Fashionistas who've been watching fall runway shows know that dramatic looks and eye-catching trends – think head-to-toe-leather, oversized denim, and moody hues — make for an exciting season.

With that in mind, we sat down with some Houston experts that know a thing or two about putting together a well-rounded fashion wish list. Here's their take on what to grab for the coolest fall look right now.

Sell the drama and love the '80s

This season, designer inspiration runs the gamut, from oversized suits, leather jackets of the cropped, bomber and trench variety and bold colors — and for those Barbiecore followers, yes, pink will still be in favor.

Color is a significant factor for Fady Armanious, creative director of Tootsies, who tells his ever-stylish clients to embrace oversized proportions and the epic, showy looks of the ’80s, saying, “The ’80s is back in a big, bold way. Black and old-school Valentino red are a dramatic color duo right now.”

Rock the color block — and let it flow

Armanious says color blocking — mixing two or three solid colors — is another fall trend that makes a bold statement. He advises mixing warm shades with cool tones for a “refreshing twist.”

In contrast, the soft colors and ruffles of modern femininity also dominate the racks. Zimmermann is a classic example of a soft, sensual brand with sheer fabrics. “Continue the look of a black bra and see-through slip dress for a touch of the unexpected,” says Armanious.

Go green for that timeless shine

Quality jewelry has staying power; it can be kept as an heirloom or worn as fashion cycles come and go. Long necklaces, stacked bracelets, and colorful gemstones are everywhere. This year, green is the color au courant. The hue is in fall staples from clothing to bags and now jewels.

“Green has been a hot color this year from watches to gemstones,” Segev Zadok, partner at Zadok Jewelers, tells CultureMap. “Emeralds are classic and timeless. They can be set in a classic way or with a modern twist, such as a bezel pendant on a paperclip chain or a tennis necklace with emeralds all the way around.”

Tennis necklaces are still great for layering with nearly every outfit, and according to Zadok, “big, yellow gold hoops and wide gold huggies are also very popular. They are a great way to elevate an everyday look.”

A top fashion have: the perfect hat

Autumn’s crisp weather is ideal for layering outfit pieces and bold accessories. The perfect bag (pillow bags are everything this season) and statement hats are great ways to elevate any outfit.

Teressa Foglia, the modern-day milliner who put luxury, custom hats on the fashion map, says this fall season is about playing around with textures like raw denim, linen, and canvas fabrics. At her posh boutique in River Oaks District, Foglia sells vintage pins and charms for her bespoke hats as a unique way to round out a look.

“Some of the trends that I’m loving for fall this year are jewel-toned hats in colors like burgundy, forest green and gold,” she tells CultureMap. “Wide-brimmed hats and rancher styles with flipped brims are always great in Texas.”

High-steppin'

Like clothing and statement accessories, shoe trends this fall have scaled up — way up. “In contrast to the stay-at-home minimalism we’ve seen over the past couple of years, this season, the shoe trend says the higher, the better,” says Armanious. “Simon Miller designs a great platform shoe that delivers the escalated effect of heels but allows for more mobility.”

Photo courtesy of Simon Miller

Your 2022 platform: Tall shoes from Simon Miller.