This fall’s trends have been inspired by Fall/Winter 2008’s runway looks, the much loved Gossip Girl, and the fall season and its foliage. With such a myriad of trends and ideas here and there, we’ve picked out the best of this fall:

1.    The Blazer: Inspired by Gossip Girl’s preppy, private school looks, the blazer is the ultimate jacket to own. As seen on Blair Waldorf and Serena Vanderwoodsen, the blazer is a staple in their school uniform, paired over a ruffled blouse and accented with bold hair accessories. It’s tailored, clean, and gives a polished look when layered over a simple tee and skinny jeans. Vintage men’s tuxedo jackets can get you the same look – it’s just a matter of hunting for the perfect one!

2.    Winter Florals: Florals were seen all over the runways, prominently in Michael Kors’s fall collection. In shiny brocades of bright golds, purples, and greens, they are much different from the lighter blooms of spring. Flowers on heavier fabrics lighten the effect, giving a mature and elegant look when found on dresses and skirts.

3.    Prints: Spring 2008 was all about watercolor strokes across a canvas of fabric. Fall, however, takes a turn for edgier, bolder artsy prints, ranging from ethnic patterns like ikat or African inspired prints to geometric, Picasso-like artwork on shirts. Whether a tee, a tunic, or a dress, printed tops are bold and add a touch of creativity to the ever-popular skinny jean or rock-chic leather leggings.

4.    Biker/Rock Chic: Perhaps Gucci’s and Alexander Wang’s collections were the greatest examples for the glamorous rock chic. With layers of sheers and acid washed shirts and leather jackets, knit beanies, leather or lame leggings, and finished with a pair of studded and fringed boots, this look is perfect for the fall season. Look for leather jackets, moccasins, ankle booties or boots, studs, and loose t-shirts to channel this runway looks.

5.    Country: Opposite of preppy, plaid shirts channeling the flannel, buttoned shirt has been seen in some runway collections. Think Jessica Simpson when recreating this look; tuck in a plaid button down into a pair of mid-waist jeans, finishing the ensemble with a leather belt and camel colored boots. It’s country made glamorous.

6.    Bow Tie Blouses & Ruffles: This season was a mix of a variety of styles, most of which were complete opposites. The feminine, elegant woman, quite in contrast to the biker chic, was seen through airy chiffon blouses with bows tied in the front or minimal ruffles in soft pinks, grays, and blues. It’s the perfect business attire when tucked into high-waited pants, chic and sophisticated.

7.    Full Skirts: The trend of full drindl skirts, made popular by Proenza Schouler RTW for fall, is perfect for fall. With or without a pair of dark colored tights, these skirts can make a t-shirt go from bland to glamorous, and, at the same time, enhance the hour glass shaped bodies every woman longs for.

8.    The Glamorous Hippie: Think Vanessa Hudgens and Mischa Barton meets Kate Moss. The ethereal headbands that travel across the forehead may seem a bit daunting to some, but is actually quite easy to accomplish. Pair basics with knits or fringed, knee high boots and leather bags. The glamorous hippie is all about the accessories – the bags, the aviators, the boots, and the headband, best achieved with vintage finds or natural fabrics.

9.    Layers and layers of chains: Found in many a runway show or designer collections like Alexander Wang and Bliss Lau, chains are the accessories that finish the edgy, rock chic look. The actual runway look is a bit too bulky for everyday wear; recreate your own look with a collection of both gold and silver chains, perhaps with a few pendants, of different lengths. With such an intricate statement piece, keep the rest of the ensemble simple!

10.    Purple is the New Black: There is no simpler way to say it but this: purple is indeed the new black. Making multiple appearances on fall runways from Oscar de la Renta to Gucci, pops of berry, violet, and eggplant purples ruled the color palettes. Why purple? Purple is a versatile shade; the darker shades are edgy and rock chic perfect, where as its lavenders are feminine and soft. It’s the perfect color for a season with a multitude of contrasting styles: biker chic and the feminine lady; country plaids and graphic prints. Invest in a few violet pieces to add pops of color to a monochromatic outfit, whether it be a tee, a handbag, or a scarf.