Ten fashion trends for fall

Set foot in a shop in Seattle, and even before the leaves begin to change color and the air starts to cool, you'll be well aware of fall's approach. The dog days of summer have barely arrived, yet local boutiques are already stocking their shelves with cozy fabrics such as cashmere and wool, in the muted grays and browns of fall.

Though we had fervently followed the fall runway shows and diligently read the weighty autumn issues of fashion magazines, we wanted to find out what high-fashion trends would be adopted by the Pacific Northwest's less fussy fashionistas. So we ventured out into the summer heat in search of the top 10 cool-weather trends you and your friends might be wearing this season.

We found these sought-after styles -- from leggings and wide-legged jeans to shiny metallics and power suits -- in high-end boutiques such as La Rousse and Merge, and chain stores like The Limited and Kohl's. So whether you're on a spree or on a budget, you're certain to find something to fall for.

Wide-Legged Pants
If you just couldn't buy into the skinny-jean trend, you'll love the fact that wide-legged denim -- in fact, wide-legged trousers of all kinds -- will be a hot look for fall. It isn't universally flattering, though, so bring a friend who can offer a second opinion when you try to work the bell-bottoms. Pat Wolfkill, owner of Merge in Ballard, tells us, "The trick is to create a long lean look." Balance the pants with a narrow top or short fitted jacket and higher-heeled shoes, or pair with one of the season's voluminous coats.

ODYN

On a spree: Odyn wide-legged jeans, $192 at La Rousse

RAMPAGE

On a budget: Rampage Wide Leg Cuffed Pant in black, $49 at Powder Room

Shades of Gray
Match Seattle's gray late-fall skies with the season's most popular shade. From handbags and shoes to clothing and eye makeup, gray is the new neutral and a must for every autumn wardrobe. To bring your summer look into fall, layer a gray turtleneck under a yellow or pastel summer smock. Instead of your go-to black fall slacks, opt for gray trousers instead.

HUDSON

On a spree: Hudson pant in gray houndstooth, $176 at Mario's

SODA BLU

On a budget: Soda Blu tops in shades of gray, $50-$90 at La Rousse

Oversized Clutches
While oversized bags are great for daytime, they don't always make a smooth transition to evening. This season, grab a slightly oversized clutch for your nocturnal activities. Large enough to carry the basics, these handheld handbags make an elegant and ladylike option for fall outings after 5 p.m.

DONALD J PLINER

On a spree: Donald J Pliner "Zelda" clutch, $365 at www.endless.com

MATT & NAT

On a budget: Matt & Nat clutch, $80 at La Rousse

Silver Accessories
Celebrity hounds will recognize the "it" bag from Prada -- popular this fall in shiny tinfoil silver -- and the less expensive version from Guess. Not for the subtle style maven, silver bags make a big statement and pair nicely with the grays and blacks of fall. Silver will also grace your ears, wrists and neck this season, as seen at Ballard shop Duque Salon + Spa + Boutique, which stocks a great selection of silver accessories.

PRADA

On a spree: Prada "Metallic Night" handbag, $1,445 at Barneys New York

GUESS

On a budget: Guess "Moonwalk" handbag in silver, $128 at Macy's

Power Suits
It is a wonderful (though unintended) tribute to recently deceased fashion designer Liz Claiborne that power suits -- a look she practically invented in the 1980s -- are back. This time around, the suit is sleek, chic and minus the foam shoulder pads. Blazers should hug your curves and be paired with pencil skirts or slim trousers. We love the machine-washable option from The Limited, which is both sexy and eco-friendly (no nasty dry-cleaning chemicals needed.)

HUGO BOSS

On a spree: Boss Black by Hugo Boss tweed jacket, $795, and matching skirt, $275, at Nordstrom

THE LIMITED

On a budget: Travel Suit, jacket $188, pants $89 at The Limited

Layered Looks
Whether it's a minidress paired with leggings, a tunic over jeans or a voluminous jacket to tuck it all in, fall is all about layers. Stick with varying shades of the same color for a slimming look, and stock up on turtlenecks, which will be a key component to building your fall wardrobe. "They will range from fitted mock-turtlenecks to looser-fitting cowls for people who don't like something tight on their neck," says La Rousse owner Amanda Rosenthal. Look for lightweight options in cashmere and modal cotton. Fremont shops Bliss and Dream stock loads of layering pieces.

TRINA TURK

On a spree: Trina Turk espresso tweed coat, $528, and purple printed dress, $378, at Nordstrom

KOHL'S

On a budget: Bell sleeve sweater in gray, $58 at Kohl's

Leggings and Tights
The best way to keep your summer sundresses in rotation through fall is to invest in several pairs of leggings and tights. Achieve an effortlessly chic layered look with black or gray leggings worn to just under the knee or all the way to the ankle. Tights look best in chocolate brown or cream. Rosenthal loves the look with flats, ankle boots or even knee-high boots -- which are great to wear in the rain. "Throw your flats in your bag and walk to work in your galoshes," she recommends.

LAURA DAHL

On a spree: Laura Dahl Grace leggings, $54 at Sway & Cake

AMERICAN APPAREL

On a budget: Jersey Placket legging, $28 at American Apparel

Masculine Shoes
Taking a cue from men's wingtips and golf shoes, women's footwear is moving toward the masculine, with lace-ups and spectator stitching (lighter colored leather stitched over black or brown). Lamb's Ear owner Angie Sorenson will tap into the trend this season with a focus on "the androgynous look -- a men's dress shoe for the ladies" that will pair nicely with wide-legged pants. Don't throw out your peep-toes just yet, but stock up on lace-ups for a nice bit of below-the-ankle drama.

GEORGINA GOODMAN

On a spree: Martha heel, price available upon request at Clementine

FARYLROBIN

On a budget: FarylRobin "Filipa" boot in black, $192 at Shoefly

Sophisticated Ankle Boots
Consider it the ankle boot deconstructed. Reaching about an inch above your ankle, the bootie takes on a new look with ankle straps, cuffs and stitching up the middle of the shoe. On the runways, ankle boots were paired with leggings and skirts. In laid-back Seattle, we like them under skinny jeans.

LOEFFLER RANDALL

On a spree: Loeffler Randall Blythe boot in black, $350 at Lamb's Ear

FARYLROBIN

On a budget: FarylRobin "Elph" in black, $194 at Anthropologie

Ecofashion
The green machine keeps chugging along as ecofashion continues to be a hot ticket, especially in environmentally conscious Seattle. This fall, stock up on eco-friendly fashions made from organic cotton and other recyclable materials. In addition to looking for organic fabrics, keep in mind sustainability by buying some vintage pieces, and support sweatshop-free labels such as American Apparel, which has locations in Capitol Hill, downtown and the University District

NEODANDI

On a spree: Neodandi deconstructed dress, $252 at Synapse 206

LOYALE

On a budget: Loyale hemp/organic cotton knit tunic, $96 at Juniper