Updated! Stephanie Brummell on Q94 radio on September 10th, 2008!

Bold in Blue

Blue is a color that flatters everyone and in choosing strong, saturated shades, you can't go wrong. Whether it's a sexy, sleek dress or a fun and flirty blouse, blue is the perfect hue for fall.

Designer ($595 from Saks Fifth Avenue)
Vera Wang introduces blue to her Lavender Label with a knee-length dress in royal blue. The dress gathers at the waist into a beautiful black floral accent and has an inverted pleat at both the front and back of the skirt.

Big Spender ($286 at Nordstrom)
The feel of the Caribbean will stay with you long after the summer's ended with this floral appliqué top from Robert Rodriguez. Silky and chic, the blouse boasts an empire waistline and short dolman sleeves.

Penny Pincher ($80.40 at Dillards)
This dark royal sleeveless dress from Calvin Klein uses a pin tucked scoop neck and empire waist to keep you flashy for fall. A cotton belt ties it all together at the waist, giving you all the style of the designer dress at a fraction of the cost.

Trendy in Tweed

Purples, greens and oranges are the colors to mix with tweed this season -- purple being the easiest to pull off. So ditch the gray, at least for now, and try making a brightly colored tweed your signature for the fall.

Designer ($850 from Nordstrom)
Michael Kors gives tweed a regal twist with this calf-length skirt set in violet and blackberry. The length is modestly balanced with a form-fitting, structured silhouette.

Big Spender ($175 at J. Crew)
The structure and fabric of this plaid skirt from J.Crew will give any Material Girl a perfectly polished look for the fall season. Green and yellow tweed offset each other beautifully against the leg-lengthening silhouette.

Penny Pincher ($69.50 at Victoria's Secret)
Button pleats in both the front and back make this hyacinth colored tweed skirt extra special for fall. Not bold enough to try a little purple? The skirt also comes in a black and white tweed.

Abstract Prints

Yes, we know they're bold, but that's what the fall season is all about. With big bold patterns such as these, a coat may be just the way to go. Even more daring would be to wear bold patterns on a dress.

Designer ($2,262; courtesy of elle.com)
Designer Marni uses the earth tones of fall to create this beautifully structured, yet abstract patterned coat, which is pulled together loosely at the hip with a subdued belt.

Big Spender ($178 at Anthropologie)
The gray trend of this fall season meshes well with the fuchsia found in this corduroy coat from Anthropologie. The coat features half sleeves, button closures and accents, as well as an inverted pleat on the back.
 

Penny Pincher ($29.80 at Forever 21)
Although not as abstract as one may think, the splattered floral pattern makes it the perfect design for the fall season. It's edgy, it's knee-length and it's worth every little penny. Strut it in style with a choice between a cream and mustard or cream and black design.

Winter Florals

Those same floral designs that were such a hit this spring and summer are still in style come fall, so don't throw them in the back of the closet yet. When shopping for winter florals, look for oversized blooms and darker colors.

Designer ($1,895; courtesy of elle.com)
Michael Kors uses purple, gold and brown in oversized blooms to give this V-neck dress a taste of the fall season. A matching purple belt completes the flirty, floral look.

Big Spender ($69.50 at Express)
Oversized flowers take on a whole new meaning with pleated skirt from a Express. The fuchsia floral patterns come to life against the "pitch black" undertone and for an extra-trendy, extra-feminine look, add to the skirt a matching cardigan. 

Penny Pincher ($23.60 at Kohl's)
AB Studio at Kohl's uses a tie-dye floral design to give the floral pattern a retro vibe. When it gets even cooler, add leggings to help stay chic and warm.

Funky Funnel Neck Jackets and Sweaters

The turtleneck and the cowl neck have made way for the funnel neck, and just in time for fall. With a roomy silhouette, this look is especially flattering for women with long necks and broader shoulders.

Designer (Courtesy of elle.com)
Ralph Lauren puts together one of the most popular colors of the season with an oversized funnel neck to make a jacket like this a must-have.

Big Spender ($328 at Nordstrom)
Bringing in another trend this season, Marc Jacobs textures this top in red tweed and balances out a large funnel neck with short, cropped sleeves. In the back, an exposed zipper runs halfway up the back and two bold buckles accent the bottom.

Penny Pincher ($78 at South Moon Under)
Almost an exact replica of the Ralph Lauren jacket, this piece from South Moon Under boasts the same color and funnel neck, but at a much cheaper price. The jacket is styled with bell sleeves the double breasted, button closure design.

Lace

Lace makes a comeback from the back of your grandmother's closet onto the runway this season with suitable structure appropriate for any fall day.

Designer (Courtesy of elle.com)
Prada takes lace to entirely different level with full length dresses, skirts and tops on the runway, including this capped-shoulder piece.

Big Spender ($319 at Nordstrom)
This beautifully structured blouse with scalloped edges and a ruffled collar that leads into an adjustable necktie will surely become a signature piece for the fall. Give it your personal touch by choosing between citrine, granite and jet.

Penny Pincher ($69 at Macys)
This black lace top is ready to wear dressed up with a pencil skirt or dressed down in your favorite pair of blue jeans. A double keyhole design in the back keeps the garment interesting.

Plaid

Are you mad for plaid? This fall you should be. Plaid also makes a comeback with the traditional colors of red and black, but also in fashion forward styles that are sure to make a statement.

Designer (Courtesy of elle.com)
Ralph Lauren takes on plaid in full force with this long overcoat and matching pants, offset by a solid top.

Big Spender ($88 at Express)
Plaid gets a push into preppy and pink with this long-sleeved classic jacket from Express. Gold novelty buttons update the classic look and allow it to be paired with a tee or dressy top.

Penny Pincher ($24.80 at Forever 21)
This figure hugging knee-length pencil skirt styles plaid in red, yellow and blue, with a matching yet removable elastic belt to help keep you pulled together in plaid nicely.

Other Fall Fashion Trends to watch out for:
Earth Tones, Grays and Pastels
Vests
Wide Leg Trousers
Bows and Ties
Mensware Detailing and Three-Pieced Suits
Structured Skirts and Tops
Brocade