What is style? Well, we all have style… some just have good style. Check the runways, and you may think it’s impossible to achieve great style on a budget. But our fashion columnist Stacia Kindler and fashion writer Michael Wood have taken a look at the runways and picked out the best of the upcoming looks for him and her. Even better, they’ll tell you how to wear it, where to cut corners and how to pull it all together.

Then, there’s writer Juli Fahey. She hit the streets with friend Jesse Ljunggren to find out how practical these trends are. Can you find them locally? Will you have to take out a loan to put your wardrobe together? She’s giving us the dirty details on how these trends translate into everyday wear for the rest of us.

But in the end, style is what you make of it. It’s entirely your own. So take these trends and add your own flair for a look that’s designed by you!

Fall is full of girl power

By Stacia Kindler

As any well-trained shopper has spent the last few months thoroughly ripping through the tides of all things slinky and strapless at any and all last-minute summer sales, the fashion world has been rolling out all things relevant for the months to come. If nothing else, the chill of November mornings should at last have us thinking of our favorite cold-weather fashions to adorn ourselves in as sunny slowly but surely turns subzero.

THE LOOK: Punk

Perhaps the biggest trend this season is the balls-to-the-wall grunge revival look that has every riot girl channeling her inner Courtney Love. In the true spirit of the ’90s, this season is all about roughing it up around the edges with larger-than-life layering and tough-as-nails hints of buckled and studded glory. The best part about this trend is that it’s been in the making for quite some time now, so don’t get rid of your ex’s button-ups just yet.

Get This: Plaid

Just as you thought those thrift shop flannels were at the end of their rope, they’re still here and bigger than ever. Extending from the boxy button-up layering staple to entirely tartan frocks and schoolgirl skirts, plaid plans to spice it up this fall with even more options than before.

Get This: Leather

No true badass look is completed without it. Lucky for us, faux leather and shiny bits of hide-like accents are everywhere this season. Whether it’s patched-on shoulders and elbows or garments constructed completely of the fabric, getting some grit into your daily look with a dose of leather will be sure to have you trending this fall and well into the winter.

Get This: Graphic Sweatshirt

Graphic sweatshirts are popping up in stores everywhere. Oversized and crazy cozy, I can assure women everywhere this will be your favorite trend since boyfriend denim. Whether the subject matter is cartoon, landscape or slogan, the trend has something for everyone’s lazy day.

Get This: Moto Jackets

An absolute must, not only for your new punk-rocker aesthetic but an essential for fall fashion, no matter how you cut it. Zipped, studded, buckled or streamlined and fitted, the moto jacket is the perfect way to add a little texture to your favorite fall outfits this season, so keep up with the Joneses while adding a classic garment to your wardrobe.

 

Juli’s Take: When you think of a punk look, what first comes to your mind? Leather jacket? Graphic tee? Plaid shirt? Combine these three and you will get the perfect punk look. This look will inspire you to dress in layers, which is perfect for the cold weather. You can find a leather jacket as cheap as $15 at your local Forever 21 store. A graphic tee and a plaid shirt can be purchased at Forever 21 for less than $30. This look will not break your bank, but it might break hearts.

THE LOOK: Menswear Inspired

Classic menswear-inspired pieces constructed of richly textured fabrics and staple patterns have taken over the runways this season, as essential suits of pinstripe, herringbone and houndstooth flood the shopping scene in the most perfect chilly-weather way. Whether it be in the shape of a boxy blazer or an updated version of perfect printed trousers, be sure to find an imitation menswear piece that suits you this season.

Get This: Velvet

Stay classy and secure your newfound regality with one of the most luxurious fabrics around and a never-ending, must-have fall texture. Fall pieces across the spectrum are being constructed of the indulgent material this season ~ and plenty of them are perfect starter pieces for a masculine menswear look when paired with all things boxy and boyish.

Get This: Oversized Outerwear

Loose and boxy, structured or draped, pick your poison ~ as long as you supersize it. Coats this season are all about the making a masculine statement. Whether you fancy neutrals, pastels, fur or print, we promise there is a super coat or cape out there for you. Truthfully, the next few months of outfits are going to be covered by your coat anyways, so why not make a statement?

Juli’s Take: This fall season is all about comfort. So grab a men’s button-down shirt from a thrift store, the mall or someone’s closest. A velvet coat eluded me, but green was everywhere. Grab a green, military-style jacket for less than $40 from Forever 21 … so comfy, my hand was on my credit card before I took the jacket off.

Other Noteworthy Looks

The Trend: Fur

You may have noticed an animal-like presence this season as runways experience an influx of fur-friendly new pieces, especially in outerwear. Super-shaggy coats, sweatshirts and textured accents on many other garments are going to be front and center as you shop. Too dramatic for you? Stay in the loop and look for accented accessories or other alternatives such as embroidered feathers.

Juli’s Take: If you haven’t noticed yet, fur is in! You might have to do some searching to find this look, so check out thrift stores or consignment shops. You can snag a fur-trimmed jacket for less than $100 at Macy’s, worth the splurge you plan on wearing it all season. Go with faux fur and take care of the environment while looking good.

The Trend: Green

As far as color is concerned, rainbows of lime, jade, emerald and olive are the only significant shades. Just as camouflage decorated our lives and our clothes a few months back, the popularity of its hues continue as the colors stay relevant as ever. Add an army jacket to any outfit for instant gratification or grab yourself a pair of cargo pants for a sexy cool look.

Whether you fancy the grown-up menswear trend or would rather get down and dirty with your inner rock star, this season is bound to have everyone competing to make a statement.

Five wearable, functional favorites for guys

By Mike Wood

This fall, we got to see what all the runways were bringing during fashion weeks from New York City to Milan to Boston. While the fashionistas of the world were wagging tongues about all the trends to come, we weeded through the enormous fashion tsunami to recognize the looks that seemed practical and wearable in day-to-day life. So before you descend on the mall to stock up on what’s hip and hot, take note that not everything translates from runway to sidewalk. So going through the good, the bad and the just plain ugly, we’ve got five fashion finds that guys can actually rock in a real world meant for real people.

THE LOOK: Slimmed-Down Backpack

It’s a much lamented topic: The Man Bag. Should we or shouldn’t we? A murse? Never. But we’ve got stuff to carry around, too, right? So how do we do that without resorting to our stinky, well-worn gym bag? Well, all sorts of designers at all price levels ~ from Hex and Merrill to Marc by Marc Jacobs ~ have found this year’s messenger bag and debuted the easy-on-the-shoulders (and eyes) backpacks that are slimmer in design than the traditional toss-on-your-back bag. Not as bulky, these sleeker cousins keep your manhood intact while telling everyone how stylish you are.

Juli’s Take: It’s time to trade in your  bulky backpack for a messenger bag or slimmed down backpack. With lots of room and compartments in these bags, you can fit everything. These can be found at your local mall. ALDO carries a few different messenger bags, so you can choose the right one for you. Don’t worry, you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg on this bag, $60 or less is all you need.

THE LOOK: Double-Breasted Suit

Everything makes a comeback, or so they say, but that doesn’t mean we’re all on board with all the fashions that have resurfaced through the years (acid wash jeans, anyone?). The double-breasted suit jacket has been threatening its resurgence for more than a few years now, but it seems that this is its year (again). While we’re on the fence about the return of the double-breasted suit jacket, the fashion designers/decision-makers have deemed it The Look. It seemed like nearly every designer on the runway had a model sporting this jacket (Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani and Ermenegildo Zegna are just a few), so we better get onboard the so-’80s-it’s-2013 train if we want to stay in style.

THE LOOK: Bomber Jacket

This iconic look has never really gone out of fashion, but now it’s also brighter and bolder than ever before. This is one look that promises to be everywhere next year, because nearly everyone can wear a bomber and look good doing it. That’s because there are so many variations to the look to choose from ~ slim-fit, aviator, color-blocked, varsity stripe ~ in materials running the gambit from silk or sheepskin to nylon or leather. You can’t go wrong with this one, guys, and you can find it all price points from all kinds of different designers.

Juli’s Take: Is there such thing as a men’s jacket that can be worn throughout fall and winter? The bomber jacket is exactly what you need. It can go from day to night and fall to winter. These are all over the place right now and can be found for less than $100 at the local malls, not bad for a winter coat investment. So make sure you have your favorite pair of jeans ready to go, since they’ll go perfectly with this jacket.

THE LOOK: Distressed Sneakers

I’m guilty as charged. I’m that guy with way too many pairs of sneakers to mix and match with every outfit I pull from my closet. So my heart might have skipped a few extra beats when I saw the distressed sneakers of Marc by Marc Jacobs squeaking (OK, sliding) down fashion week runways worldwide. Yes, they might seem like something your mom threw in the trash after too many games on the basketball court in your youth, but the rubber around the sole is supposed to look this way. For a more wallet-friendly version, check out Aldo, which will have similar shoes for a fraction of the cost.

Juli’s Take: Distressed sneakers are in for men. These are everywhere, but shop around; they can be pricey. The more worn they look, the better. Grab a pair of these sneakers to go with your casual outfits and relax with flair.

THE LOOK: Nylon Trench Coat

Instead of that drab gray or brown “I’m-going-to-work” raincoat you resort to once you smell rain, why not strut through that rain in style with a colorful nylon trench that will brighten everyone’s day? From lesser-known designers right up to Burberry Prorsum, you can find a fashionable alternative for those April showers. So, we say ditch the tattered hoodie you instinctively snatch from the closet on your way out the door and dress up when the weather gets you down.

Photography by Justin Mayotte; Hair and makeup by Lilly C. Special thanks to Adesso Salon, LG Moda and Grime Clothing.