By Sydney Altschuler ’12, Staff Writer

I know what you’re all thinking: ignorance is bliss.  For those of you who, like me, tend to disregard summer’s end for as long as possible, I’m sorry but it is officially time to move on.  You may be able to get away with your delusions in September when it’s still acceptable to wear your summer clothing, but October is all about fall.  Accordingly, it’s time to toss your summer clothing out of your closet and neatly fold your comfy—but still cute—sweaters, color coordinate your scarves, and find your favorite pair of brown leather boots that you thought you lost a million months ago. Fall 2011 is here and this season’s trends will take you by storm.

Fashionable Women of Fall 2011:  The 2011 woman shines in outfits inspired by eras past while still looking modern and fashion-forward.  When it comes to showing skin, she knows just how much is too much and always manages to look cute and classy.  So, what exactly is in her wardrobe? First, fur is hotter (no pun intended) than ever before.  Fur is always a staple garment, fabric but this season it’s even more of a wow piece—introducing fur in all colors, shapes, and textures!

Next, fall 2011 is showcasing women in Victorian era inspiredfrocks.  Think classic high neck collars, black

and white complements, and lace.  Today, however, we’re modernizing these outfits so they look fresh and current—try pairing a Victorian style top that has a high neckline with a bold accessory or standout pants.  A lace top always look sleek when paired with a black blazer, and adding statement wedges to the otherwise conservative outfit never fails to deliver.  This next piece of advice may take you ladies by surprise: It could be worth your while to start paying more attention in geometry class because this season geometric prints are dominating ready-to-wear shows.  While trends are, of course, a big deal in the fashion world, first and foremost a woman should always dress for her body type.  Wearing geometric prints is a win-win: the angular, clean lines cut at just the right places to slim the body are an obvious choice for a bold, fashion-forward woman.

Next, we are seeing a lot of polka dots. For someone who’s not afraid to take risks, polka dots are where stripes were last fall – everywhere!  I thought the day that Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg showed the same look in fashion week would never come—but it did—and it came all because of polka dots! This season, polka dots are simply a must. You can wear your polka dots micro or bold, you can wear polka dots head to toe or you can minimize and just throw on a polka dot blouse or scarf to look chic but understated.  Polka dots add a playful vibe to any look. In short, polka dots love us, we love polka dots, even Marc and Diane agree that they both love polka dots!  Trust in the polka dots!

Also very big this season is the utility jacket. These jackets can be hooded, poncho-style or fur-lined.  They are key to staying warm in colder weather and if you’re all about conveying effortless beauty, chose a size larger to achieve the “boyfriend” look

Last but no least on the radar is plaid— and lots of it!  For fall, plaids are ranging  from classic L.L. Bean flannels to more  tailored silhouettes.  Many plaid blazers and puffer jackets are coming with belts or cinched waists to accentuate the feminine figure.  The effect? Look thin even when you’re bulking up in layers to combat the chilly weather!

Fashionable Men of Fall 2011:  The 2011 man is a risk-taker.  His confidence is apparent in his fashion choices. He always looks clean and cool.  The first major trend dominating men’s fashion is the double-breasted suit.  The double-breasted suit adds a little flair to the typical ensemble and makes men look sleek and professional.  GQ Magazine raves about the double-breasted suit saying that it is “the slightly swankier, more elegant, more mogul-feeling, impress-the-hell-out-of-people dressing.”  I couldn’t have said it better myself.

A perfect accessory for the double-breasted suit is the briefcase. A soft, lightweight briefcase is the perfect final touch to the professional man’s ensemble. The blue steel watch is another accessory to watch out for—navy blue matches almost anything and adds a little pop!  Trendy men this season are also wearing varsity cardigans.  Varsity jackets and cardigans, coming in colored stripes and team lettering, exude a collegiate cool and are bold enough to be worn on their own.