Gone is the scorching summer heat, and fall fashion is here at last. I say, hooray to both! With cooler weather approaching, dressing gets easier and more exciting with fun prints and textures, daring silhouettes, decadent prints and updated accessories. Here’s to one last moment of silence for summer’s passing, and then get ready to shop ‘til you drop for these striking, new fashion trends.
NEW-GOTH
Now who would have thought that the American remake of Stieg Larsson’s best-selling crime novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, would bring about a fashion craze? It seems that designers were inspired by the dark and brooding main character, Lisbeth Salander, and the vengeful techie’s wardrobe is an accurate reflection of the life she’s lived, void of color and pretty details. This season, the Goth wears leather, cage jackets that read “stay away”, and of course, lots and l
ots of black. 
CURVE APPEAL
If you weren’t born with pin-up girl curves, never fear: peplum is here! A peplum is a short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse, or dress, which gives the illusion of a curvier body. Some designers also gave suit jackets a major makeover this season, with padded hips and exaggerated waistlines taking the looks from perfectly professional to va-va-voom! 
PLENTIFUL PRINTS
This fall, there’s no such thing as “too much print”. It may sound scary to some, but for others, this artsy trend can be a fun celebration of color and pattern. Miu Miu, for example, paired 
pants and jackets made of matching colorful prints, with a shirt of a different print underneath. Note that this is pleasing as long as the two prints have a similar color palette. If you’re a little timid, do as Rag & Bone did, by pairing bright printed pants with a jacket of a more subdued color, and a darker shirt underneath.
FALL FOR FUR
What would fall be without fur? Real or faux (we greatly prefer faux) fur was spotted on a ton of runways this season. Rather than as a predictable, and sometimes overwhelming fur coat, the new way to wear it is as an accent in one article of clothing or accessory. Look for
a jacket or skirt with a fur trim, such as BCBG Max Azria’s, or a bag or scarf with fur details.
OVER-SIZED OUTERWEAR
In addition to seeing major curves on the runway, there was also no shortage of over-sized coats. Worn over dresses of the same length at Balenciaga and Victoria Beckham, they looked comfortable and inviting, yet completely pulled-together. The sight of them will 
evoke childhood memories of you trying on your dad’s coat, only this time instead of drowning in it, you will wear it with ease and elegance.
VELVET AS VICTOR
If you try just one of this season’s delicious trends, make it velvet. Velvet was seen everywhere on everything from suits to coats to dresses and more, usually in beautiful deep shades of purple or red. Traditionally associated with nobility, velvet has a soft texture and noticeable sheen that will instantly give you a majestic flair. Try a velvet dress for evening, or a velvet blazer over your favorite pair of jeans to dress up a casual outfit.
ACCESSORY UPDATE
If you don’t have the budget for an entirely new look you can easily add an updated accessory to stay current. Hats are (literally) big this fall and are great for keeping ears warm. Marc Jacobs decorated his model’s heads with huge hats with great, big feathers, a nod to the Victorian era. For something more appropriate for every day, a fedora or a suede floppy hat adorned with feathers and ribbons would make an excellent addition to your fall closet. Try Juicy Couture’s “Asymmetrical Feather Fedora” for $68 or a Mossimo Supply & Co.
burgundy felt hat with a braided trim for $19.99 available at Target.com. For something a little different and really cute, try the Kate Spade “Battery Park Buckle Hat” for $88.
Also, be on the lookout for a structured bag to carry, which can immediately add polish to your look. You’ll look like you mean business, even if you’re just making a Starbucks run. Prada is known for their beautiful, structured totes and you can get your hands on one for a mere $1800, 
or something similar for significantly less. Michael Kors makes a stylish crocodile-embossed tote in a autumn-appropriate blackberry color for just under $900.
