Top ten trends to keep you fashionable and stylish this fall

By Marilee Movius
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer

It's now time to pack up the swimsuits, fold the chairs, use that last bit of sunscreen and say goodbye to the warm summer sun. Before shedding a tear, however, here is a reminder of why everything will be ok: fall is in full swing and the fashion for men and women is even hotter.

Here is a guide to help the fashion savvy or fashion inclined choose the best pieces for fall. Here are the top 10 trends from temples to toes.

Ladies, the anxious human species that will find any excuse to hit the mall, are first. Think fifties meeting an equestrian, masculine vibe at a classy ball, as inspirations.

Hats — To help grow out of last spring's trendy bangs, a snap-brim fedora or a newsboy cap will do the trick.

Jewelry — Dress your neck, ears, chest or fingers with items from grandma's jewelry box. These include gaudy emerald jewels, gold chandeliers, pearls, and the hottest of all, brooches.

Extras — Fur trim is keeping the shoulders warm either lining the jackets or standing alone as a detachable collar.

Blouses — Ladylike and prim blouses with flowing fabrics dress up an outfit to the current standards.

Jackets — Cover yourself in warmth with a cardigan adorned in jewels, or a short, fitted blazer in wool, trendy tweed or lush velvet. Bold plaid on these jackets makes the wearer look like a fashion wizard.

Skirts — If your legs are feeling feminine, throw out those minis because there are only two ways to go, either a pencil or full skirt. Pencil skirts should be knee-length and form fitting, while full skirts in rolling fabrics.

Trousers — It is time to ditch the low-slung, tight pants and look to menswear for inspiration. Baggy pants are definitely in. Trousers are the new elegance to pants and those that are cropped at the knee are must haves.

Shoes — Boots are back with a bohemian flair. Check out cowboy styles in unique colors and finishes. Chop off those heels of last years' stiletto boots and opt for flat ones instead. Or trend your toes with a pair of lace-up wrestling boots. For the dressier occasions, pumps are still kicking as a top choice, though rounded or peep-holed heels in metallic colors or animal-skins are bound to get noticed. Add flair to a pair of skimmers with that kitten heel with a bow or even jewels. Sexy.

Purses — Sick of those Louis Vuitton, Dooney and Bourke, or Chanel logo purses? Then purchase a loyal sidekick that will stay true to the trend in an exotic skin, eccentric color combination, a chained shoulder strap and a buckle or metal trim.

Splash — Some final hints while picking out an item: Citrus and emerald green, purple and gold are the colors for fall. Shine all day with metallics, beads or sequins. Animal prints are roaring back and clothes cannot get enough of tweed, velvet or satin. Male inspired clothing, scarf patterns and plaid make a statement. Finish your look off with fantasy hair and a polished face.

Gentlemen, your time has arrived. Here is what you should search for to spruce up your existing wardrobe this fall. Check out items that give off a ‘70s meets messy schoolboy look.

Hats — A wide wale corduroy driver cap is hot right now. Try it out in brown.

Jewelry — It's ok for guys to sport a necklace. Try this season's beaded, natural wood.

Hair — This is a great opportunity to make a statement. For the more conservative, the latest trend is to sweep the front of your hair to the side, like the old-school side-parting days. For the funkier type, the mullets are making waves. To get the correct look, hair should be collar length, sides of the head are shaven and the top is styled into a quasi-mohawk. For the classics, opt for a super short cut, but to make it sizzling, the areas around the ears should be considerably shorter.

Shirts — Slim button-down tees in cowboy plaid or colorful stripes are itching to be worn. The thrift-inspired screened tees are still brushing the fall line.

Jackets — For the warmer days, a cardigan looks great over layers. For those cooler days, slap on a slim topcoat (reefer), a velvet jacket or a bomber.

Suits — For the dressy days, the two-button suit is making its way back into the closet to give a tall and leaner look. Try a skinny gray flannel suit for the most up to date.

Trousers — Nope, don't go buy those baggy jeans yet. The slim dark denim jeans are still in. Tweed trousers are also topping the trend charts.

Shoes — Kick away those ratty old skater shoes and impress everyone with a pair of chocolate brown, leather ankle boots, which look great with dark denim.

Accessories — Layer up with a solid or argyle vest over a tee and a loose tie. Ties are hot right now. Wear them loose under layers and choose one in a bright color or solid stripes.

Splash — Here are some final hints: Brown, navy blue, olive green and black are the colors to look for. Add a splash of purple or bright green to give your wardrobe some flavor. Tweed or wool are the materials to look for and don't forget the slim, layered and preppy inspirations.

Check this all out for yourself in Instyle, Vogue, GQ, www.CBSNews.com and www.AskMen.com. Have a great fall and happy shopping.