Top 10 Plus-Size Fashion Trends for Fall 2006

Whether you're a full-figured diva or a cute, curvy sprite, fall is fashion season. The climate cools and like clockwork our thoughts turn to style! For most of us, fall is also when our clothing budget bulges at the seams.

Whether you live for luxe fabrics and classic cuts or you ride the cutting edge with the latest trends and hottest colors, Fall 2006 will spoil you with choices! Before you bust out your credit card and head for the mall, let's take a look at the smart trends for fall.

1) Black Is Back (and the crowd cheers)

Well we know black is a versatile staple and dependable friend. But black has been downright scarce in recent years. Now, after several seasons out of favor, black is back. That's good news if you're looking to stock up on basics. When a good black season comes along, take advantage. This year you'll find black in every silhouette imaginable. If you've been waiting to invest in a good piece or two, now's your chance.

2) Don't Forget Brown

I've got to share my fashion philosophy. I think of neutrals as the canvas and accessories as the paint. Brown (let's call it chocolate, yum!) is making a big splash this year. If you've never considered a brown canvas, give it a try. Accessorize with bold red and they'll think you just stepped off the runway!

3) Bright and Sheer

Though more fashion forward than understated classic, everyone can accent with brights and sheers. It's easy to choose brights if you repeat this simple rule: I wear brights, brights don't wear me.

4) Menswear is Here

From the crisp white boyfriend shirt to anything French with cuffs and everything plaid, menswear is a big inspiration this season. The details of this trend are anything but masculine. Make sure there's at least a hint of Les Boys in your closet.

5) The Sleeve is the Thing

For Hamlet it was the play, in fashion this year it's all about the sleeve. If you're looking for a whole new focus, keep an eye out for lots of wonderful sleeve treatments. Fit warning: since plus size arm and sleeve fit tends to be really inconsistent, make sure you won't have to roll up that fabulous new detail that was meant to be seen!

6) Metallics

Think coats, think knit tops, think fabulous bags, think shoes, metallics are big news and you can indulge any way you like.

7) In a Word: Denim

Skinny jeans are new but every kind of denim is hot. You'll find jeans in every cut imaginable and plenty of denim skirts too. The best news? The ultra-low rise is over.

8) Capes

I have cape-envy. At least once a year in New York or San Francisco I see an elegantly caped woman and just for a moment I want to be tall and proportioned and, well, her. This year, she could be YOU. Capes, with their lush fabrics and unstructured fit, are great on so many shapes. Go ahead, try one on. This could be the most fun you have in a dressing room all year!

9) R-E-D

Yes, red. Anything red. This is a trend paired with a classic. Red has always been a power color, a signature color and the color of love. For day, any one piece of red you want to wear will make a statement. For evening what could be more fabulous than a red dress, red lips and the feeling of knowing you own the room? Red is confidence. Get some.

Top Picks: R-E-D

10) Did You Say Leggings?

It's apparently true that if you live long enough EVERYTHING comes back around. Yep, even leggings. Are you ready to give leggings another chance? Well nobody does a better job than Danskin of interpreting them for our curvy figures. Just remember, long over lean and you'll be pairing your leggings properly. Okay, repeat after me, "long over lean." Good.

With these top trends in mind, you're ready to go. So ladies, on your marks, get set, shop!

Related Guide Picks

Eight Great Plus-Size Skinny JeansSexy Fabulous Boots that Fit

fall winter fashion trends wear knits to work

There's nothing cozier than a knitted sweater when the outsides are getting chilly, am I right? And, although our days are still warm and sunny, going home after work we often feel the chill of fall. So why not get some lovely knits to wear to work?

Knitted items are big for fall's fashion, we saw them on literally every designer runway.

I've singled out knitted tops I really like (blazers, sweaters, shirts and a coat), and you can find lovely knit skirts pants and dresses in my next post:

	Eileen Fisher Bateau Sweater with a matching knit Sweater Ring is a classic outfit, perfect for those days when you have trouble finding what to wear. The color is a trendy red. $198 + $88 at Bloomingdales
	Asos Sleeveless Belted Cowl is a fine knit top which is lightweight enough to be worn at the end of summer. Only $34.20 at Asos
	Nine West Long Pointelle Cardigan is a knit destined to make you romantic and adorable. Great to wear over a plain white shirt. $119 at Macy's
	YA-YA Romance Wrap Sweater in wonderful cashmere wool with ornamented bell sleeves. $365 at Saks
	Nannette Lepore Knit Coat is going to make a trend-setter out of you. Made of black and white tweed with a black trim. $495 at Neiman Marcus

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Related Entries:

Fall/Winter fashion trends: Wear knits to work 2 - September 21, 2006

Fall/Winter fashion trends 2006/2007: Be a goddess in red - August 31, 2006

The cutest pink coat - September 27, 2006

Fall fashion trends: the oversized look is killing me - August 22, 2006

Five Top Fashion Trends for Fall

It's a brand new season -- so much to buy but so little time!
No need to panic... we've made shopping easy with this "cheat sheet"
- a guide to the top five fall trends. So update yourIt's a brand new
season -- so much to buy but
so little wardrobe with something plaid, a few new layers, some modern menswear, a great sweater dress and maybe even one of this season's new shapely dresses or capes. It's all right here in the latest edition of The Trend Report!

Mad for plaid
The fashion world has gone mad for plaid -- the print of the season! There are many ways to wear it -- from classic British tartans to more mod-inspired bold graphics. It's a no-brainer no matter what your style is! Make it modern (not old school) with a swingy plaid skirt, a fitted jacket, a great cape or a sexy silk blouse -- and wear it with everything you own. Instant update!

Trend tip: Fashion forward trendistas will love a short, pleated plaid skirt (a la the kilt) worn with solid leggings. Or reverse the look with a pair of tartan plaid leggings (really!) paired with a solid skirt and boots.

Layer it up
This fall it's all about layers, but there's a trick to keeping your look slim and polished. Go for lightweight fabrics and lean silhouettes such as cigarette pants, a pair of second-skin jeans or a pair of leggings worn with a slim or softly pleated skirt. On top, layer a sweater or two over a blouse, then throw on a jacket or cape for a splash of show-stopping style. Love it!

Trend tip: The true trendista will love playing with layers of knits in a palette of related colors such as shades of grey or brown. Throw in a few interesting textures such as tweed or lace to add a touch of luxe.

Shape shifters
There are a few feminine new shapes in town that add instant style to your wardrobe. On top, we love the full, swingy cape as fall's must-have outerwear piece. You'll also find jackets and tops designed with that same swing -- they look great paired with slim bottoms. And, while it is not for everyone, we must mention the ultra-trendy "bubble" skirt that starts out full from the waist and narrows to a slim band at the knees to create a (you guessed it) genuine bubble. It's surprisingly flattering in a fluid wool jersey dress or skirt, so give it a try!

Trend tip: The bubble is truly a trend that will quickly pass, so don't make a huge investment. Hit your local department store or specialty retailer to pick up a "cheap and chic" version that you'll retire come spring.

Sweater dressing
Remember the '80s and all those fabulous, easy sweater dresses? They're back! Even if you don't recall the go-go decade, you can still indulge in one of the hottest trends of the season -- sweater dressing. Your investment could be as simple as a wonderful knit turtleneck dress that you'll wear with dark tights and boots for a very chic update. Or you could go all out and play with layers like tunics, cardigans, skirts and those must-have leggings. And don't forget the sweater coat -- another oldie but goodie that looks brand new this season.

Trend tip: If you do play with knit layers, be sure to create a shape for yourself by wearing a wide leather, suede or even a chain link belt (remember those?) at or right below the waist.

Boy meets girl
Menswear-inspired looks are a staple for so many women, whether you simply love the classics or you're working your way up the corporate ladder. This season, menswear gets a sexy twist with figure-flattering, slim tailoring and a range of feminine accessories. The fitted jacket and slim skirt are your base -- opt for pinstripes, flannel, tweed, houndstooth or a trendy plaid. Then "girl" it up with a great cotton shirt (ruffles are A-OK), a leather belt, boots, gloves and a chic little clutch handbag ... nice!

Trend tip: The trendista will love all the new shapes styled in menswear fabrics from a versatile shoulder-baring cropped jacket to the bubble skirt.