Fall fashion forecast 2009

Charlotte Russe leads the way into next season, with solid reds and wide belts.

On the second day of summer, it's time to think ahead to your fall wardrobe. Kick-start your style by looking through your wardrobe and putting your old things together into outfits that would never have worked last year. Then, go shopping at fashion-forward stores like Charlotte Russe and Wet Seal! Here are some tips for looking great in the coming fall.

- Tuck it in. High-rise pants, shorts, and skirts have been making their way into fashion since spring, and they will really be a hit in the fall. High rises means tucking your shirts in and topping them with a vest or jacket. Tops will be lighter. Expect to be seeing more formal collars or casual, crewneck chiffon tops.

- Belt it out. Belts that hug the waist and show off your hips are making their way into the budget stores, which means they've been in high couture for months. Wear them with another in-thing: short, semi-formal jackets and jacket-like tops. Wear them with your high-rise skirts, shorts and jeans. Don't wear them on top of tunics. That style is gone next fall.

- Shine your shoes. Shiny is still in, and bigger than ever. Expect lots of shiny leather on your feet and around your waist. This goes well with the solid bright colors which will be huge this fall. Don't go to crazy though, or you'll look silly.

- Point your toes. High heels are back, with more point than ever. While the peep-toe will remain a big hit, close-toed high heels will also make their appearance, now with a pointed toe. Warning: pointed toes work best on people withsmall feet. If you have big feet, stick to the sexy peep-toe. 

- Color me happy. Bright, bold, solid colors are this fall's feature attraction. Don't be shy - break out the colors like Katy Perry. Feel free to mix and match - bright yellows with darker blues, modest purples, white and black. Reds with white, black, and brown. Greens with brown, white, pale yellow and blue. Go crazy!

- Big smile. Smiles are always in style, but this season, drop the pale lip gloss and try some bright lipstick to go with your pearly whites! Colored eye makeup is also in style this fall. 

[photo of Katy Perry at Glamour Woman of the Year awards (c) EPA/DANIEL DEME]

For more info: Woman's Wear Daily, the foremost high fasion newspaper, is the first with every season's styles.