Fall Fashion Trends 2008

WHY NOW Too girlie? Actually, try very showgirlie. This season’s ruffles are gloriously off-center or beautifully multilayered. The more overtly baroque the top, the edgier your pants should be: Veer toward drop-waist, multipleated, leather or pegged bottoms. And then, of course, there are always jeans. Skirts can work too, but we prefer the streamlined look of pants.

Silk ruffle top, Badgley Mischka Platinum Sportswear, $348; visit neimanmarcus.com.