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The Top Ten Fashion Trends of Fall 2008

By Stephanie Prommer, About.com

The time has come, dear fashion fanatic, to delve into the latest, greatest, must-have looks of the season! While I firmly believe that a true style icon is one who dares to make her own rules, it's always nice to know what everyone else will be wearing. Here is what I predict will be the top ten fashion trends of fall 2008:

1. Trend: Feathers

Photo © Forever 21.
Found layered by the hundreds on skirts and handbags on Burberry's runway, this in-your-face trend is best translated to the real world in small doses – like on a delicate headband.

2. Trend: Winter Florals

Photo © Target.
What differentiates a "winter floral" from its warm-weather counterpart, you ask? Not much at all – except for perhaps a more muted, autumnal color palette. Michael Kors showed purple and chartreuse flowers on dresses at his shows, but a little garden touch will work in any shade.

3. Trend: Tuxedo

Photo © Wet Seal.
As seen at wunderkind Zac Posen's fall show, feminine takes on bow ties, ruffle-front shirts and tuxedo jackets will be all the rage this upcoming holiday season.

4. Trend: Purple

Photo © Revolve Clothing.
The color of the moment is undoubtedly purple, so whether you choose bright grape (as seen at Dior), earthy plum, lavender or eggplant, there's definitely a winning hue for you.

5. Trend: Gloves

Photo © Intermix.
Not just a cold weather necessity, gloves have taken shape as a must-have statement accessory. Louis Vuitton paired elbow-length styles with luxe sweaters for a pulled together look, but fingerless pairs would also add a punky touch to any ensemble.

6. Trend: Ruffles

Photo © Bebe.
Floaty tiers of chiffon and tulle ruled at couture houses like Chanel. The good news? The look is easily translated into wearable every day pieces like blouses and skirts.

7. Trend: Plaid

Photo © Nordstrom.
Not just for lumberjacks, buffalo plaid is taking a high fashion turn this fall. Designer Ralph Lauren featured the fabric prominently in his show, so expect to see the print popping up on everything from skirts to rain boots.

8. Trend: Lace

Photo © Shopbop.
Nothing says femininity like lace, and Prada displayed this sentiment beautifully with its most recent collection of dresses and handbags. To keep the trend from looking overly sweet, try a subversive pair of lacey leggings paired with mile-high heels.

9. Trend: Capes

Photo © Express.
The coat shape of the season is the floaty and ladylike capelet, seen to brilliant effect at Carolina Herrera's elegant fashion show.

10. Trend: Fringe

Photo © Betsey Johnson.
Western and boho looks both benefitted from fringed details this fall, and Gucci showed off strips of suede all over its handbags. Another fun way to interpret the idea is with an updated moccasin boot.
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