How to Carry Fall 2008 Fashions into Future Seasons

Fall 2008 boasts a dark breed of bohemian wear that's dramatic yet versatile. Think hippie meets Goth and produces a stylish love child. From booties to vests to leather jackets and pants, you have a wide variety of dark, folky classics to choose from this fall. But with the current state of the economy, you probably want to be financially cautious this season. You need attractive clothes that are going to last, not short-lived fads. Are you afraid that might buy something that you won't be able to wear after this winter hits? Don't worry---here's how to carry this season's looks into this winter, next spring, and beyond:

1. Buy neutral and "safe" colors: When in doubt, go with standard colors. (No, hot pink is not standard!) Black, gray, and purple are the colors this season but don't think they're exclusive to Fall 2008, either. Black's always in fashion (unless you're attending the daytime wedding of your best friend!) Gray, as a neutral shade, matches virtually anything and purple, especially violet and eggplant, freshen up any evening wardrobe. Avoid shades of purple that verge on "Barbie" shades. Pinkish or girly purples go in and out of fashion much faster than darker shades of purple because they're less sophisticated.
2. Layer differently each season: Take this mantra into account: it's not WHAT you wear but HOW you wear it. You can wear the same article of clothing season after season but style it differently each time to keep your look fresh. The dark peasant blouses that you wear this fall can be worn under cropped parkas in the winter and paired with Bermuda shorts in the spring. Very few articles of clothing are just for one season anymore; be creative and consider how something would fit into your lifestyle for each season of the year.
3. Snag multiples: The rule is simple: if you adore it, it's your size, it flatters your figure, and you can afford to do so, buy more than one in different colors. If it's a classic shape and color---like a navy blue cardigan, for example---even better. If you're old-fashioned about wearing certain colors and patterns only during certain seasons (i.e., white only before Labor Day, florals/pastels in the spring, etc.), buy the piece in one color for each season. That way you can work it anytime of year! You might consider buying this season's Mary-Janes, for example, in more than one color. They're always a classic and look great in any season.
4. Invest in denim: Denim is always in style but the past two seasons it has been particularly big. This season is all about sleek classics you can wear again and again, five or ten years from now with no shame. Regardless of what high-end fashion glossies may say about boyfriend jeans, they're over-priced and flatter few. For the most longevity, think tailored jeans, fitted jackets, and caps rather than slouchy flares and scarily short denim minis.
5. Visit the tailor: Since this season emphasizes classics and looks we've all seen before, there are very few ultra-trendy pieces, shapes, and cuts you can buy this season and not feel comfortable wearing again in the future (except possibly the rock star leather pants or the boyfriend jeans). If, however, you buy something this season and later feel that it looks outdated, take it to the tailor. If you paid full price for something and you think it can be salvaged, don't drop it off at Salvation Army just yet. Tailors, especially high-skilled ones, can do amazing things with clothes.