Fall is my favorite season to dress for.  I love everything about traditional fall pieces- the colors, textures, and the endless possibilities that come with layering.  It gives you a chance to be creative while transitioning from the lighter fabrics of summer attire to the heavier winter staples.

Not all trends translate well from runway to street style or casual every day wear.  The following are my top picks for 2013 Fall trends.  Anyone can pull off a version of these trends while remaining comfortably chic and stylish, without looking overly fussy.

Leather was everywhere this summer- from flouncy skirts and dresses to leather leggings.  That is one of many spring/summer 2013 trends that are being carried over into the fall season. I love leather because it can add an edginess to practically any outfit.  However, few people are able to pull off a head-to-toe leather look without looking like a dominatrix.  Unless that is the look you are going for, mix and layer leather with lighter pieces like lace and sheer fabrics.  

Photo credit- ASOS

Pantone named emerald green as the 2013 color of the year, describing it as “Lively.  Radiant.  Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.”  This is another trend that was present during spring and summer 2013, with no signs of slowing down.  Help usher this gorgeous hue into fall by pairing it with other rich jewel tones like amethyst, sapphire, and citrine.  If you really want to amp up the elegance factor, pair this look with heels and a structured clutch.  

Photo credit- fashiondistrict.org

It’s hard for me to refer to layering as a “trend” since it’s a fall staple, but if Harper Bazaar says it is, it must be so.  Done correctly, layering is a great way to achieve a casual, effortlessly chic look.  Mix it up when layering- pair heavier fabrics like leather, wool, and velvet with light fabrics like lace, sheers, and silk.  Careful when mixing patterns- the goal of layering this fall is to achieve an effortlessly linear look, not like you couldn’t decide what to wear this morning, so you put on every one of your favorite pieces.  When in doubt, start with a base of a well-fitting tee and a pair of boyfriend jeans.  Build from there.  Choose one statement piece- perhaps a fitted blazer or jacket (to contrast the bagginess of the boyfriend jeans), add a pair of heels or booties and a chunky scarf.  Instant casual perfection!   

Photo credit-FABSUGAR

I love this trend because it’s simple, practical and inexpensive.  But don’t limit wearing knit beanies only with casual looks.  Throw one on with a streamlined dress or tailored pants and a fitted blazer.  The contrast makes it ultra chic!   

Photo credit- lamodellamafia.com, ontheracks.com, and focusonstyle.com. 

I can’t tell you how much I adore this particular fall trend.  After being immersed in a sea of skinny jeans, skin tight ankle grazers, and the (unfortunately) ultra popular high-waisted booty shorts all summer, slouchy pants and trousers are a welcomed change!  This cut is tight around the ankles, loose through the legs and hips, and sits higher on the waist.  Pair this gorgeous cut with heels, and a Comme des Garcons leather pouch, the “must-have statement piece for fashion insiders” according to Lucky Magazine.  

Photo credit- Mango

Another major statement piece this fall is outerwear.  Retailers are responding to this trend by offering fall jackets and coats in bold colors, interesting textures and dramatic cuts.  However, when choosing a statement piece, keep to one particular detail.  Go for a bold color, interesting texture, OR a dramatic cut.  Not all three.  You want a statement piece, not a museum piece.  Just be sure to keep the rest of your outfit simple when wearing a statement coat.  

Photo credit- thefasihontag.com, Asos.com, and Topshop.com.

This one is more of a timeless classic, but I had to include it.  Most people associate dark colors with fall and winter fashions, but I’ve always loved winter white for both seasons.  Just be sure to keep to seasonally appropriate fabrics.  Save your lighter fabrics for spring and summer.  Stick to heavier fabrics like tweed, wool, and chunky knits.  

Photo credit- Silvia Olsen Photography