Top Trend Top Trends: floral autumn, hues, art prints, feminine, country, metallic, slouchy.

   
Floral
Why We Love It
The intensity of these prints is akin to coming home and discovering someone has bombarded you with bouquets. (How lovely!) These are in-your-face rather than garden-variety flowers.

There’s an Impressionistic feel to these flowers that gives them a pretty power. And they are tamed by the use of black as a background.

How to Wear It
Florals have turned over a new leaf. Treat them as you might a strong plaid, not a breezy pastel—accessories should be stark and graphic.

Fall brings flowers on necklaces, earrings, even shoes and bags. Set them where they can be admired best—against solid pieces from your wardrobe, not floral clothes.


Autumn Hues
Why We Love It
Designers have delivered fall wardrobes in the universally flattering tones that surround us at this time of year. Why should Mother Nature have all the fun?

The colors project a sensual season in silk charmeuse and soft merino wool. (It works. You’ll see.) Suede and patent leather look rich as well.

How to Wear It
Though nature lays one color atop another, these clothes have maximum impact when worn monochromatically.

No need to pile on the accessories with these quietly luxe pieces. Need convincing? Look closely at the impeccable details.


Art Prints
Why We Love It
The Museum of Modern Art hasn’t reported any major thefts, but these beauties could have been taken straight from its galleries. Oh, so bold and utterly striking, these wearable “canvases” are blessedly detail- free and classic in form.

Though it’s not the sexiest way to dress, you are guaranteed to garner lots of attention. Confidence will help pull off so cerebral a choice.

How to Wear It
Jewelry is liable to be a distraction. However, the accessory these vivid patterns call for is a really cool, substantial shoe.

Strong eye? Yes! Prominent lip? Good idea. Big hair? We think not. Go sleek and pulled back.

Feminine
Why We Love It
Lace to the left of us, ribbons to the right. It’s all about ruffles and pleating and bows. Truly romantic without apology.

Colors are obviously taken right from the lingerie drawer, though the fabrics are weightier and more street-worthy.

How to Wear It
Avoid the icky primness of Victoriana by adding structure—straight-leg pants, a pencil skirt or a coat with clean lines. Tough gloves or killer heels provide a bit of provocation.

Even a little is a lot: Counter the sweetness with a ringlet ban, barely there blush, and bold statement jewelry.



Country
Why We Love It
Designers have warmly embraced “country” again—not Western bolo ties, chaps and cowboy boots, but tweeds, plaids, checks and corduroys in rust, green and brown.

These styles are geared for the great outdoors where it really does get cold. But that doesn't mean the silhouttes won't work on a city street—quite the contrary.

How to Wear It
Summer is full of long skirts, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen them for fall. They’re an option that’s possibly warmer—and definitely more flattering—than leggings.

Don’t go big and overscale on us. Keep it all in proportion with a nipped leather jacket, a short cape or a little fur vest. Say yes to slick riding boots. Try a hat. Again? Please do.

Metallic
Why We Love It
This season digs so deep, it’s no longer an either/or proposition. All metals are celebrated—gold, silver, bronze, hematite, copper and mercury too. They’re even combined. Take your pick.

Lace, silk and skins are given the metallic treatment without the usual hard edges. The result is a feminine fluidity.

How to Wear It
Metallics are the best option when making a big entrance, but keep bold color at bay. Red gloves notwithstanding (far right), better to accessorize tonally (gray/silver, black/gold, tan/bronze and copper).


Slouchy
Why We Love It
These clothes feel as comfy as they look, but they have absolutely no hanger appeal. Do not pass by. Try them on.

The mood is hands-in-pockets languid, but the clothes are hardly shapeless. Note how all feature a strong shoulder or a banded waist, making the draping anything but random.

How to Wear It
Floaty sack dresses won’t cut it. You want to choose fabrics like jersey, satin and wool blends that have the weight and will to instill shape, movement and control. It’s the most studied kind of casual, but when it works, it wows.


Rocker
Why We Love It
Not nearly as daunting as goth (and far less off-putting), this edgy but sophisticated rocker tries to have it both ways—tough love with a wham of glam. Mission accomplished.

All the flash is above the waist. Lots of links, crisscrossing chiffon or velvet, and a cardigan with glitz. It looks tossed on. (Yeah, right.)

How to Wear It
Every ensemble, regardless of designer, is anchored by skinny pants. Usually black. No substitutions. If this isn’t you, then none of it works. Well, OK, you can still have the kickin’ booties.


Five Key Items to Buy Now

    * Print Dresses |
    * Tailored Jackets |
    * Ruffled Blouses |
    * Fuller Skirts |
    * Chunky Knits

Print Dresses
WHY NOW The dress returns—and advances beyond the simple sheath, the pretty floral or the formal plaid to more art-inspired territory. With a looser, less constricting fit and a flirty wink to bohemia, the print dress transitions nicely from this season to a chillier one, when you’ll layer it with a structured jacket or a chunky cardigan.


Pants Guide: Top Five Styles and the Pieces that Make them Work
Cropped Pants
WHY TRY THEM Don't be afraid to take this short cut—as long as you do it in high heels. Cropped pants are by no means leg lengtheners, but if you add height with your footwear, you’ll get a fresh spin on an old classic.

MORE TIPS
1. Menswear fabrics, such as tweed, look modern.
2. A retro bag or print blouse adds a ladylike touch.

Skinny Pants
WHY TRY THEM For a cut so sleek it’s practically aerodynamic, this second-skin fit is second to none. The body-conscious silhouette is almost aggressively sexy, though, so it may not be a match for some conservative workplaces or low-key gatherings.
MORE TIPS
1. To slim thighs, have a tailor remove pockets.
2. A loose shirt that hits mid-derriere minimizes your rear.

Pleated Pants
WHY TRY THEM We’ve become so conditioned to flat-front pants, that the idea of “pleats” almost seems sacrilegious. But these trousers, worn low on the waist and wide in the legs, say slouchy elegance—not pouchy midsection.

MORE TIPS
1. Heels make them more feminine.
2. Gloves, chains and a frame bag counter the menswear vibe.

Harem Pants
WHY TRY THEM Fear not—no one will mistake your outfit for a leftover Aladdin Halloween costume. In general, ballooning silhouettes are most flattering on the tall and thin. However, the wider-hipped should test this cut as the extra fabric provides give.

MORE TIPS
1. Limit jewelry to one big piece.
2. These were shown in purple on the runway, but black is a safer bet for first-timers.


Pants Guide: Top Five Styles and the Pieces that Make them Work
High-Waist Pants
WHY TRY THEM We first saw rising waistbands in jeans; now they’ve made their way to trousers. In high-waist pants, with cuffs covering heels, legs seem to stretch for miles. The style is ideal for those who are long in the torso, as it breaks up the midsection.

MORE TIPS
1. Add more texture to tweed with a chunky knit top.
2. Commit to a heel height, and hem accordingly.
 

THE ULTIMATE JEANS GUIDE:

Katherine Heigl

Think skinny jeans are just for hipsters? Try giving the trendy cut a classic spin with a crisp cropped trench and subtle accessories.

Kate Bosworth

A few fabulous accessories, a bright top and a pair of jeans: there's no simpler way to create a cute outfit.

Katie Holmes

Long flared jeans that are snug through the thigh show off gorgeous long gamS.

Ali Larter

Nothing is more casually sophisticated than a classic bootcut jean with a white button-up shirt.

Beyonce

An ankle-cut jean with a heel shows va-va-voom sex appeal for a night out.

Natalie Portman

Skinny jeans work well on petites like Natalie Portman, who wore these Earnest Sewn jeans with flats.

Jessica Alba

Tiered layers, starting with a cropped jacket and ending with long trouser-cut jeans, add major length to the body.

America Ferrera

By wearing jeans under a knit dress, the Ugly Betty star dresses down her look.

Stars in Jeans

Rachel Bilson

A flowy top paired with dark denim gives this look a ladylike appeal.

Cameron Diaz

For a fun look you can't beat colored jeans, which are best with a basic neutral top.

tars in Jeans

Vanessa Minnillo

Flaunt a little middle in a pair of these high-waisted trouser pants.

Vanessa Minnillo

Flaunt a little middle in a pair of these high-waisted trouser pants.

Kristin Davis

Pear shapes can accentuate a little waist by tucking tops into jeans with a medium-to-high rise; a darker wash is most flattering as well.