Falling into fall trends tends to be a favorite in the fashion world as we stuff our well-loved shorts and tank tops into the bottom drawer and lay out our warmer layers for the cold months to come.  Especially in Colorado, the stunning autumn-tinted trees complement a new spectrum of clothing options, not to mention the comfort of dressing to snuggle up against the cooler air.  With snow on the horizon and summer sun behind us, here’s a look at some fall fashion favorites to help inspire your look this season.

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Flannel, Flannel, Flannel

Whether you’re a guy or a girl, flannels are versatile, fashionable and functional.

How to wear it: Layer an over sized flannel with a simple top, tie it around your waist to give a simple shirt or dress shape, or wear it buttoned up and accessorize.

Remember that the best way to buy flannels can be second hand – you can’t beat $3 vs. $30… and you can never own too many!  Also note that some of the nicest secondhand flannels can be found in the men’s section, because over-sized is on trend.

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Ankle Boots (Booties)

This season’s picture perfect shoe choice is the boot’s shorter cousin.  Try booties that are leather of any color, suede, heeled, or buckled… the variations could go on.  No matter what type you get, one thing is for sure – booties will polish off any fall outfit and keep you looking extra fashionable.

How to wear it: tucked, cuffed, or with cozy socks.

Remember that when buying shoes, purchasing a well-made pair is worth the extra dollars because they will last and more importantly, will keep your feet comfortable.

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Invest in a Vest

Vests are definitely in right now.  I would describe vest wearing as receiving a flattering hug from an arm-less jacket that is almost instantly fashion forward when worn correctly.  Look for army green, quilted, felted, or structured vests.  Patagonia, Columbia, and The North Face are extremely popular brand name options, especially in Colorado, however, you don’t need to break the bank to rock this trend.

How to wear it: Over a flannel or loose t-shirt, as a layer over leggings and a simple top, or go for the “mountainy” vest look and pair it with a beanie and fleece.

H&M carries great vests for around $20.  For name brand options like Patagonia (aka Patagucci), check backcountry.com or other discount outdoor online stores for better deals than at REI.

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Rolled, Distressed Jeans and Leggings (if you’re layering)

You’re welcome ladies – you don’t have to shave your legs this time of year.  Fall outfits can be all about the jeans, and an especially in-trend way to wear them is distressed and straight legged.  Similarly popular and comfortable (to the point of danger of never wearing anything else) is the best friend of fall: leggings.

How to wear it:

Jeans – Cuffed w/ boots, belted with a flowy top, or layered with a cozy cardi, vest, or patterned shirt.

Leggings – are best when layered, because unfortunately, leggings are not technically pants.  This being said, many girls look cute and comfortable by pairing leggings with hoodies and scarves.  The cheater’s way to look put together while still achieving comfort, however, is by collecting color coordinating layers of cardigans, tunics, jackets, socks, and scarves and pairing them over the simplicity of black leggings.

Why just black and blue? Another way to spice up your fall fashion could be switching up your color choices.  Opt for grays, maroons, greens, and even mustard yellow pants.  Be bold and colorful, even with the pants you wear this fall.

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Cozy Scarves

I was sold by the word “cozy”.  Scarves are a fall staple and are the super-clothes of pulling together an outfit in an instant.  You can choose from many kinds and colors, but one thing all scarves seem to have in common is their tendency to pair well with hot cocoa and a good book.

How to wear it: Bulky, soft infinity scarves with simple contrasting shirts, over shirt dresses, or patterned and uniquely tied to pull together simpler outfits.

Like flannels, some of the cutest scarves can be found at thrift stores.

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Warm, Fresh, & Bold Makeup

Try rocking a bold lip color this fall and make those bright eyes stand out with warm coppery shades and long lashes.

How to wear it: Don’t overdue the eyes.  The whole point of eye makeup is to accentuate where light hits your eyes, which looks especially striking against the backdrop of the contrasting colors of the turning leaves.  The best thing to do for fall makeup is to keep your skin moisturized as the air gets colder and dryer.  Maybe invest in a bronzer to keep that warm glow to your face.

Fall is all about the rich, pretty lip colors.  Try this affordable lip color combo – mix Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in “Standout” with Maybelline’s Super Stay in “Wine and Forever”.

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There’s a general trend of comfort in this fall fashion list, which makes this one of the most wonderful times of the year.  Besides winter, of course, but the good news is that many of these styles will be fashion forward throughout all the cold months.  Have fun bundling up this season and don’t forget to wear what makes you happy.