Fall Fashion 2008

Femininity is here - at least for the 2008 fall season. Ribbons, bows, ruffles, pleats, embroidery and lots of bling.

Dresses reared their head this summer and are here again this fall. Most hems seem to fall just below the knee. Remember though, every one does their own thing these days. No one will stare if your dress falls to the ankle or barely covers your tush.

The dresses are pretty with a lot of neckline detail. Both the neck line itself as well as paintings and embroidery details. I have also seen several attractive sweater dresses.

The biggest item this fall is definitely the JACKET. Tunics, swing jackets, trapeze, short, very short (your top will show about 4 to 6 inches below the jacket on some) even princess style jackets (the comfy boxy jackets of a few seasons ago are hard to find).

Most sleeves on the jackets, dresses and tops are ¾ inch this season. They are wide, angel sleeves, bell shaped, triangular and some have elastic bands.

There is one jacket silhouette that keeps showing up. It's a very short, swingy jacket with two large round bottoms at the top and usually a Peter Pan or round collar. It comes in denim, sheers - you name it. It is very cute and everywhere.

Trousers are skinny to fit in boots and full for dress. Actually any pants that fit your figure will work. Yes, pants are still popular and I think it is safe to say always will be.

Trench coats and reversible coats are very popular. We will probably see more trends next month on outerwear.

Leather and suede are everywhere, coats, jackets, tops, pants, accessories - you name it. Animal prints are now a staple. You'll find many jackets and coats lined with them.

Vests are also on the scene. From the very dressy to the heavier weight sweater vests, they all work this year.

Tops with tanks and camisoles underneath are popular; I haven't seen many of the staple twin sets we love.

Shoes and boots are all over the place. There are flats and very very high thin heels. Mary Jane's are big again and buckles and trim everywhere.

If you wear the latest ankle boots, high spiked heels, patent and suede, be sure to wear your sneakers and carry your boots! (Didn't we used to do the opposite?) Boots are mostly fashion items now and not the functional but clunky galoshes of yesterday. Oh you can find them but they are void of style.

Metallic are now in the neutral class. You don't have to save those copper shoes for the ball anymore.

Jewelry is big and bold; no longer thin yellow or white gold chains. I haven't seen any chokers; the jewelry seems wider and longer. Many have pendants hanging off them.

But remember many or your tops are decorated and you won't need a necklace. One necklace that keeps popping up is oval or round chains with each link about an inch wide, sometimes doubled, about a 24 inches long, often with a pendant.

Gold is no longer just yellow. In addition to yellow or white gold, there is now chocolate or black gold.

Bracelets are very big this year. Like the necklaces they are heavy and bold and once again, some with trinkets hanging off. You really need them even more than the necklaces because of the ¾ inch sleeves. Same goes for watches. Often there are several bracelets and a watch on the same arm.

Again because of the sleeve lengths, rings are big, big, big. Often overpowering on a small hand, since some stones are almost an inch. The stones are colorful on the pendants, rings, bracelets earrings and even on the bags we carry.

I have not picked up on much change in earrings. They have been long and colorful for a while now. Hoops are always in in all sizes and in all the shades of gold as well as the ever-popular silver.

Handbags and totes remain large in size, price and popularity. Often they have decorations hanging off them. Colors are rampant; anything goes and the more bling the better.

Last, but far from least there is COLOR! I remember some years when the winter colors were drab and dark like a winter night, but not lately.

We have added some basics we haven't seen much of lately like navy, brown (all shades), and grey.

Olive, burgundy, purple, gold, denim, kaki and black round out the main basics. To further lighten our spirits there is a lot of greens,blues,yellows, orange, ivory and yes even some pinks and true white.

Certainly there is not as much color as in our spring and summer wardrobes but you will not be out of season wearing an orange blouse carrying a purple tote with metallic hanging off it. Ugh!

Stay tuned