As the days grow shorter and the heat of the summer slowly starts to fade away, one thought comes to mind—it’s time to begin the search for a fun fall wardrobe! Whether you’re looking for a whole new collection of outfits or just a few good basics that will carry over to winter, here are some of the hottest new fall trends, straight off the runway.

Oldies but Goodies: Looks inspired by the excesses of the 1980s have been popular for the last few seasons, but this fall brings us the strongest eighties presence yet. From ruffled velvet dresses to bright eye makeup and yes, even shoulder pads, history is most definitely repeating itself in the world of fashion But remember, the key is to pair a bold, eighties-inspired style or color with more classic, understated pieces. You should aim for a subtle nod to the past, rather than an outfit that is stuck in a time warp.

The Bolder Shoulder: Dresses, shirts and blouses are getting a daring, sexy makeover this fall. The newest styles expose shoulders and necks from edgy sleeve cut-outs to one-shoulder designs. This unexpected look allows you to show a little skin for a night on the town, but leaves enough to the imagination that you won’t feel inappropriate. As an added bonus, a one-shouldered or cut-out top helps draw attention to your pretty face, so pair this fun look with the latest fall makeup trends for a complete (and completely gorgeous) look. For the latest beauty tips, see sidebar.

Made for Walkin’: Put away those strappy sandals and flip flops! Great boots have always been the perfect staple of fall fashion, and this season is no exception. Current styles offer a wide range of heights, from just above the ankle to knee high and beyond. Bold colors and thin, high heels are made even more eye-catching thanks to accents like fringe, chains or buckles. Pair your favorite boots with dark-colored tights and a sleek skirt for a sophisticated look perfect for a night out or a day at the office.

The New Little Black Dress: During these difficult economic times, splurging on clothing is more of a fantasy than reality for most women. But if you feel your wardrobe is in need of a little pick-me-up, aim for timeless pieces that you’ll wear frequently and won’t make you feel outdated. The quintessential “Little Black Dress” is always a great investment for any style- and budget-conscious lass. This season’s LBDs get a bold makeover with slim silhouettes, dramatic cutouts and unusual necklines (think pretty pleats or the bare-shoulder trend mentioned above).

Add a Little Shimmer: If you jump at the chance to wear beautiful, shimmery clothing, then it’s your lucky day! Many designers have added a little drama to their fall collections with sparkly fabrics that are great for day and evening looks. Pair a fun, glittery top with your favorite suit to give a touch of glamour to your work wardrobe. Remember to limit your sparkles to one piece of your outfit to avoid looking like a walking disco ball.

Crazy Colors: In keeping with the tough times, many designers opted to use more subtle colors this fall—you’ll see plenty of black, dark brown and dove gray items on the racks in the coming weeks. While these dark colors can create a beautifully sophisticated look, it’s important to avoid getting too serious. The newest fall collections also feature surprising splashes of über-bright shades like electric blue, fiery red and hot pink (by far the season’s hottest color). Don’t be afraid to experiment with these shades for the perfect touch of whimsy.

Fall 2009 Beauty Trends

Now you know the best looks for your wardrobe, but don’t forget the latest trends for that pretty face of yours! Changing up your look with different makeup colors and techniques can help you feel just as glamorous as a whole new wardobe. Here are some of the best (and easiest) trends to try this season:

Sensational Skin: Say goodbye to the fake-n-bake orange glow preferred by so many Hollywood starlets. This fall, feel free to keep your skin as natural-looking as possible. Fair-skinned beauties can take a break from the bronzer, and ladies with darker complexions can let their natural glow shine through. Aim for foundations and powders that look (and feel) natural on your face—no need for caked-on, super-matte makeup.

Beautiful Blush: Highlight and define your cheekbones with bold blush colors this fall. Hot pinks, true reds and bold oranges are some of the hottest shades for the season. With the perfect shade applied to the apples of your cheeks, your face will have a healthy flush.

Eye for Style: Every season, models and celebrities are seen emphasizing specific areas of the face. And this fall, it’s all about the eyes. Go for a sexy and sophisticated smoky look with eyeshadows in deep grey, brown or purple shades, topped off with dramatic eye liner and long lashes. For a more glamorous look, try bright neon shadows (blue is the hot color du jour) or shimmery metallics like copper or gold. When creating a bold eye, remember to keep your cheeks and lips more natural-looking to prevent the overall look from being too severe.

Bold Brows: This fall, eyebrows are on the heavy, natural side. Instead of wrestling with your tweezers to achieve the perfect arch, allow your brows to grow in and work with your more natural shape. This way, a simple sweep with an eyebrow brush or a little color from an eyebrow pencil is all you’ll need for the perfect look.

Lovely Lips: For a dramatic, glamorous look, designers use the classic red lip to add the perfect finishing touch. This bold color, whether it’s shiny or matte, acts as a lovely accent to any outfit. Shades ranging from rosey red to deep burgundy create countless options for day or evening wear.