FALL FASHION Freshen wardrobe for new season with select pieces

No one look is dominant, so decide what looks best on you and go with it.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
No single look sums up this year's fall fashion.
Some of us will be preppy, letting white cuffs and collars peek out from colorful V-neck sweaters and vests, or pairing that look with faded jeans or cargo khakis. Some will sport 1980s chic, slinking around town in strappy, glittery mini-dresses. Others will dress up in houndstooth knee-length jumpers and Peter-Pan collars for a 1960s tailored look.
"A lot of feminine trends are happening this year," says Laura McDowell, fashion spokeswoman at T.J. Maxx. "We are seeing ruffles on the edges of skirts, pretty embellishments of jackets, faux fur, wrap blouses, and shoes. There is a mixture of everything."
Trends that were popular in the spring will move into fall, especially cargo pants and chandelier earrings.
Whatever look we choose, we must bring in a couple of this seasonal pieces to give our wardrobes a look that is F-R-E-S-H.
Seasonal ideas for women
Here are some fall fashion recommendations:
UHigh boots. The perfect footwear for ultra-minis and jumpers, boots are important this winter. For extra pop, buy a pair crafted from alligator skin -- faux or the real deal. Tired of stilettos? This fall, low heels are acceptable. If your legs are thick, look for fabrics that stretch.
"This season, high boots have embellishments with ties and buckles," says Cheryl Patti, owner and buyer for Philadelphia's HeadStart Shoes.
UPlain white tank. Although this unribbed white tank is usually known as underwear, the finished scoopneck takes it to another, sophisticated level. Pair it with slim-fitting pants for a clean look. Wear your tank tucked in and with heels for a smart, sexy weekend jaunt.
"It's the perfect essential," says Tara McCollum, senior public relations manager at Banana Republic. "Use it in your wardrobe year-round, alone in the summer or layered with a blazer and topcoat for the winter."
UPumps. Audrey Hepburn dresses and tweed suits will require a classic pair of round-toed pumps. Black is classy and the most versatile. But everyone should have a pair in cognac because it's so sultry. Afraid round-toed pumps are too staid? Buy a pair of deep purple two-inch peep toes.
UThe sweat suit. You probably tried to avoid these leisure suits the last two years; but thanks to J-Lo, Juicy Couture and yoga, soft, low-rider sweats offer comfort along with style. For a little oomph, go 1980s retro complete with the white stripe up the leg.
"Our 9-to-5 is a little more dressed up now," explains Eve Freedner, fashion spokeswoman at Express. "The track suit has a fashion edge, thanks to cashmere fabrics. It's not just terry cloth anymore."
UTweed skirt. Millennium tweed doesn't itch, and, thanks to stretch, it's not stiff, either, so on crisp autumn mornings, pair with a soft cashmere sweater or tie a cardigan around your shoulders. .
USilk blouse. Consider this a must-have to complement your fall suits. The simple blouse is great with a skirt or tailored slacks. Jazz it up with bell sleeves, and thank the fashion gods that this season's shiny silk blouse will be washable.
USage cashmere sweater. This fall fashionistas are focused on the richer shade of green -- in argyle, no less. Another great, versatile must-have: totally college-comfy, thrown over a pair of well-worn jeans, or all grown up with a black skirt or gray cuffed slacks. Buy your sweater a size bigger than you need so it fits smoothly over your stiff-collared white men's shirt for a trendy look.
UBrooch. You don't have to buy a new one -- with brooches, vintage is always better. It doesn't matter if it's your mother's butterfly or grandmother's elephant, it will add class and remind you of someone you love.
Men's turn
And now for the men.
UA decent wallet. Guys, please throw away that ratty wallet with the peeling leather. Your new one can be Kenneth Cole or Wal-Mart, black or brown. But it needs to be in good shape, because a falling-apart wallet will ruin the best coordinated outfit. Try one with alligator skin or contrast stitching to liven up your look.
U Cotton-blend suit shirt. Sage is a great color for guys, too. Pair it with black or charcoal flat-front slacks for a soft, but professional, look. Vertical stripes also are a must, but here the colors are all over the board. Go crazy with orange, yellow and blues. Don't even try a tie. Wear them untucked with the sleeves rolled up for a really hot look.
UFlat-front slacks. You waited a few years hoping this trend would fade away, but it just picked up momentum. This piece can single-handedly update your wardrobe. Now, it's time for you to buy a pair in khaki, houndstooth or tweed, and wow everyone with your sense of style.
UA white T. By now you probably have more white T's that you sleep in than wear in public. But, fellas, you still need the shirt, so stock up on your three-packs, because the fashion rule still applies -- you can't wear your white T more than once.
UNewsboy cap. This time around, this look is for grown-ups. The cap in tweed or corduroy tops off your casual look better than a baseball cap ever will. Buy in navy or brown, and wear it to the back or front. The side tilt is not a dude thing.