by Kathy Deutsch

Created on: August 27, 2009   Last Updated: August 28, 2009

The fashion magazines are full of ads and pictorials about what is hot for Fall 2009. It can be overwhelming to wade through it all. Luckily, this fall features fashions that are easy on the wallet and easy to wear. They blend with what we already own-no need for a closet overhaul.

The key color is a strong red. For those of us who don't look good in bright scarlet, there are many alternatives. Bright almost-orange red looks great on women who usually fade out in the more common "crayon red" (really a red with blue tones). Also, there is no need to overdose on the color. A pop of red in shoes, or a bright stripe in a neck scarf will be enough accent to look fresh.

The trendy footwear for this year is extremely bold. Boots are big, as they always seem to be in the Fall. This year they have high, somewhat stacked heels, or streamlined wedges. Some quirky designers are showing boots (and shoes) with fanciful heels, looking like stacks of beads or interlocking rings. The toe being shown is sleek, not rounded, sometimes pointy or bluntly square. The cut-out idea is still strong. This means boots and shoes with the toe or heel cut out, perhaps cut outs along the sides. This footwear looks almost skeletal.

The other hot trend in shoes is very, very classic. Ballerina flats are being shown in all colors and materials; patent red is huge. Sleek, less-flashy cowboy boots and biker boots look great with the next big trend that is also classic...denim.

Jeans for Fall. Denim is always in style. This year's trendy jeans come in three flavors: skin-tight, gentle bootcut, and "boyfriend." The skinny jean is also called "rockstar" cut. It is not as low cut as in the past, about 2 inches below the navel with an exaggerated wide waistband. The leg of the jean is tight from hip to ankle, and stops just at the ankle bone or way longer, to be rolled up. The bootcut jean also has the wide waistband and clings gently to the leg as it skims to the bootcut (not a flared leg). These pants end at just below the ankle bone, a normal length. The "boyfriend" cut sits on the hips and drops straight to the hem-no curves. They are rolled up to above the ankle bone or all the way to just below the knee. Denim trends are either dark indigo to black and new-looking, or destructed with mended tears and extreme fading.

The other trends in pants feature soft, warm fabric softly pleated. Think menswear pants with gentle pleats, tapering to the ankle. The harem pant is being worn in soft, lush, silky

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