The Autumn/Winter season is the biggest season in fashion, which means that this is the time when the most new trends are introduced on the runway. Curiously these trends often seem to be at odds with each other, causing some designers to go in complete opposite directions of one another. And yet, in a way, this matches perfectly with the seasons; the warm weather of summer holding on as long as it can before the bitter cold of winter sets in. This season you can expect nothing less, with the continuation of volume mixed with slim body conscience items, we see opposites paired together for a look that works. This year designers added new adversaries to the trend contention, causing the ultimate battle: masculinity versus femininity in our clothes.

This season designers have been adding a masculine edge to many of the must- have pieces for fall. vests are reinventing themselves into key items, tailoring the look to be masculine in inspiration, yet feminine in the way it hugs a woman's curves. A more tailored body has been seen in suiting, dresses and outerwear this season. So when you're looking to add a new element to your wardrobe, try raiding his closet instead of yours. Who says you can't play dress up anymore? 

If borrowing from your husband or boyfriend's closet just doesn't seem like you, adding femininity to your wardrobe is also a key trend for fall. This summer we started to see more and more feminine details added to garments, such as ruffles, pin tuck pleating, lace and bows. This fall the trend has been picked up in a big way in many collections. 

This outfit by Marc Jacobs is rampant with masculine overtones and details. A vest of this style is a great interpretation of the trend, but with a fit that flatters. (Right)

One of the tops that I like, and fits perfectly with this theme, is the blouse that ties at the neck with a bow. Another element in this trend is the fabric these pieces are done in; soft and flirty fabrics, as well as lots of silkiness. One way designers incorporated both the feminine and masculine trends into their collections for fall, was to use the 1940's for inspiration. Think tailored dresses with feminine details such as flutter sleeves. Another fall trend is mixing in pieces with military undertones, keeping the trend alive, just not as big as it was last fall.

This blouse by Bette Sung ties at the neck but has a lower neckline keeping it feminine and flirty.(Left)

40's inspired dress by Karen Walker.(Center)

This dress by Roberto Cavalli is a great example of the tailored yet feminine silhouette that this trend embodies. It has dimensions that are inspired by the 40's, but is more wearable than other pieces from the runway. (Right)

The volume that blew into stores last fall, and has continued to be a key influence in our wardrobes, is sticking around for another season. Instead of the bubble in your skirt, it has moved to the sleeve, and the backs of dresses and tops. Over-proportioned backs, reminiscent of creations from some of the first innovative designers like Paul Poiret, have been huge influences to designers today by adding an interesting silhouette to the season. This dress by yeohlee is a perfect example of the exaggerated back in a shiny metallic fabric. you can also continue to pair voluminous tops with pencil skirts and slimmer bottoms for a trendy look.

Other things in style this season are novelty fabrics and subdued colors. The fabrics that will catch your eye this winter are bold houndstooths, colorful plaids, and textured tweeds. These patterns will be adding a much needed mix to stores this fall. Colors have taken a turn to the dark side, with grey as a base for the season. Shades of grey are infused with splashes of jewel-toned colors to add life to an otherwise monotone palette. The yellow that brightened our summer has been dulled to golden mustard, and while some bright colors have survived the change in season, others have gone down a notch to conform to this colder and darker time of year. Metallics have continued to grow from last year's trend of silver and gold, and now elements of shine can be added to that group. The patent leather that used to accent our outfits has worked its way up from our shoes and belts, and spread to the rest of our wardrobe.

As the leaves change this fall to shades of yellow, orange and red, getting their own makeover, give yourself an update by adding any of these trends to your everyday look. I hope you enjoy the cool, crisp weather of fall before the temperatures drop to below zero (for what can only be described as a true Minnesota winter), when I'll be back to let you in on the trends for the holiday season. But for now, happy shopping!

Military details are still holding strong on this jacket by Aquascutum.

By Kelly Klein