Again thanks to all of you who continue to email me about my latest book, Does This Make Me Look Fat? I'm really happy to hear that you're enjoying it. Also, love hearing from those of you in Australia, Taiwan, India, Maylasia, the Philipines, et al. Such a small world!

And now the 2003 Fall/ Winter trend report: From what I've seen, styles this fall are a fairly good reflection of the American political scene; As they take a giant step backward, they try to appear modern, bold, and daring. It's déjà vu all over again (to quote the esteemed philosopher Yogi Berra.) The overall look is retro-conservatism; ladylike-though often slightly naughty, confining, formal, and on a whole---to my eye anyway, rather uncomfortable. Designers seemed to have borrowed liberally from the worst of the last four decades (there are some exceptions, of course.) The good news is that regressive as things are in the U.S. in general, fashion, at least, is still progressive enough to show some flexibility. We can pick and choose from among the trends to find the best ones for us----or ignore them all for that matter. Individual style still counts. So let's look at the major trends one by one---and see what they mean to you

Fitted suits and jackets. There were a lot of these on the runways---often belted and worn with high heeled pumps or boots. Can be a nice look---but it all depends on the cut and fit of the jacket. Fitted jackets are much more exacting and less forgiving than looser, unconstructed ones. If they don't fit you to a tee---that is, skim your body without gaping or pulling, they can look tacky. Remember--things can be altered. A lot of suits came down the runways with thin belts(Miu Miu, Carolina Herrera, Prada.) Fine, but don't cinch in belts too tight, and to to accentuate your waist less, choose belts in the same color as the jacket. Fitted jackets look best with narrowish pencil skirts. It makes for a nice elongated look. But again fit is key---get it right.

Trenchcoats. I pegged the trenchcoat as a timeless classic back in my 1982 book, “Dressing Rich”-and this season proves me right (I love it when that happens!) Dolce & Gabbana, Viktor and Rolf, and Jil Sander all featured trenches on their runways. I like them---if they're not too stiff looking. Then need to be make from nice soft pliable material. For the most au courant look wear your trench with leggings, slim jeans or pants (too wide and you'll look boxy). Length should be just below the knee or a tiny bit longer. High heels will dress it up, low boots or loafers will give you a more English landed gentry look. Other fall coats are, for the most part, streamlined---some belted. Only do the belt thing if it works for you.

Cocktail and party dresses. They're back! A-lines, shifts, fitted-waisted slim skirted, and frilly frocks. There's a shape for every figure. Where do you wear them is the question. Weddings, parties, and dancing at Roseland I guess.

Mini skirts. They can work if you've got great legs and narrow hips, but even then watch it. The skirt better be longer than it is wide or you'll be in proportional trouble. And they're still not appropriate for the office, I don't care who says they are, and if you wear them with high-heels (boots or otherwise) you risk looking like a trollop. Bottom line: they will not help you climb the corporate ladder. On the other hand, they look cute with tights and flat calf length boots if you're the casual arty type and work in a laid-back environment. Lots of knee-length skirts around this season too---so there are options. Be smart!

Boots: You can still wear your knee highs from last fall---there's lots of them around and you won't look dated. But now you can also either go with a flat calf-high boot or a thigh-high boot, which some pros are calling “the new pant.” I rather like the look, but if you're only going to do one pair of boots, they seem pretty limiting to me---I mean you can wear them with tights and mini-skirts, but then what? Rather one-dimensional.

Tights and leggings. Very handy and practical if you're going to wear mini-skirts. Can be fun longer skirts too. Opaque legs is it.

Menswear. In between all the ladylike stuff there's a smattering of menswear looks----pin stripped suits, etc (Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier) So something for everybody. Pants, in general are narrower, which keeps still keeps the silhouette on the feminine side. One way to update the look a bit is to borrow from street fashions---or the pages of W, depending on how you look at it, and wear a thin hooded sweat shirt (or a cashmere version) under your jacket. That's still pretty hip.

Stovepipe and straight-legged pants. That's the shape this season. Actually I've always liked straight-legged pants even when bell-bottoms were in. Remember? I told you straight-legs would be back!

High-heels. Ouch! Podiatrists are going to have a field day this fall. I can't believe ridiculously high some of the heels are this season. If you can walk in 'em---go for it. They still give a nice proportional boost. But if you're a practical gal like me, just say no. Low can still look chic.

Bags. Structured handbags are making a bid to replace the friendly old shoulder styles. It's up to you. If a bag isn't attached to me I lose it in a New York minute, so I'm sticking to my beloved knapsacks. Yesterday's look? Don't care.

Colors. There's some color around, but mostly it's neutral---and red. Ah, finally something I can get behind this fall----I love popping neutrals with red. See, there's something for everybody.

And there you have it....Check the tips section for more advice. Have fun and come back soon!