Top Ten Trends of Fall/Winter 2008

This year was all about simple, highly structured architectural pieces inspired by menswear for an androgynous look. Most designers stuck with neutral tones to really showcase the beauty of their designs, while others stood out with key pieces in vibrant colors. Either way you go, investing in the right garment can do wonders for almost every figure and is sure to be in fashion for years to come.

Pictured above, from left to right:
For day: Nicole Miller adds a burst of color to the structured trend with a vibrant yellow coat over a black long-sleeve dress complete with black tights, a funky hat, and patent black boots.

For work: Karl Lagerfeld goes classic with a menswear-inspired all black ensemble. The flared, pleated skirt gives it a feminine edge to soften the look.

For play: Proenza Schouler looks back on the golden age of glamour with this neutral boatneck dress with puffs at the sleeves and intricate slightly contrasting details on the skirt. Wear it with black tights and jewel-toned heels to really make it pop.

Well, not literally. Instead, try key pieces in nude and neutral colors like beige, grey, white, ivory, black, and taupe. Clothes and accessories in these shades are endlessly versatile. Wear all neutrals and nudes for a sleek, polished look for work or spice it up a bit with a deep jewel-toned top or accessories.

Pictured above, from left to right:
For day: Louis Vuitton translates neutrals into a long, sleek trench coat paired with black knee-high boots, classic handbag, and statement brooch. Weird headpiece optional.

For work: Yves Saint Laurent shows you don't have to lose your sense of fashion just because you have to show up at the office everyday. A classic pencil skirt paired with a matching top with a little flair, black calf-length boots, opaque lace tights, patent belt, and an oversized golden cuff bracelet definitely show style.

For play: Chanel shows how you can incorporate this fall trend into your going-out style with a knee-length semi-sheer dress with black details on the hem & banded waist and a to-die-for ruffled neck, complete with a crisp black bow. Pair with neutral tights, black Mary Janes, and a classic black clutch, and you're ready to hit the town.

Leather pants, jackets, shoes, and handbags were all over the fall 2008 runways. Factor in the tons of exposed zippers, shiny metallics, and funky plaids, and we've got a serious case of motorcycle-rebel blues. But don't let this trend intimidate you; you don't have to go all out to flaunt your inner bad girl. Just choose a few key pieces with accents like exposed zippers, shiny buckles, and colorful plaids. And please, for everyone's sake, understand and accept the fact that not everyone can wear super tight leather pants. Besides, there are plenty of styles (like loose boot-cuts) that allow you to wear leather without looking like a spectacle.

Pictured above, from left to right:
For day: Marc by Marc Jacobs shows you how wear the rebel style for a day out with a short leather jacket with exposed zippers, a funky plaid skirt, black tights and boots, and a hot pink clutch for a burst of color.

For work: Nicole Miller does rebel chic real business-like (because you don't want to go overboard - unless you have a REALLY creative job). Pair loose, but fitted leather pants with a simple wrap sweater, black handbag, and black boots for a sophisticated and sleek look at the office.

For play: Balmain goes all out for a stunning, sexy night on the town. Ultra-tight leather pants with exposed zippers, lace-up boots, and a bright, shiny one-shouldered top will definitely get you noticed.

Patterns like argyle, plaid, tartan, and houndstooth have always been a huge hit for fall, so you can wear these pieces for years to come. It's best to only wear one pattern at a time, or you take the risk of looking tacky and like you got dressed in the dark. If you do want to wear a lot of these patterns, make sure they are all the same style and color, so you look put-together.

Pictured above, from left to right.
For day: Michael Kors keeps it chic with a patterned tweed coat with similar colors to the base of the outfit: green and purple.

For work: Tommy Hilfiger mixes it up with stand-out patterned pants with hints of black, white, and red paired with a simple sweater top to balance it out.

For play: Ralph Lauren shows you how to take this trend to nighttime with a sexy, flowing dress in dark purple plaid. For colder seasons, dark plaid looks best, as brighter, lighter colors can come off as too sundress-like.

Jewel tones are pretty self-explanatory: deep, rich colors that reflect the hues of precious gems like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. They're usually seen on shiny fabrics like silk and satin. Jewel tones are perfect for fall because they add a burst of color to any wardrobe. Stand out with a major piece (shirt, pants, or dress) in a jewel tone or add a little pop to your outfit with a scarf, handbag, or shoes with deep, rich tones.

Pictured above, from left to right:
For day: Proenza Schouler adds a bright burst of color to a classic day dress, complete with ruby red pumps.

For work: Oscar de la Renta really pops out at the office with a gorgeous ruffled blouse and sleek wide leg trousers in deep purple.

For play: Lanvin takes jewel tones to night with a sleek, fitted one-shouldered dress featuring structured, but soft, folds. Complete the outfit with dark, contrasting gloves, heels, and clutch.

Pale, pastel shades aren't just for spring anymore. Adding these colors to your wardrobe create a soft, unexpected look. Be careful to stick with shades reminiscent of colder weather, like blues and greens. A pastel pink dress in the middle of winter could make you look a little out of place, so save it for springtime.

Pictured above, from left to right:
For day: Narciso Rodriguez softens the structured, architectural silhouette of this classic coat by offering it in pale blue. Pair with black tights and darker blues for the most put-together look.

For work: Louis Vuitton adds color and complements an otherwise neutral wardrobe with a long sleeve top in sea foam green. Keep the bottoms and handbag neutral for a classic look.

For play: Stella McCartney fully embraces the pastel trend with a beautiful flowing dress in baby blue. Keep the makeup simple to keep the attention on the dress, and complete your outfit with classic black heels and a handbag. Or go for accessories in a darker, contrasting color just to keep it interesting.

Keeping in mind the motif for fall - structured, architectural, well-crafted pieces - designers covered the runways with garments featuring delicate and well-placed folds, pleats, ruffles, and ruches. These accents easily soften and add an air of femininity to any look.

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For day: Fendi puts a little girlish flair in this otherwise tough chick look. Pair a sleek, fitted leather jacket with a ruffled skirt in the same color, contrasting tights, and suede ankle boots to look like a bad girl with a soft side.

For work: Lanvin gives the classic pencil skirt a little oomph with carefully seamed folds. To keep it sophisticated, stick with a blouse, shoes, and accessories in the same color (black looks the chicest).

For play: Proenza Schouler does it again, this time adding soft folds to the neckline of a basic shift dress. You can really have fun with a look like this, so try bright, contrasting tights and rich, deep colored pumps.

Like with pale, pastel shades, floral prints aren't just for warm weather anymore. The key to wearing floral in cooler weather is to choose prints in dark, rich colors, as lighter colors can make you look out of place.

Pictured above, from left to right:
For day: Karen Walker smashes onto the scene with a deep blue flowing day dress. Pair with a contrasting belt to add shape, black tights to keep the focus on the dress, and bold shoes if you're so inclined.

For work: Erin Fetherston transforms basic black trousers with an eye-catching floral blouse in dark blues and reds. Slip on your heels, and you're ready for a day at the office.

For play: Giambattista Valli knows how to make you the center of attention with this gorgeously fitted v-neck dress featuring a rosy brocade print and to-die-for flower accents along the neckline. Strap on a sexy pair of heels in a similar color to complete your "if looks could kill" ensemble.

This year, tons of designers played mix and match with hippie chic and sophisticated country pieces, and they go together surprisingly well. It's all about fringe, paisley, embellishments, detailed prints, suede, corduroy, tweed, and a healthy mix of contrasting colors.

Pictured above, from left to right:
For day: Karen Walker does the trend subtly, pairing a deep blue day dress with a long black vest with fringe accents. Complete the look with neutral leggings and shoes and colorful legwarmers.

For work: Oscar de la Renta keeps it simple and chic with a deep floral purple skirt that pops out under a basic grey coat. Pair with suede knee-high or ankle boots to complete this chic look.

For play: Carolina Herrera toys with convention by slipping a shiny contrasting vest over an equally shiny floor-length grey dress. A clutch in just about any complimentary color with intricate details will finish the outfit perfectly. Weird feather optional.

Many designers took inspiration from Halloween this year, presenting head-to-toe black ensembles reminiscent of classic goth styles. But just wearing all black doesn't mean you're sending a goth vibe. The key is in the details, with lace, fur, fishnet, beading, and patterned tights. And since black looks good on just about everyone (it's slimming and looks chic) so does this trend.

Pictured above, from left to right:
For day: Chanel gives this structured black dress a little softness with a fur-trimmed coat and a little edge with tights in a standout pattern.

For work: Dsquared2 vamps up basic office attire with a lacy vest and fishnet tights. Just throw on a basic black trench, cute pumps, and red lipstick to complete this goth-chic look.

For play: Derek Lam vamps it up with a gorgeous black velvet dress with sparkly flower details and a mermaid-like flair at the bottom, patterned tights, and simple heels to keep the focus on this fabulous dress.