Fall Fashions 2005:
Your Best Bets

Should you spend a lot of money on trendy clothes?

If you look at fall fashion magazines or listen to "fashion experts" making the rounds on the morning talk shows this time of year, the answer is invariably, "yes!" Not surprising, since they're trying to sell clothes.

But if you've looked around this website or are a long-time reader of my weekly ezine, you know the answer is "no." Trends come and go, and if you drop a lot of money on a trendy piece, you won't be able to wear it enough to justify the expense before it passes out of style.

So what can you do to look current WITHOUT spending a lot on trends? By investing in classic, simple separates that you can wear again and again, and then topping them with an inexpensive trendy piece or accessory. Spend the most on the basic, timeless pieces you wear the most, spend the least on the "in" today, "out" tomorrow trends that will be long over by next season.

With that in mind, here are some of the "best bets" of the fall fashion season --looks that are current, figure-friendly, and won't be "out" in the blink of an eye:

1. Full Skirts The full skirt retains its popularity from spring because it works well on many body shapes and offers both camouflage and comfort. If you grab a few in year 'round fabrics and pair them with boots, you can look chic AND stay warm once the temperatures start to drop. But remember: if you have a thick waist or tend to carry extra weight on your tummy or hips, steer clear of styles that gather at the waist or that have bulky details around the waist or hips.	Spiegel	Catherine's
2. Black and White The "new" black is... black. Black continues to be a perennial favorite because it slenderizes and adds a bit of sophistication. When teamed with white, it creates drama. So if you look good in black, grab a few black and white pieces and turn heads wherever you go.	Newport News	Norm Thompson
3. Brown and Camel Have coloring that's better suited to brown and ivory than black and white? You're in luck! This season you'll find plenty of earthy tones to choose from that reflect the colors of the season. Whether you need do stock up on some basics or want to add a bit of flair, you're sure to find something you like.	Norm Thompson	Sweet Pea Bluefly
4. Animal prints Animal prints continue to be popular this year, probably because they add a bit of whimsy. Grab a printed skirt, vest, belt, or whatever, and pair it with your basic pieces for a fun, contemporary look. Just remember to scale the print to your body size so you're not over or under whelmed by it.	Coldwater Creek	Spiegel
5. Lady-like Chic If you like ladylike details, you'll find plenty to choose from this year. From tops and skirts to belts and shoes, you'll find lots of beautiful pieces. Just be aware that flounces, lace, and bows can add bulk, so put them in places that can withstand the extra padding.	Spiegel	Newport News
6. Western Inspired Even though the west was won a long time ago, western-inspired looks seem to resurface every few years - and this is one of those seasons. So pull out your denim, dust off your cowboy boots, and go have some fun with this look, which looks like it will last well into next spring. Handsome cowboy is optional.	Spiegel	Lew Magram
7. Bohemian The bohemian look continues to endure, with a fresh new offering of the artistic and unconventional. These pretty pieces pair perfectly with your classics, creating an interesting focal point that's both current and dramatic.	Newport News	Spiegel
8. Velvet Once reserved for the holiday season, velvet has broken out of its winter restrains to become a popular fabric for fall. You'll find it in all sorts of unexpected places this season, from jackets to scarves to denim embellishment. Have fun with it but remember: velvet shows wear quickly and can be difficult to clean, so choose your pieces wisely.	Newport News	La Redoute
9. Russian Inspired Every now and again, when designers think cold weather, their imagination takes them to Russia for inspiration. This is one of those years. If you like Cossack-inspired pieces, you'll find plenty to choose from this year.	Spiegel	La Redoute
10. Natural Luxury Do you like natural fibers, whatever the weather? So do lots of other people, and designers have taken note. You'll find lots of silk, wool, and cashmere this season, as well as plenty of skins and fur. If you object to real animal products, opt for faux instead.	Coldwater Creek	Lew Magram

So where do you start? By taking stock of what you have, filling in the holes, and choosing your trends with care. Not everything looks good on everybody, so pick and chose the pieces that make the most sense for your personal style and situation. It's the best way to make the most of your clothing budget and enjoy the fall fashions 2005.

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Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of "Wardrobe Magic," an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes. Visit her online at www.fashionforrealwomen.com .

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