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!

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