<b>By Laura Trask</b>

Fall fashion is to me what football season is to so many in our college-driven, sportsafreakish world — the signal to a softer, gentler season with all the excitement of game day.  Fashion fans can get just as pumped up to find out who and what will define their winning season. We root just as hard for our favorite designers, in hopes that they will have created some good gear for us to sport for the next six months.

[caption id="attachment_13184" align="alignleft" width="199"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/emerald-green.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-13184" alt="Emerald green is a hot color this fall." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/emerald-green-199x300.jpg" width="199" height="300" /></a> Emerald green is a hot color this fall.[/caption]

It is always important to remember that behind every successful game there are rules and guidelines (do’s and don’ts) to help us not only choose garments that flatter our figures, but also to help us make choices that play well within our budgets.

<b>The first seasonal trend this fall seasonal is ... Opposites Attract.</b>

These combinations took a bit of getting used to for me because the opposites in this scenario are the simplest of pairings: black and white. The hard part being that the white in this duo is not winter white or ivory but pure, stark, summery white. When it is paired with black and fall/winter fabrics (my favorite being leather), this white for winter thing works. Don’t feel like you have to put away your white denim from this summer. But <b>don’t</b> pair them with your flouncy spring pieces. Instead, <b>do</b> choose weather appropriate staples such as chunky knits and jackets. I especially like all the white textured, furry accents that make sense for autumn and winter, and make for very cozy nights.

<b>When going for color this year ... Do remember emerald green.</b>

I was so excited when I saw that emerald green was chosen as the top color of glammed up fashion for 2013 and was spotted all over the runways. One reason I love this color is that it looks good on everyone and is such a sophisticated, grown-up way of getting away from black. <b>Don’t</b> ignore how great emerald green can look when paired with other jewel tones, such as garnet, amethyst and sapphire. <b>Do</b> look for different ways to incorporate this shade into your wardrobe. A beautiful bag or high heels in this hue is like an exclamation point on your ensemble!

<b>Do embrace classic prints.</b><b> </b>

By fall, we are sick of floral and kaleidoscope prints from spring. You will notice, however, that the florals have unfortunately not gone away, but have just been supersized into behemoth caricatures of their warmer weather selves — not my favorite for fall. One trend I am a huge fan of is houndstooth, which has been brought back as the outstanding leader of the fall classic patterns. <b>Don’t</b> shy away from this usually male identified fashion choice, since another fall trend this year is a more tailored cut, not just in suits but dresses, skirts, etc. <b>Do</b> remember houndstooth when you want to lend a chic, professional touch to your outfit.

<b>Do</b> pick and choose which of these fall fashion trends is right for you. <b>Don’t</b> think that you have to spend a fortune to update your wardrobe. Remember to play smart when you are playing the fashion game, but <b>do</b> play to win!