Goodbye summer! Hello fall!

The fall fashion and colors are officially in retail stores and online. You will find a variety of styles and colors for the season.

Before you run and check out the new fashions, there are a couple of things you should know:

• which colors look good on you so you don’t buy colors that make your skin tone look dull;
• your body shape and what styles look good on you.

If you don’t know these two things, you are likely to spend money on unnecessary items just because they look pretty, or the color looks good on someone else.

Try to seek out transitional pieces you can wear with things you already have and can layer. Fall is the time of year for layering clothes. Focus on adding dusters, vests, sweaters, pants, denim or knits to your wardrobe.

The colors for fall just happen to be my season palette, so I have many of the colors already in my closet. I will just add a few accessories to update my wardrobe.

To help you navigate the trends, here’s a forecast guide of the 7 biggest trends for the fall season.

Embroidery Makes a Comeback

Embroidery is everywhere for fall and winter. You will see this trend in floral design and on everything from handbags, jackets, jeans, blouses and shoes.

The trend isn’t for everybody, so choose your favorite item and coordinate it like crazy. Avoid looking like a walking embroidered flower.

Make sure whatever you wear flatters your body type and makes you feel super special.

I checked my closet and found an embroidered denim jacket that I haven’t worn in years. It’s still up-to-date and has embroidered pink roses on the back, and pink happens to be one of the fall colors this year.

I plan to match it with a pink tank top or sweater depending on the coolness of the weather. I’m thrilled that I have an up-to-date trend in this category already.

Velvet or Velour

Velvet and velour are big trends for the season. They are not the same, so make sure you know the difference.

Velvet is a woven cut-pile with no stretch; while velour is a knit strechy cut-pile fabric. You will see a lot of both this fall and winter. Tops, skirts and shoes are all going to be available in these soft and luxurious forms.

Be aware that velour and velvet have shiny and textured elements that will highlight every bump and curve you have, so be sure they work for your body type.

Ruffles

If you love ruffles, then you are in luck.

You’re going to continue to see them on blouses, sweaters, shoes, jackets and skirts. It’s a great style element, especially if your personal style is the feminine look.

The trick to wearing ruffles in a flattering way is on an item where you don’t mind more volume and attention. For instance, if you don’t love your neck area, then refrain from wearing a blouse that is open and has ruffles around the neck. Maybe choose a blouse with ¾-inch sleeves, which will be more appealing.

Power Red Color

Of course, red is big for fall, although you can wear it all year long. If this color is in your season palette, then you should have great items in your closet already.

For fall, it’s a bolder power red. If you wear it to work or a business meeting, make sure it’s presented as a “pop” of color and not as an all over color, since it may be too much.

You can wear a pair of slacks, jacket, skirt, coat and dress and match it with brown, pink, black or leopard.

If you can wear a red lipstick, this will also “pop” your outfit.

Red is the color that just makes you feel good. If red is one of your season colors, but you haven’t tried it before, this should be the season you try it. There are so many styles to choose from.

There are more colors for the fall that are absolutely beautiful, including Mustard, Mahogany, Pink, Chocolate Brown, Marine Blue and Olive Green. Pick a color that looks great on your complexion and add simple pieces to your wardrobe.

Vintage

Vintage style was really big in the 90s, and it’s made a comeback this year.

If your personal style is feminine or Bohemian, you will love the vintage looks this year. The vintage style incorporates elaborate patterns and rich textiles like velvet, florals, plaids, ruffles, embroidery and lace. Retro hats are in vogue, including any cloche (close fitting bell-shape) or beret.

Clothing with Victorian collars, especially a high neckline with lace, can be so romantic and beautiful. Vintage inspired fur coats or vests are fun as well.

Plaid has returned with bright and bold colors on everything from coats, skirts, dresses, blouses and shoes.

Gray Booties

Gray is a fresh neutral that would be a great investment for your wardrobe. Gray or “greige” (gray and beige) are neutrals that can be worn with blacks and browns, making them more versatile.

If you are in the market for a pair of gray booties, or planning to purchase another pair, make sure you find the right fit, and that they are comfortable. Invest in shoes that love you back. Designers are more aware that we are looking for both style and comfort and they are making it possible.

Brocade

Brocade is a pattern that has raised measures of fabric giving it texture. It’s often made of gold and black thread or done in a floral pattern. The only thing about brocade is that it’s often elegant and opulent, but isn’t always appropriate for wet falls and winters.

Make sure to treat your brocade pieces with care and consideration, and store them appropriately. The trend can make a strong statement, so be sure to pair it with simple basic pieces and jewelry. This way it can stand alone and tell a story.

Overall, you should find some nice, unique and detailed autumn pieces. Although, you may have a hard time deciding between a “need” and a “want” since the fashion is a hit this season.

Are there any new trends that you will try wearing for the fall? Do you have clothing in your closet that is up-to-date and in style? Will you try a new fall color this season that you haven’t worn before? Please share your thoughts below!