Published: August 01. 2012 2:00AM

Written by Stephanie Morgan
Photographed by Cindy Hosea

Summer is winding down and we have finally found the perfect dress for the season. This can only mean one thing: it’s time to start shopping for fall. As we begin our quest for “the” essentials of fall, don’t be surprised to discover that many of the styles worn on the runway seemed a little outside of local desires.

But we can’t let that stop us. There are always notes to be taken and inspirations to embrace. Fall 2012 here we come!

Maybe it was the hope for a Triple Crown that surfaced the inner equestrian in fashion for this fall. We’ve seen it before but this season brings a different feel in its tailored plaid coats, edgy riding pants, and leather belts resembling harnesses and cinching the waistline. Power print pairings are everywhere — so mix your plaid and stripes with abandon — just be sure to find a common color to pull everything together. And speaking of plaids, we’ll be seeing plenty of them as well in everything from dresses to shoes and handbags in fresh new styles. The perfect show of a classic fall ensemble.

The accessory of the season is the hat. Choose a wide-brim hat to get the most out of your choice — perfect for complementing the popular equestrian or bohemian looks that will be everywhere this fall.

For those who don’t mind a walk on the wild side, this season is full of opportunity to wear edgy boots. Ranking superior in the stylish category, boots are the essential piece for the shoe closet. Heels, fur, buckles, studs, spikes, laces or metallics: You want edge? Boots will bring it.

A metallic flash will be sure to make it’s way into your wardrobe as well, and don’t wait until the sun goes down to slip into a little sparkle.

Bright hues of spring and summer have slowly faded into a deeper color scheme sure to conjure thoughts of cooler temperatures. Purchase pieces in warm tones of gold, garnet and winter white and don’t be afraid to wear them from head to toe. Monochromatic is back. For the first time since the ’80s, we’ll see and be seen in the same color top to bottom. The finest reds bring interest to neutrals so any shade would be a good investment.

You can’t go wrong adding a new suit to your wardrobe each year, but this season’s suits are far from ordinary and traditional. We’re not talking about a simple black suit with pearls here; we’re talking bold patterns with attitude, worn with edgy heels and an unexpected pop of color underneath. Keep it fitted but explore your wild side when choosing your suit for fall.

A classic sheath-style dress resting just below the knee replaces the floating trapeze dresses that were so popular this past spring and summer. A sheath highlights the natural waistline, softens the look of shoulders and comes in a variety of necklines this year.

Two additional trends, polished peplums and crisp pop collars, add a new twist to the traditional silhouette.

As for every day or for special events, choose such embellishments as fur, feathers, rhinestones and lace to dress up the ordinary. Bringing detail to an otherwise simple dress this season allows some character and personality to show through at casual everyday or formal events.