Dressing for summer is relatively easy. Preparing for colder months is trickier – and more elaborate – in comparison to the preceding season. Scanning your own personal collection (in your closet, of course) to mix it up is a must.

Ripped Jeans

(l) Current/Elliot Long Boyfriend Jean $245, Rich & Skinny Sleek Skinny Jean $194

Last season's boyfriend jean continues its journey into fall – rolled and worn over boots. Meanwhile, skinnies took a beating with styles that are distressed, slashed, rigorously ripped, bleach splattered and speckled with accidental-like paint droppings.

Leather

Liquid leggings may retire, but another version of leather bottoms – the skirt and pleated shorts are now the 'it' leather items.

(l) Forever21 Studded Mini $17.80, TopShop Paintbrush Peplum Skirt $40

Peplum

On the flip side - great for businesswomen, formal occasions and the holiday season, this layer of soft ruffle on skirts or dresses is truly a feminine look.

Sequins

Coming soon: All Over Sequin Blazer, available to pre-order

Not just for New Year's Eve, shine creeps into everyday. Add some glitz by slipping on sequined flats or for the daring, a sequined blazer. Cautiously wear sequins one piece at a time.

Exposed zippers

Mango Zipped Wool Mini Skirt $39

Look for exposed zipper to become more evidently placed. Seen on body-con or business-appropriate dresses, skirts, and shoes to make this edgy trend work for another season.

Draping

Tadashi Shoji Draped Top $225

Seeing runway versions of this new trend has inspired a personal hunt for a beautifully fabricated draped skirt or top – a key to wearing the trend. Look for a top, dress or skirt that is draped so perfectly it should be too pretty to pass up.

Floral

Ditsy Floral Footless Tights $18, Tuscan Floral Tights $14

Some say floral makes a comeback every spring. But this season, continue wearing your colourful frocks well into wintertime paired with leather jackets and boots. Or be opposite – floral tights and shorts can be worn with everyday basics.

If you were skeptical of an item before, now is the time to look at variations for fall. Test out possibly one-season trends by choosing a wallet-friendly version. Fall 2009 features fashionable descendants of the past - some are brand-new, while others are simply fresh tweaks on an old favourite.

by Ishra Sharif