Dear Tonia,
I know that fashion repeats itself every ten or twenty years. Over the years I have pretty much stayed the same size and bought good quality clothing. I kept my favorite pieces in hopes of using them again some day. I was wondering what will be in style for the fall and if I can dig out some of my old favorites and still be in style. I am in the business world and very fashion conscious but also on a tight budget right now and don’t like shopping in consignment stores.
Thanks, Beth- New York City

*****
You Can Find Upcoming Fall 2010 Styles Right in Your Own Closet.
Dig out your old vests. This fall you can rest your jackets and layer with vests. Fur, menswear, velvet, sweater: whatever you like, are all good choices. Be sure they are in the correct length for your body or it will make you look boxy. If you are busty, opt for a longer length to elongate your torso, in a textured fabric without embellishment. You can let your shirts or tops hang past the vest but not past your back side, especially if your fullness is at the bottom. Remember to show off the quarter moons for the best look.

Longer skirts are back as well. Be sure they are the right length to flatter your legs. If the skirt is too long and you are petite, it will make you look shorter. Also, when it is too long and you have a very thin ankle, it will look like a chicken leg sticking out. If your ankle is thicker, it will look like a tree stump. Think curvy and use your calf as your guide.

Your skirt, dress, or capri, should hit mid calf or a little longer. The key is to show the difference between the wide part of your calf and the narrow part of your ankle and that will be the correct length for you. Compare the lengths and you will easily see the difference. Go shorter with a kitten heel (also in style) or a flat shoe or boot.

Ankle boots are back and look great with any length skirt or dress. Use with colored or textured hose.

Gray is the color for Fall 2010, everything from soft dove grays to bright silver. It mixes great with other neutrals like camel or black. If you can’t do the all-gray look, you can work it with color pops of yellow, pink, light blue, burgundy and purple as well. Worn in various textures and tones, together it looks stylish and very sophisticated. If gray doesn’t work for you then just use the color as an accessory in belts, shoes, or handbags.

Thin belts are in, wide ones are out. Use a skinny belt to cinch-in a chunky cable knit sweater  and define your waist.
Fur features heavily in everything from skirts to coats, hats and handbags and boots are no exception.