Better Beauty: Fall Fashion Trends

A short jaunt to visit family in Tennessee, where the leaves were starting to change color and the morning air was crisp, inspired me to start thinking of my fall wardrobe.

With its cooler temperatures, fall offers fashionistas richer colors and lots of layering opportunities. And with each new season comes a list of new "must have" pieces to update your wardrobe. Here are a few of the trends that will keep you looking fashionable this fall:

Fuchsia: The color of the season is not your typical "fall" flavor. Bright pink, or fuchsia, is the color of the moment. Look for it in soft, cashmere sweater sets and corduroy jackets and jeans. It looks great mixed with black, brown, and winter white, so don't be afraid to mix it in with your other fall staples. If you don't want to commit to a large splash of color, add it to the mix in accessories such as scarfs, gloves, and handbags.

Ruffles: Around for the past two seasons, ruffles are ultra-hot for fall. Wear a little or a lot, ruffles can be a very fun - and surprisingly understated - addition to your wardrobe. Try a white-ruffled blouse with black dress pants for an elegant look. A ruffled-collar peeking out from under a classic cardigan is chic and refined. Look for ruffles adding feminine touches to leather jackets and handbags, too. Even shoes have ruffles on them this season!

Scarves: They're back! Scarves are pretty, trasformative, and functional. Even those who claim not to be "scarf people" admire them on others. They come in all shapes and sizes. Wrap them around your neck or just let them dangle over your shoulders. Not sure how to wear them to enhance you or your outfit? For inspiration, check out the displays at your favorite department store. Also, look for my scarf tying video out next month!

Bold Shoulders: Not as extreme as they were in the 1980's, this "bold shoulder" trend is created with ultra-large shoulder pads. For gals who have narrow or sloped shoulders, or who are bigger on the bottom, this trend is great for balancing out your figure. If you happen to have been born with broad shoulders though (like myself), you may want to skip this one. Other ways to get the look (besides the shoulder pads) include ruffles at the shoulder, cowl neck tops, and extra detail on jacket sleeves.

Peep-toe Booties: This trends is truly for the fashion-forward. Although they can be fun and flirty, I am having a hard time finding the right way to wear the new peep-toe booties. They don't look quite right with a dress, or most pants for that matter. Because they are peep-toe, fashion rules dictate they be worn without stockings or tights... no sheer hose either. Fishnets may work if you don't have too much trend going on all at once. (Is it wrong to ask why someone would want to have their toes exposed while wearing a pair of boots?)

Thigh-high Boots: Another footwear trend that is popping up this season is thigh-high boots. Because they come up over your knee to mid-thigh, the only way to wear them is with mini-skirts or mini-dresses. Unfortunately, my mini-anything wearing days are over as for most of my clients. If you can do it girl, you go! I think I'll just recycle my knee-high boots again this year.

If you have a question or suggestion for a future Better Beauty Blog, email Kelly at: AskKellyQuestions@yahoo.com.

For more beauty and fashion tips, log on to Kelly's website at www.TotalFashionMakeover.com.