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Runway Fashion 2008

This fall, fashion trends run from equestrian to medieval. The season features dark, strong colors, such as dark blues, purples and greens. Important fashion pieces for the season include patterned tights, print dresses and jumpsuits, tailored jackets, blouses with ruffles and cable knit sweaters. Look for the return of the maxi skirt and chunky shoes.

COLOR TRENDS

Keynotes for fall fashion are rich elegant and vibrant. Cool hues replace the usual fall subdued colors. Cool bright hues including the staples such as brown and grey, with blues and purples added.

PURPLE, PURPLE, PURPLE. Mixed with blues and greens, this will be the strong color palette for fall.

1. Navy: This season's navy has a touch of green.

2. Purples and Dark Lilac: blues and purples and a color named Blue Iris that is a blue/purple

3. Staples: Chocolate Brown and Steel Grey, and a mix of both, a mushroom color called Shitake rule!

4. Black: Always a staple, this season mixed navy.

5. Blush tones: Dusty Pink continues, now with added brown undertones.

6. Warm tones: Ochre and Burnt Orange are the subdued tones of the spring brights for this season.

7. Teal Green: stronger this season, mixed with plum, maroon and navy.

8. New colors: Caribbean Blue, Mushroom (shitake) Brown, Dusty Rose, Blue Iris and Royal Lilac

9. Reds: Aurora Red is a true red, full of vitality.

FASHION TRENDS

1. RUSSIAN ROYALTY AND MILITARY Lots of Cossack inspiration, from hats to double breasted coats and even in men's suits. Check out: Donna Karan's Russian Doll outfit, Versace's wide pants.

2. EQUESTRIAN Jodhpurs and cropped jackets. Check out: Dolce and Gabbana

3. MAN- TAILORED Wide legs in tweed and herringbone. Worn with white shirt and high heels. Longer jackets with pronounced lapels and shoulders.

4. 70S LOOK The 70s are back with blousy shirts, wide pants and pleats, and maxi-skirts.

5. MEDIEVAL Robe dresses with hoods, chain mesh fabrics. Check out: Marc Jacobs draped dresses with hoods

6. VELVET Long velvet dresses and bubble skirts in blues, purples, and of course, black.

7. GREEN MOVEMENT Green continues.

8. SLOUCHY In Jersey, and satin and wool, comfort is in. Check out: Valentino and Ralph Lauren

9. EMBELLISHMENT Natural elements continue. Look for faux fur, shaggy furs, and lots of fringe and velvet. Fringes on dresses, coats, shoes and handbags. Pattern tights are key!

PATTERNS Lots of patterns this season. Here are the dominant trends.

1. Monochrome: Black over black over black.

2. Plaids and tartans and argyles

3. Origami

4. Geometric art prints in bold colors

5. Mesh

6. Floral prints in intense colors.

7. Mismatched tweeds

8. Metallic. Gold, Silver bronze, and mercury combined.

SHOES

1. Boots are strong.

2. Green shoes are hot!

3. Fringes on shoes.

4. Metallic. Gold, Silver bronze, and mercury combined.

5. 70s style shoes with Bohemian adornments-Bagley Miska.

6. Cowboy boots, riding boot.

7. Patterned tight.

8. Floral adornments.

9. Red and Purple accents.

10. Victorian lace up boots like the Icarus by Taryn Rose.

11. Rubber boots.

12. Military boots.

SHOPPING TIP: When purchasing fashion-forward item in a hot seasonal color, update your look with an accessory in that color, rather than a whole item. This season, pick an accessory in purple or red, something with fringe, or mesh, and add patterned tights and a wide leg pant.

This fall fashion season is eclectic and elegant. It's time for velvet and chunky sweaters and Victorian boots. Bring on the winds and snow!

Learn more about this author, Melanie Grimes.
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