Fall fashion preview

February was filled with fashion shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris. And while Seattle may feel like it couldn't be any farther away from the front row of the couture runway shows, the fashions seen draped across sashaying size 0 bodies will eventually find their way, in one form or another, to the more reasonably sized bodies of Seattle women.

By knowing what will still be hot a year from now, you can avoid investing in quick-lived trends like the peasant skirt with Moroccan belt fiasco that lasted all of 10 minutes. We spoke to four local shop owners, some of them fresh off fall buying trips in New York City, and asked for a preview of what to expect next fall. Focus on these five trends now, taking advantage of current winter sales when possible, and we assure you that come next winter you'll have a runway-worthy wardrobe.

Trend #1: Gray days
Match the Seattle skies with a universally flattering shade of gray. Jennifer Wen, owner of the boutique Reputation, says to start now: "Gray is already a hot color and you don't have to wait until next fall to wear it." She suggests "adding a patent electric blue belt or gold accessories now and then spice up the same gray staples in the fall with a luscious deep red handbag and scarf." Annie Sparrow, owner of Tulip, adds that "a rich deep yellow is gorgeous against gray." Luckily, spring's hottest color is marigold yellow and will transition easily into your fall wardrobe.

One must-have gray staple is the turtleneck. "Turtlenecks will prove to be the most popular layering piece next fall," predicts Amanda Rosenthal, owner of La Rousse. Opt for one in a light, easy to layer silk blend.

Trend #2: Grecian goddess
Spotted on all the red carpets and runways recently, Grecian draping of soft metallics and muted neutrals will continue to look fresh through spring and into next fall. "We've had Grecian dresses since last fall and I can't keep enough of them on the racks," Wen tells us. She recommends layering a Grecian dress in an everyday fabric like jersey or modal with a tee or cashmere cardigan wrap and finishing the look with leggings.

REPUTATION

Grecian dress, $46, available at Reputation.

Another great way to pull the draped runway look into your wardrobe now is with soft, romantic blouses. Rosenthal favors blouses with ties around the neck and suggests "tucking into high-waisted trousers to balance the masculine cut of straight jeans and trousers."

Trend #3: Little black coat
Known for his wacky uses of color and design, Paul Smith was one unlikely source for next fall's major look – the classic black coat. Amazing black coats with wide collars and decadent details showed up on many runways including Bill Blass and Doo.Ri. Our panel of Seattle fashion experts agreed that a classic coat is the best investment for future seasons. La Rousse's Amanda Rosenthal says, "In Seattle, we wear coats so often that your cost-per-wear amount is really low, especially when it's black."

LA ROUSSE

The Rodebjer wool coat will be available this summer at La Rousse.

Trend #4: Jewel tones
Luscious colors will show up in both spring and fall wardrobes. From Rosenthal: "To add a splash of color, designers are pairing black with jewel tones such as deep teal, purple and red." Tulip's Annie Sparrow fell hard for a shade of peacock blue, so expect to see her First Avenue shop bursting with bright blues, greens and turquoises this summer and on into the fall.

Trend #5: Naval academy
The nautical trend kicking off for spring will stay on dry land for a few more seasons. Givenchy models sailed down the runway in nautical-themed trousers and pea-coats. Get the yacht-worthy look by opting for navy items that will float you on through next fall. Janelle Lancaster of Illi particularly likes the pairing of navy with chocolate and predicts that wide and straight leg trousers will be in every fashionista's fall wardrobe.

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