Casual Fall Fashion Trends

Fall fashion trends always run towards stylish sweaters and scarves. This year we're seeing tunics and leggings. We'll pile the layers on our necks and arms, cocooning at home or in the office in style.

So what's new for fall, and how do we look stylish yet business-like when needed? The good news is the racks are piled high and there's plenty to make you look great. Here's the rundown:

Latest fall fashion trends:

o Grey - the ultimate comfort color takes front and center. But wait, the next strong color is cobalt blue - a color that looks great on almost everyone. And it's a great color for the workplace as well. You can pair grey with cobalt, and other colors such as purple, yellow or green, and even black. It's lovely to create a POP of color in accessories, such as a handbag, shoes or gloves.

o Cozy textures: The fall runways feature chunky and loopy knits and mohair. Look for anything soft, from cashmere to sensual knits. It's all about softness and cocooning.

o The V shape is big this fall. It can be either straight up or inverted. You can wear a loose, drapey top with billowing sleeves, paired with skinny pants or leggings. Or, try wide-legged trousers with a tight, cropped top. A new, modern touch is the cape shape. Look for organic shapes, with a rounded bubble hem - anything that suggests a cocoon.

Fall fashion key pieces

o Cardigan coat: A grey cashmere coat is a perfect topper for your tunic. Smart looking, it's the season's hot look.

o Tunics: Paired with leggings or lean jeans, tunics are smart looking, and take you from the office to weekend casual. Tunics that hit mid-thigh to above the knee do double-duty as dresses. Words of advice: Don't pair tunics with high-waisted, wide-leg pants. You'll have too much volume.

o High-waisted, wide leg pants. Hurray, for women tired of muffin-top pants, we have another option. High-waisted pants with a cropped jacket or knit bolero are big this season, offering a smart alternate for work or casual wear.

o Sweaters: Soft, drapey and feminine, semi-fitted twinsets of v-necks are perfect for the office, paired with tweed trousers or a pencil skirt.

I'd like to invite you to use these tips and ideas to help you create your look this season with the latest fall fashion trends.

As we steadily approach the Fall fashion season, it seems that tunic tops are still ranking as an ultra-popular women's fashion trend. Tunic tops are usually longer, fitting over the hips, with the hem hitting right at or about mid-thigh. They come in many shapes from straight, A-line, or empire waist.

Tunics are great multi-tasking wardrobe items. They are perfect for casual wear, but paired with the right item, tunic style tops can absolutely work in a professional environment as well. Speaking of multitasking, many tunic tops work really well in transitioning from day to evening wear, if paired with the right accessories.

Some may feel free to disagree, but it is also my personal opinion that tunic tops work best when paired with slim fitting pants, jeans, shirts, or even leggings, if you dare! Because the tunic tends to be loose-fitting or flowy, the use of the slim-fitting bottom will work well to give the body defining shape.

For shorter women, the length of the tunic also creates the illusion of a long torso, which can make the legs look shorter. To combat this, it will be extra important to pair with slim fitting bottoms, which serve to elongate the legs. (You may also want to consider wearing a heel rather than ballet flats with the tunic top for this very reason!)