Fashion-wise, I think fall is the best time of year. This season we're welcoming back color, animal print, capes, texture and faux fur. There are lots of options with this year's trends. I really do think there is something for everyone! And, now, it's even easier as most of the pictures are clickable and will take you directly to that retailer's website. So, read on and hopefully you'll find at least one item that will make getting dressed a bit more exciting!

Color

We can't talk about fall without talking about color! Thankfully, it's back as we're over and done with the neutrals and washed out colors. This season, we're seeing lots of color such as orange, rust, marigold and emerald. This blouse from Nordstrom would be great under a suit jacket or would look beautiful with jeans. I also love this top with brown tweed pants and a cardigan. Using brown instead of black as a neutral is a bit softer and not quite as Halloweeny. However, grey or navy would also work and would be a gorgeous combination.

Here's another beautiful blouse which incorporates another trend this season, the bow blouse. This is definitely a throw back and looks great with the men's wear inspired pieces like tweed, vests, oxford shoes or loafer heels. However, I find that most people don't know what to do with the bow. There are three options: You can tie it, but keep the bow loose (not tight at the neck), leave it untied, or tie the bow tighter and to the side. This kind of blouse can be worn with a suit jacket, a great pencil or A-line skirt or just jeans for a night out.

I like the bow blouse, but really, I'm more in love with the color. Keep color in mind when shopping this season and know that there are lots of options. For example, orange and marigold might be hard colors to wear by your face, so I would opt for a skirt, belt, bag or pair of shoes in one of those colors. Whenever you are unsure about a trend, just do it with a shoe. A shoe is far enough away from your face and small enough that you won't "mess up" the trend. A shoe is a great way to participate in a trend without buying a whole new wardrobe. It's just enough to keep your look fresh.

Python

We can't talk about fall fashion without talking about animal print. While leopard print returns every fall (and is still fabulous), there is a new king of the jungle - the python. Everything and anything python is very "in" this season. I would try adding a touch of it with a belt over a little black dress or with a black cardigan and jeans. Here's a pair of heels by Michael Kors that have just a touch of python. However, he also has another pair with a lower heel that would help perk up a suit, jeans or black opaque tights and a black dress.

I love this pair from BCBG which have a hidden platform because they are a bit edgier. They offer just a hint of python, but are still easy to mix 'n match since they also have the black and off-white.

Shoes aren't the only way to incorporate this trend. This Sondra Roberts handbag would be a great wardrobe addition this fall. This bag could perk up your evening look as all of the straps are removable (turns into a clutch) or use it as a small shoulder bag to take a work look from day to night. Remember, just a touch is all you need and only one python piece at a time, please!

As a side note, many fashionistas are saying that leopard is actually out this season. Fashionista or not, every time I wear my leopard flats or a scarf, I get a compliment. A touch of leopard is always fun and I love it!

Capes

One of my favorite items is back this season - the cape! I have a cape from four years ago that I love to wear, but I am excited about the new styles. Fashion does recycle, but never in exactly the same way. This time around, capes are much more wearable and there are lots of options - tweed, some come with sleeves, hoods, faux fur and so on.

Capes are very versatile as they look great over a dress, fit nicely over a blazer, and I love to throw mine on with jeans and a sweater. While a trench is classic and something everyone woman should own, a cape is a bit more fashion forward and the piece to add after you have all the basics.

I love this Diana von Furstenberg cape on the left as it's a combination trench and cape. This cape defines a waist, doesn't have too much volume, and it's in a classic (and always flattering) length - right at the knee. This also has a removable hood. As long as the cape isn't red, you can opt for a hooded one!

This Tahari cape illustrates some of the changes that have been made when this style was brought back around. To start, this cape has a streamline silhouette (not too full) and it gives you movement of your arms. Some of the capes from a few years ago weren't as functional, but this one gives you comfort, style and shape! When you don't know what to wear when you're going out (whether in jeans, a dress or a skirt), a cape is a chic option.

Suede Shoes

Part of the reason I love fall fashion is that there are so many different fabrics and textures. I love suede, but I love it even more when it's colored and comes in a shoe! A colored suede shoe could be the only update you need.

I adore this dark red suede pump from Classiques Entier because I think dark red is so easy to wear. It works well with every neutral. The dark red reminds me of the changing leaves and colors of fall. I also think every woman looks great in dark red. I love the bit of embellishment, which can easily be seen even if you're wearing pants. This shoe also works with a colored blouse as you are allowed to have more than one color in an outfit!

This cobalt suede pump has a bit of patent leather that wraps around the heel and comes in black, grey or dark red. A pointy toe helps elongate the line of the leg and works with pants, skirts or dresses. Instead of a black shoe, opt for this one. It's a welcomed change.

Faux Fur

Lastly, faux fur is everywhere this season. It's not something you wear every day so it feels a bit special and luxurious. Like the other trends, this one is everywhere - on shoes, bags, sweaters, coats, blazers, scarves and gloves.

Here's a two button grey blazer that's very classic in style and silhouette, but the fur adds some texture, warmth and a bit of glamour. Most of the time, the faux fur pieces are removable, which makes the pieces much more versatile. And, remember, this is counted as an "animal" so don't pair this with leopard or python shoes. Too much from the jungle!

Fur boots were big last season and they're still in for this season as well. I think these are fun and would look great with jeans. Even your casual outfits can have a touch of luxury, no? These are by Fergie and are available at Nordstrom.

Here's a sweater with a removable faux fur neck piece. You can choose to leave this on indoors - it's your look - rock it anyway you like! Just be sure to avoid anything that's too shiny, which can look cheap. Faux fur should move and not be too stiff. Real fur pieces move in the wind and have a lightness to them, so if a faux fur piece is too rigid, it can cheapen your look. I'm not saying you should wear fur, but you don't want to be in something that looks plasticy.

Lots of choices, I know, but remember that just a touch is all your need. No one should be decked out in trends from head to toe. Just wearing one new piece, with the great basics you already own, is enough to make your closet a bit more modern. If you want help updating your wardrobe, then give me call!

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