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Fall fashion trends, from favorites to long shots

10:16 PM CDT on Sunday, September 7, 2008

By DAVID NINH / The Dallas Morning News dninh@dallasnews.com

A look at the latest styles for fall, from fur and feathers to winter florals. Which will work for your wardrobe? A look at the pros, the cons and the odds of success.

FUR

PROS: Local ladies love their fur, and we've seen them break out the fox and chinchilla at the first hint of fall. Some pieces such as Missoni's mink skirt look amazingly chic. Oh, and you'll stay warm.

CONS: Have you been outside lately? It doesn't feel like a cold front's blowing through Dallas anytime soon. And surely you've heard of PETA?

INSIDE TIP: Fur feels freshest when it doesn't follow the rules. Don't be afraid to try vivid colors and nontraditional cuts.

ODDS: 20-1


WINTER FLORALS

PROS: They're really, really pretty. You'll look bloomingly beautiful.

CONS: The darker tones are appropriate for fall, but bright floral patterns were the biggest story last spring. We better not see this trend dragged out another season.

INSIDE TIP: A pair of tall boots, colored tights or a figure-defining belt can add a dose of sex appeal and keep florals from looking too sweet.

ODDS: 5-1


MENSWEAR

PROS: A blazer and full trousers is the epitome of chic, and this is the rare trend that can look great on women of any age. Let's hear it for the boys!

CONS: Are you kidding? When was the last time you heard Dallas women called "butch"?

INSIDE TIP: Don't be too literal. Nix the necktie and button-down in favor of a flirty blouse or low-cut T-shirt.

ODDS: 10-1


PURPLE

PROS: The regal hue is bold and goes great with every skin tone. It also plays well with others (yellow, green, brown, gray).

CONS: A little goes a looooong way.

INSIDE TIP: Mix up your wardrobe with deep shades of violet and light lavender pieces so your closet doesn't look like an overgrown eggplant garden.

ODDS: 6-1


COUNTRY CLUB

PROS: Smart tweeds, buffalo checks and outdoor living – so thoroughbred. Ralph Lauren is practically a patron saint in this neck of the woods.

CONS: We don't live in England.

INSIDE TIP: Don't go overboard with accessories such as feathered hats, scarves and riding boots. Head-to-toe anything is a fashion no-no.

ODDS: 7-2


THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

PROS: It's the little black dress.

CONS: You won't stand out in the crowd.

INSIDE TIP: Go short and sleek. Avoid frou-frou details if you want to keep it sexy.

ODDS: 2-1, WINNER!

"I truly believe Alber Elbaz is the greatest living designer today. When he does his version of the little black dress, you can be sure that it is something you can wear forever. He is obsessed with details, draping and clothes that can be powerful and feminine at the same time. He loves women and designs with the idea of making them feel more beautiful."

–Julie Gilhart, fashion director of Barneys New York


THE DARK SIDE

PROS: Fashion's fun when it's a little sinister. Rodarte's collection inspired by Japanese slasher movies rocked it. Who doesn't like a smoky eye?

CONS: Some of the dreary ensembles can sulk over into Goth territory.

INSIDE TIP: The most amazing versions of this look come with amazing price tags, too. But anyone can afford skinny black jeans and dark lipstick.

ODDS: 25-1


LACE

PROS: Depending on the cut and color, lace can read elegant, romantic or wildly sexy. Where Prada leads, we follow.

CONS: What's not to like?

INSIDE TIP: Start stocking up on skin-toned underpinnings.

ODDS: 3-1

"The romantic mood of the season was defined by the many beautiful laces that appeared on the runway. Lace is ultra-feminine and looks confident and modern in the linear silhouettes that have emerged as an important trend."

–Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus senior vice president and fashion director


FEATHERS

PROS: Plumage-bedecked skirts and dresses floated down the runway to maximum soaring effect. In a city where more is more, this trend will surely fly.

CONS: Too much can make you look, caw, bird-like!

INSIDE TIP: If you don't already have a highly competent dry-cleaner, find one.

ODDS: 20-1

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