The DOs and DONTs of Fall Trends

DO try a softer take on the biker-babe look.
Step into almost any store this fall and you'll be greeted with bomber jackets, ripped jeans and edgy motorcycle boots-the big biker-babe trend is revving its engine and raring to go this season. But unless you own a Harley yourself, DON'T go whole hog with this look. Skip the head-to-toe leather and sweeten up a dark leather jacket with something softer, like a simple shift dress.

Tommy Hilfiger, Fall 2009

Mark Leibowitz

DON'T pair boxy pants with a baggy top.
If you're anything like us, you've been circling the new boxy pant silhouette for the past few months, warily thinking, Hmm, I wonder if I can pull those off? The answer is yes, you can DO it! Just streamline the look with a pair of heels plus a slim-fitting, tucked-in top and remember this rule of thumb: When going boxy at the bottom, DON'T go boxy on the top unless you want to look, well, boxy.


Etro, Fall 2009

Mark Leibowitz

Do try over-the-knee boots.
Bye-bye, booties. The biggest footwear news this fall is that thigh-high boots are back-and they're a total DO, as long as you DON'T tart 'em up with a way-flirty miniskirt. To make yours look less "Pretty Woman" and more pulled-together, put them on over a pair of skinny jeans and keep everything else covered up.

Isabel Marant, Fall 2009

Mark Leibowitz

Don't go another season without a boyfriend blazer.
Who doesn't like to borrow from the boys? They've got all the good stuff-high-tech electronics, yummy half-time snacks and, of course, those irresistible boxy blazers. But DON'T totally copycat your guy's look: Make it your own by skipping the pleated trousers and wearing your suit coat with a flouncy skirt instead.

Stella McCartney, Fall 2009

Mark Leibowitz

DO embrace the season's hot colors with a bright coat.
Swap out your dark winter coat for one in a look-at-me shade. It's the first thing most people see from October through February (or March, if Old Man Winter sticks around), so choose one that will make an impression.

Tommy Hilfiger, Fall 2009

Mark Leibowitz

DO experiment with some cold-weather accessories.
Can't bear the thought of stepping out without your trusty black coat? No worries. Amp up your classics with some trendy fall accessories like a cozy knit hat and a wild, conversation-starting bag. It'll make braving the cold a lot more fun.

Diane von Furstenberg, Fall 2009

Mark Leibowitz

DO look instantly chic with the monotone look.
Wearing one color head-to-toe gives the illusion of a few inches added to your height, which for a lot of us is a total DO. Experiment with the look by wearing separates that all share the same shade, like dark gray. If the hues don't match up exactly, DON'T worry-a cool heel in that same color has a way of tying everything together.

Band of Outsiders, Fall 2009

Mark Leibowitz

DON'T overdo the neon thing.
A little flash of neon will go a long way in making your wardrobe seem totally cutting-edge. Keep things simple, and DON'T wear yours with other bright shades or joke-y plastic jewelry-those combos look good only in Saved by the Bell reruns.

Michael Kors, Fall 2009

Mark Leibowitz

DO shake things up with a little print mixing.
One way to maximize what you've already got in your wardrobe is by mixing and matching patterned pieces. DO remember the power of basic black tights-they'll make even the wildest outfit look totally fuss-free.

Emanuel Ungaro, Fall 2009

Mark Leibowitz

DO use scarves and gloves to get you through early fall.
For those tricky it's-not-quite-cold-enough-for-a-coat fall days, DO rely on a chunky knit scarf and long gloves to warm you up.

DKNY, Fall 2009

Mark Leibowitz