioned velvets and brocades. Need I say animal prints? They are a classic.

It's in the Details
We're seeing a lot of fur trim (either real or faux). Leather is always big this time of year -  in particular this year, shearling (the world's first double-faced fabric.) If you live in a colder climate (i.e. not in California) or if you go up to the mountains a lot in the winter months, then shearling could be a good investment for you this year.

Stand-up collars on blouses, brooches as accents, choker necklaces as well as pendants, micro-handbags, as well as totes, bucket bags and backpack-style bags.

Shoes
Lots of choices in the shoe department, and a great way to incorporate some of the other trends of the season in small doses, like the examples below. Touches of fringe on a marsala bootie, suede lace-up or Chelsea style boots in a camel shade with a chunky heel, and the Oxford in a menswear trend fabric. You'll also find kitten heels, Mary Janes, velvet or embellished heels, and of course the longer boot styles as well.

There's a lot to choose from this season. My personal favorites are a touch a fringe, a touch of marsala, and stocking up on some basics and knits in both camel and gray for a minimalist, monochromatic look, worn with a chunky choker necklace. I've got a camel cape coat from last year that will work great with this look. (The #1 rule: always shop your closet first!)

Let me know if you need some help getting you ready for Fall and making the transition into this new, glorious season!