Say goodbye to bold prints, shiny metallics and those sassy baby-doll tops. The retro ’70s wear was the big seller this time last year. But in the ever-fickle fashion industry, last year’s hits are so “last year.” So, if you haven’t gone shopping since that time, be aware. Your closet needs a makeover.

This winter, fashion takes a decidedly sophisticated turn. Rather than the free-flowing styles of past seasons, the body silhouette is back, with more tailored versions of both business and casual wear. At the same time, fun is “in.”

“Everything old is new again,” says Bobette Stott of Stott Innovative DesignWorks. Stott is a design consultant for the fashion industry and an adjunct professor at Woodbury University in Burbank, California. “Swing, bohemia, excess and punk collide to bring Winter 2008 a kaleidoscope of color, texture, pattern and luxe.”

So get ready to clean out your closet. Here’s a preview of what you can expect this winter, and the places in the Atlantic City area where you can discover your own personal style.

STRICTLY BUSINESS

You can make another day at the office into a fashionable statement with just a few changes to your business wardrobe this season. And for those of you confined to casino couture, otherwise known as the “fashionable” uniforms required of your position, don’t despair. This section also applies to party dress, or any occasion that lends itself to a more polished look.

GRAY & BLUE ARE THE NEW BLACK

That’s not to imply that you should rid your closet of that classic color. But more and more, black is being replaced by more subtle shades that mimic it. This fall, and going into the winter, you’ll find “the introduction of more gray and deep blue tones in place of the traditional black,” according to fashion experts from the Pier at Caesars. “Charcoal, steel and ash will become the new staple shades.”

• Michael Kors Astor Satchel ($298) and Astor Tote ($328) available at The Pier Shops at Caesars

• O Oscar Belted Angora/Wool Coat ($484) available at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

MILITARY-INSPIRED DESIGNS

Whether it’s a trend that evolved from supporting our troops, or simply that military uniforms fit the more tailored style of the season, we’re borrowing designs from the front line. According to the Pier, “men and women’s clothing this season will take inspiration from military uniforms and hardware. Clean lines and bold buttons will dominate coats, shirts and jackets, bringing a more tailored and refined look to everyday attire.”

• Women’s Military Coat in Heavy Twill ($2,595) and Men’s Military Shirt in Soft Cotton ($195) at Mulberry at The Pier Shops at Caesars

• Marvin Richards Women’s Military Metal-Button Coat ($190) and Kenneth Cole Reaction Military Blazer for Men ($225) available at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

DRESS-UP DRAMA

Dresses continue to be a mainstay, and can move from work to “after-hours” gatherings with style. This season’s dresses emphasize detail, fabric and color in bolder variations than ever before.

According to Fashion Snoops trend analyst and myShape (www.myshape.com) trend consultant Eva Brune, jewel shades are hot.

“The bright and precious jewel tones from emerald, ruby, sapphire and onyx are hot for the holidays, but so too are the pearls, soft golds and the delicate neutral metallic shades,” asserts Brune. “The black dress is still very important, because that is the one piece that can carry you from day into night, but for those who have some time for a quick change before the evening, the latest metallic dresses, suits and individual pieces can give you that party ‘pop.’”

Accessories incorporate bright “Crayola” colors, according to Stott. “You’ll find turquoise, hot orange, red, fuscia, kelly, canary and violet, as well as black and ivory in all the usual suspects from boots to coats to clutches and luggage.” Patent leather remains hot for handbags and shoes, and instantly creates a festive air. Look for them during the holiday season and beyond.

• Victorian Dress ($2,595) available at Mulberry at The Pier Shops at Caesars

• Stuart Weitzman UFO shoes in red patent ($280) and Salvatore Ferragamo Elenora bag in black patent leather ($1,550)

• Alfani Twist-Front Charmeuse Top ($69) at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BLING

Jewelry and watches take a higher profile this season. The Pier suggests, “Watch wardrobing, a fashion-forward concept that is all about accessorizing the wrist. Rather than owning one timepiece that is worn every day, the trend is to own a selection of watches that can be worn to complement and inspire the rest of the wardrobe.”

Diamonds—traditionally paired with gold and platinum—are now being linked with sterling silver. Tiffany & Co.’s new line, Tiffany Somerset, is “a collection of contemporary mesh jewelry—rings, pendants, bracelets—that is fresh and refined and takes its place as the go-to look in jewelry now.”

• Tourneau’s new Gotham Collection timepiece for men ($6,450), Steel and Diamonds for women ($995) at the Pier Shops at Caesars

• The Tiffany Somerset collection (starting at $475) available at the Pier Shops at Caesars

SHOW YOUR LOGO

Logos are in, and the bolder the better. According to the Pier, “Fashionistas can proudly flaunt their favorite designers this fall without leaving the tags hanging out. Handbags and luggage will be marked with distinguishing bold logos that will make bags more than just an accessory.”

• Michael Kors Luggage (Medium: $398; Large $448) and Louis Vuitton Never Full Bags (Small: $575; Medium: $620; Large: $665) available at The Piers Shops at Caesars

• Baby Phat Ruched Logo Tee ($49) at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

COZY SWEATERS

“The winter season is also a time to get cozy and bundle up against the elements, and at myShape.com, this means a season's worth of sweaters from cardigans to wraps and from turtle necks to cashmere crew necks,” says trend consultant Brune. “Be sure to stock up on this winter’s best sweaters! Trade out a blazer in favor of a soft cardigan with a self-belted waist or add a sweater layer under a blazer for added warmth and for a pop of color. You'll also want plenty of cuddly sweaters to lounge and play in on weekends.”

• Charter Club Cashmere Pointelle Single-Button Cardigan ($180) at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

• Alfani French Rib Zip Mock Neck Sweater for Men ($59.50) at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

• Flyaway Cardigan ($138) at Talbot’s at Central Square

CHECK OUT THE PLAIDS

Traditional tartan plaids are back. You’ll see them in shirts, jackets, shoes and more. Whether bold or refined, the checked patterns will add interest and style to an otherwise solid silhouette.

• Stuart Weitzman Marianne Shoe, Black Glenn Plaid ($298) and Mulberry Victorian Blouse in Woven Check Cotton ($495) available at The Pier Shops at Caesars

• Roxy “Snow Bunny” Plaid Bomber Jacket ($74) at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

ANIMAL MAGNETISM

Faux animal prints are sure to liven the dreary winter months. Stott lists the most popular of the prints and textures this season.

“It’s crocodile, alligator and python in nature’s classic colors for bags and shoes,” she says. “You’ll also find fur coats, collars and cuffs on boots and bags. Leopard patterns, stripes and deep, rich jewel tone colors are trendy.”

• INC International Concepts Jewel-Trimmed Animal-Print Tunic ($79) at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

• Animal print silk mock-wrap blouse ($78) at Talbot’s at Central Square

ON A BUDGET

For those of us who want a fast fix, or simply can’t afford to put several paychecks toward a winter update, Stott has some suggestions.

“The instant season recipe is to add one or two of the trendier pieces to your classic look,” she says. “Try a Fedora hat, patterned stockings or knee-high boots. Pair a bright-colored blouse with gray, brown or black so that the color will ‘pop.’ Black and white checks and black patent work almost anywhere. Bright-colored, gold, silver or black diamond accessories can be layered to your taste. Oh, and don’t forget to trade your oversized, bug-eyed sunglasses for a square-framed number.”

By Felicia Lowenstein

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