Trends for Fall 2012

Erin left a comment saying, "I want to know what are going to be popular looks, trends, and colors for this fall."

Here's the thing: fashion runways are always full of all kinds of interesting things that normal people with normal clothing budgets and normal lives in which they clean the bathroom, feed their kids peanut butter sandwiches, or watch re-runs of The Office instead of working out (I know, sorry, now you're really jealous of my life) probably couldn't or wouldn't wear. Runways to some extent present the extreme version of trends, which then go through a normal-person filter via the commercial market (and for that, we are grateful). So I'm going to focus on the wearable trends for the season, as opposed to the high-end, all-out-crazy trends (like this & this).

Beyond the always-acceptable autumn staples like tweed, plaid, and comfy, over-sized sweaters (hooray), here are the kinds of things you'll see for this fall. Please note... the pieces below reflect my personal taste and/or budget (for the most part). There are lots of other options out there that would fit the bill for these trends as well! 

(Click the pictures for links to specific items.)

• Ornate clothing & accessories, courtesy of the Baroque period: think brocade and tapestry-like fabrics, and gilded details like on this locket and this dress
• Reds: Especially burgundy, which also goes by its not-approved-by-the-PETA nickname, "oxblood." I love burgundy -- excited for this one.
• Prints: Polka dots, printed denim, prints mixed with prints. (Free advice: the key to mixing prints is matching different sized patterns (big w/ small) and limiting the color scheme (stick with 1-3 colors) so you don't end up looking like a circus.)
• White & black suiting, & tuxedo pants: Sharp looking.
  
• Ankle boots: Try with cuffed boyfriend jeans & an over-sized sweater, or with a little dress.
• Patent leather: Not just shoes, but outerwear, too.
  
• Statement collars: Detachable, kind of strange, apparently acceptable in all shapes and sizes. We've already established the fact that I'm not really into this. (Sorry.) The gold collar necklace is probably the closest I'd get to wearing this trend.
  
• Military inspired jackets and vests: Pair with a feminine dress for contrast.

Still in, and not going anywhere:

• Brights & color blocking: Lots & lots of colored jeans, but not much neon.
• Everyday sportswear: Raglan baseball tees & baseball caps. (Anyone else happy that baseball caps are having their day?)
• Peplum: Very retro, kind of Jetsons. If you can pull this look off, rock it hard.

What are you excited to try? What do you plan to avoid?