Fall is right around the corner, and when it comes to keeping up with the latest trends, you need to be prepared. Last spring, many designers showcased the trends and ideas they felt would be popular for this season, including leather jackets, mixed fabrics and colored hosiery. I’ve reviewed the collections of six different designers to find out how they would dress you if they were your personal stylists.

Balmain
If ’80s glam rock is your thing, take notes from the runway of Balmain. With models strutting in $9,000 black-leather zipper boots and coveted leather jackets, Balmain shows fashionistas how to look cool and stay warm this fall. If head designer Christophe Decarnin were your stylist, your fall wardrobe would consist of shades of blue, grey and black, tight leather mini dresses and studded shirts and pants. This season, Decarnin wants you to focus on the details: Zippers, precise draping, sequins and jeweled belts are all on his hot list. And don’t forget to top everything off with a sharp-shouldered blazer.

Anna Sui
If you’re interested in emulating Anna Sui’s idea of fall fashion, be prepared to take a trip out West. With footwear ranging from suede knee-high boots to tan leather cowboy boots, Anna Sui makes her point very clear. The designer is also soon to join the ever-increasing list of designers this fall in the Go International line at Target, where you can have access to her prairie-like styles for an affordable price.

According to Sui, tops should be fun with high Victorian collars and ruffles, and fringe and sheer fabrics. Not only does she enjoy mixing fabrics on shirts, but she does so on complete outfits as well. The combination of velvet, satin and wool make for an Anna-approved ensemble. She even extended her Western theme to accessories, featuring pieces with studs, leather and feathered hats.

Behnaz Sarafpor
If you’re into somber, serious looks when the weather turns cooler, take a look at Behnaz Sarafpor’s Fall 09 RTW show. The entire grayscale collection features slim legs—tights or leggings were on all the models’ gams, which were complemented with black zipper-front booties.

You’ll never find me in an all-black outfit, but Behnaz’s genius ensembles show audiences how to make monochromatic outfits engaging. Oftentimes she combines a variety of fabrics and textures to show dimension and create character. Other times, she simply creates cutouts or a sweetheart neckline illusion to keep viewers intrigued.

Luella
Known for their playful looks, the designers behind Luella’s Fall RTW line demonstrate that fall fashion doesn’t have to be completely somber and serious. With large colored polka dots and the continuation of the exposed zipper trend (of which I am a fan), Luella attempts to combine fun girly styles with a little bit of ’80s grunge.

This fall, a typical Luella outfit would include a cream Peter Pan collared shirt worn under a black military-inspired coat with small metallic or satin accents, just to keep things interesting. And if your hair isn’t enough to keep your head warm, try topping your outfit off with a cadet hat or a grunge beanie.

Matthew Williamson
With a line that debuted in H&M stores nationwide this past summer, Matthew Williamson has been having a great year. Known for his love of prints and patterns, this designer’s Southwest-inspired runway left me wishing fall weather were already here. With a brown-based palette, Williamson’s warm outfits are usually completed with brown leather pants, beige or nude accessories, or intricate beadwork in coral, turquoise and fuchsia.
When wearing chunky knits this fall, Williamson would more than likely advise you to belt them, thus creating the illusion of a very slim waist. A few other highlights from his show include unusual necklines—either sweetheart or asymmetrical. A typical outfit from Matthew would begin with slim-fitting pants and a sheer, ruffled top covered by an oversized belted ombre cardigan or slouchy coat, topped off with beaded jewelry in coral or turquoise.

Emanuel Ungaro
If your fall style fits in the categories of girly and fun, then Ungaro’s runway is just for you.  For the perfect night out, try a curve-hugging, strapless mini dress with a sweetheart neckline. And when the night gets too cold to be showing that much skin, cover up with a motorcycle-inspired wool jacket or a knit or satin bolero.

For a put-together school look, try wearing a sheer top with ruffle details under a leather jacket, or layer a strapless dress over your summer tanks and tees. For the legs, Emmanuel prefers satin shorts over brightly colored tights, colored corduroy pants, or long, relaxed fitting dress pants. With a vibrant runway featuring designs in fuchsia, orange, royal blue and black, Ungaro’s creations are the perfect inspiration to brighten up an otherwise gloomy day.