Take 11

Fall is my favorite time of year. The air cools, the leaves change colors, football is on the TV, and warm cider is steaming in my mug.

It's no surprise, then, that fall-winter clothes are also my favorite. I love snuggly sweaters, form-fitting pea coats, and most of all, I love jeans. I love dark jeans — boot cut or trouser style for me, love those skinny jeans on all you skinny, tall friends.

I've compiled a number of photos from the Fall 2008 collections to help inspire you while doing your fall shopping. Remember: it's not about changing your entire wardrobe, but about incorporating a few elements into what you already have. 

One of my favorite fall trends is Russian prints, shown here at Gucci. I love their vibrancy, the way the colors blend together...you'll just look exotic in prints like these, even if you're just a European mutt like me.

There are a couple major trends in pants that I'd like to address. First, high waists. Yes, ladies, it's time to say goodbye to your low-cut jeans. Now, maybe I'm biased because I could never wear low-riders...but seriously, was it ever really that attractive to allow your thong to hang out the back of your pants? Or to risk the ever-appealing "muffin top" — you know — when your love handles hang over the top of your low-slung jeans? No. So, try a high-waisted pair of jeans, for me. Especially if you're thin and tall (Dominika, this means you). If the super-high waist freaks you out, try a modest waist, and wear them with a structured blouse, especially one with lovely detailing at the neckline. 

Or for nighttime, try rockin' a kick-ass look like this from Versace:

The second trend in pants is pleats. If you wear it right, you could really make this look amazing. The look below from Elie Tahari is a perfect example. I think the trick is to find the perfect fit — not too low in the crotch, not too tight in the leg, and make sure the pleats drape — if they pull around your stomach at all, it'll just look like your pants are too tight ... never pretty! Try this with a plan white T-shirt and a cool necklace, or a tighter blouse or knit top with a fitted sweater. And heels, you must wear heels!!

Anything with lace or sheer materials is totally hot for fall. There are ways you can wear this trend for day; worn modestly they're still brilliant for work.

This outfit from Tracy Reese is sultry, yet great for daytime with the longer skirt, dark tights, and boots. Pair the blouse with tight jeans or a sexy pencil skirt for a date.

This look by Derek Lam is just...perfect. Love, love, love the tights. (Anyone who knows me, knows I'm obsessed with black opaque tights or tights with patterns — I picked this look up in London two years ago and I'm still in love. Luckily, so is the fashion world!) I also love the unexpected color of the brown lace — so earthy, yet sexy at the same time. And this looks great paired with the knit top underneath — it makes lace possible for daytime and the cold months!

This sheer look from Zac Posen is very cool and work appropriate (with some sort of camisole or tank worn underneath, of course!). I love the color of this skirt paired with the sheer white of the blouse. (Sarah — I think this look is for you — minus the strange Mickey ears!)

What I love about this Jovovich-Hawk outfit is the graphic pattern of the dress, the detail of the buttons at the hemline, and the mix of blue on the belt. Remember that not all your colors have to match, they just have to go! (Also, notice the sleeves of this jacket — another major trend that carries on is the bell sleeve. During winter months, wear these jackets with a long-sleeved button down blouse or knit top — hot!)

I'm sure you've noticed a trend that has returned from the grunge-age of the early 90s — plaid. This time around, go with structured, fitted, pretty uses of plaid and please avoid the sloppy look of Alicia Silverstone in Aerosmith's "Cryin" video (love that song, though). Granted, this look from D&G is a little much worn together. Separate the top of the dress and think of it like a shirt, worn with a brown skirt or jeans. Or pair the tights with something more subtle (love the tights!). The easiest choice, of course, would be a plaid jacket ... this one's awesome! I think it'd be an awesome voluminous look with trouser jeans and a white shirt with ruffles down the front.

Necklines are a big deal this fall — so try something different. Try a blouse that ties at the neck, or a fun cowl neck like this Proenza Schouler look. I like to think of this as a continuance of the trend of wearing a scarf with short-sleeved T-shirts or sleeveless shirts that we saw on everyone all summer long.

Now, again, I'm a little biased because I actually own a pair of fun yellow heels like those shown above. But I want to draw attention to the mix of colors here — pink-hued tights with a blue dress and yellow heels? Yes! And check out the stunning look, also from Proenza Schouler, below. Purple with yellow tights and green heels? Yes! These looks are amazing!! I'm so in love with the bold colors, and the combination of those colors. Try it! Buy colored tights and colored shoes, and jazz up a black pencil skirt that you already own. Or try a colored dress or skirt with a different colored shoe — make your outfit pop!!

And, finally, my two favorite looks for fall — two looks that I hope to incorporate into my own wardrobe very soon. The first, from Diane Von Furstenberg, is a fitted pencil skirt, blouse, and fitted sweater, made even more chic with a belt cinched at the waist, and peep-toe shoes. I love this look because it's very sexy secretary, but also very easy to funkify (yeah, it's a word!). Remember those colored tights and contrasting shoes? Pop them on with this outfit and damn!! Try a long-sleeved menswear cardigan, belted to give your waist definition, worn over a blouse with a necktie. Or wear this skirt with a lace or sheer top. Try a skirt that has an amazing Russian print with a more subdued blouse and sweater ... you can take this basic DVF look and incorporate a lot of the major fall trends.

Finally, this Versace jacket is TO. DIE. FOR. I love purple. Love, love, love,  purple. I think it's so rich, and so royal, and so much fun! I have a cropped, 3/4-sleeve purple jacket with big buttons that I just adore ... but this jacket? Oh, if I can find something similar (in my size and affordable!), you can bet it will be with me wherever I go this winter! Holla!!