Fall’s top trends

The cool-weather months call for sweater dresses, ruffles and one royal hue

By Nicole Reino and Erika Ostroff

Fashion is headed straight for fall with these seven trends in tow.

The color purple:

The most royal of colors is, by far, fall’s biggest trend. At Nordstrom’s recent Fall Designer Preview, held at St. Regis Resort at Monarch Beach, the runway was saturated with countless hues between red and blue. Plum, violet, amethyst, eggplant, magenta, mauve, Minnesota Vikings’ purple and, yes, even “Barney the friendly dinosaur” purple made an appearance in collections by Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Versace, Burberry Prorsum and Proenza Schouler. If you only add one color to your closet this fall, make it your favorite shade of purple.

Ruffles:

The thrill is in the frill and ruffles are running rampant this fall. From skirts to shoes to classic lingerie, the ever-so-delicate cinched fabric adds to any article of clothing. Designer Betsey Johnson is known to add funk to dresses with ruffles, while Dolce & Gabbana utilizes the ruffle in a more classic fashion. Keep in mind: A little goes a long way. Wear ruffles up top or down below and you’ll be strutting the streets like a ruffle expert.

Open-toed booties:

Carrie Bradshaw worked this funky shoe style in “Sex and the City: The Movie” and you can work them into your everyday life. The cross between a low-cut boot and a peep-toe heel makes for one sexy foot statement - one that can go from the office to the cocktail lounge to the after party and to breakfast (if that’s where the night leaves you).

Sweater and knit dresses:

Sweater and knit dresses grace fall fashion with their shabby chic look. Wear them alone or pair them with tights, leggings or jeans. The colorful mix of patterns and stitches adds fun flair to the simplicity of the dress. These trends shine through in Missoni’s collection.

Bright, bold jewelry and tights:

Giant, long beads and tights in a rainbow of colors brighten up those neutrals and basic black. On the runway, Zac Posen’s fall collection of black, ivory and navy blue swingcoats, twill skirts and slip dresses was livened up with purple, red and yellow tights.

The Ivy League look:

Nothing says “Ivy League” quite like wool trousers, oxford shoes, belted trenchcoats, satchels, velvet blazers, wool cardigans and vests. Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale - here we come (and in nothing less than the most brilliant attire).

Plaid:

The collections of Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore and Gwen Stefani (L.A.M.B.) are laden with plaid. Incorporate subtle plaids for a classy, sophisticated look. The colorful pattern of intersecting lines adds flair to barrettes, headbands and jewelry. Whether a main component to an outfit or an accent piece, plaid is a must-have pattern this season.

Nicole Reino is the lifestyles editor. Erika Ostroff is an intern.