5 Fall Must Haves for 2011

Now that the air is getting cooler it's time to start thinking about what styles you're gonna rock in the fall! Here are some suggestions that we have to get you started.

1. A POP OF COLOR

Fall colors are usually burgundy, brown, or other earth tones. But this year the rules are being broken! Fall 2011 styles are featuring very bright colors that are usually reserved for Spring or Summer.

Check out Kerry Washington's cobalt blue sheath dress. The bright color allows her to keep the style of the dress simple. Her accessories are also simple and neutral to prevent the eye from being distracted.

An affordable outfit that fits this trend can be found at Asos.com:

The color of the dress is an intense blood orange taking an otherwise simple dress into the perfectly on-trend fall outfit. Just a small tip: make sure that whatever pop of color you choose is flattering to your skin tone!


2. SOMETHING "MAD MEN" INSPIRED

Even if you don't watch the show you should know that the influence of the TV show Mad Men is showing up on the runways! Mad Men has brought 60's inspired mod fashion back to our minds.

The 60's were a time of tailored suits, fitted dresses, and full skirts. This new trend gives us women a chance to get in touch with our femininity, especially since a lot of other fashions are so heavily influenced by men's fashion (leather pants, bulky blazers, etc). Take a break from the rough biker looks, use this trend to feel soft and pretty!

Banana Republic has a fall collection that is fully inspired by Mad Men, it's a little pricey but can easily be recreated at cheaper department stores. Check out this FabSugar article about the best this collection has to offer: 10 Pieces to Add to Your Wardrobe.

3. SOMETHING BRIGHT RED 
 

This may seem like a summer color but designers are getting creative about recycling colors. To transition this color to a fall look, start pairing it with other berry and earth tones.

Since this color is so intense and eye-catching a little goes a long way. Unless you're super fearless it is OK to wear one thing at a time to make it stand out. For example, pair a bright red blouse with khaki pants or a bright red skirt with a berry colored top. If you're still too shy, start out with a retro red lip like Angela and Vanessa Simmons:

An affordable option for this trend can be found at 6PM.com. Or, if you're feeling bold, keep an eye out for the red suit in Rachel Zoe's new fashion line:

4. A CAPE

If you happen to have your capes from last fall bring them back out! The runways are still full of capes and ponchos for the season, it's a perfect layer for the busy woman that still wants to look chic.

 Check out Lala's cape-inspired coat. Lala's leather pants and suede boots give her a tough edge, but the camel colored cape adds class and softness to the outfit. Lala's only mistake is that she layered two similarly (but not the same) colored clothing on top of each other and they're competing so it's not flattering.

For a woman interested in creating this look we suggest going for a bright red shirt to go underneath your neutral cape; it's the perfect pop of color for cool weather fashion.

An affordable option for this trend can be found at JcPenney.com

 5. WIDE LEG PANTS

Say goodbye to the skinny jean forever! lol Well, not really. But the wide leg pant is in high demand this season! Whether you're rocking denim or slacks this look is a nice change of pace from the skintight pant we've been rocking for years.

We're re-visiting the boho look in a serious kind of way but this time it's a little more refined. Pair your wide leg pants with a fitted top to prevent the outfit from looking slouchy. Check out Rihanna's look:

She has a very relaxed look but the fitted top and blazer keep it sexy!

You can find an affordable option for this trend here at New York & Co.:

Well, there you have it! The top 5 must-haves for Fall 2011. The fashion world has focused on recycling old looks so that we (the consumers) only buy a few pieces to spruce our looks up. Use it to your advantage and whip out your old stuff!

Did we miss anything? Let us know what trends you're seeing in fashion right now and what looks you plan on wearing!

Til next time...