Would you like eggplant with that?

After a few weeks of highlighting reader questions and fashion secrets, it’s time to get back to the Fall 2008 trends. This fall will be all about rich color, luxurious fabrics, and standout patterns. In a time when the economy is struggling, prices on everyday goods are soaring, and people everywhere are feeling the strain, a few key pieces can go a long way toward updating your fall and winter wardrobe without breaking the bank.

An easy way to start this fall is to add a few items in a rich, dark hue. Eggplant, olive, tan, and mustard look great with the season’s classic black, grey, and brown. These royal-inspired colors project an air of luxuriousness and class. They look great on many skin tones and are perfect for the office or a special event.

Nic & Zoe, one of our new lines, has this color trend nailed. With a great selection of pants, tops, tanks, and sweaters in tarnish (a deep green) and brick (a mustardy tan), you’ll be sure to find a perfect piece for you. Try the trousers in tarnish with the multi-colored wrap top, brown boots, and a few wooden bangles for a work-day look, or layer the long cardigan in tarnish and ivory over the “perfect tank” in tarnish or brick, along with a pair of medium-hued denim jeans and camel-colored flats for a great casual weekend outfit. Check out the whole line here.

Press has a fabulously rich chocolate-colored tank and cardigan set that would add a subtle touch of color to a classy workday look. Try it with a camel-colored skirt or pants, with chocolate-colored pumps and a beaded necklace in olive or camel. Or, dress it down with dark denim and sueded boots for a casual-but-not-frumpy look for a weekend lunch date.

Accessories are also hot in these dark shades, especially when mixed with natural elements like wood beads or jade stones. Art by Any Means’ fall collection is full of sophisticated beaded jewelry with accents of dark wood, jade, onyx, and pearls. Try any of the necklaces or earrings to add a punch of color to any natural-hued outfit. Click here to see the whole Art by Any Means collection at The Clothes Gallery.

Check out the “Clothing” links above for more great richly-hued clothing for fall, and check back next week when we showcase fabrics with rich textures and fun fabrics.