Don't wear this... 

Trying to uncover what fashion trends to expect this fall can be a bit of work — the latest issue of Vogue, for example, is 798 pages and probably weighs at least 5 pounds. So, if you didn't get a chance to get in shape for the summer, you can probably tone up those biceps now just by grabbing some reading material from the newsstand.

Of course, if you'd like to avoid a possible brain aneurysm, maybe you should just keep reading.

You see, we at Creative Loafing care about our readers -- and we want you to look your best this fall. So, tasked with the mission of keeping you from walking out of the house dressed all wack, we talked to some of Charlotte's most notable boutique owners, stylists, photographers and more to find out autumn's fashion don'ts and dos.

Now go ahead and read. And as you're checking out the article, don't feel bad: not all of us are born with a flare for putting a good look together. Fashion, they say, is a state of mind -- but sometimes we all need to get our heads checked.

Eileen Burke, owner of Eileen

• Don't do the bubble hemline. Personally, I'm sick of it.

• Do buy pieces that are versatile. Because of the economy, everyone's strapped. Buy the basic things you can twist -- things that you can make funky, like a long vest-dress that you can play down with jeans or play up with leggings and chunky accessories. Floral dresses are also big this fall.

Bryan K. Osburn, fashion designer

• Don't wear skinny jeans. Everybody was doing the skinny jeans this summer. But for the fall, the pants for women have gone fuller. And for men, oversized dressing, like the baggy jeans younger kids wear, is a definite don't.

• Do a classic, simple style. Avoid the exaggerated collars and skirts. Simple means it's not going to be much to it. I tell most of my customers to shy away from trendy things ... they can be expensive to do because they're in one season and out the next. Also, do jewel-tone colors, like your browns, purples, sapphires, emerald greens and dark, rich oranges.

Xavier Grier, photographer

• Don't wear blazers that are not tailored. Avoid that "SpongeBob" look. It's got to be tailored.

• Do make the most of what you have. This fall, cardigans are going to be really big for men, but not like the big, bulky Mr. Rogers cardigan, but those that are tailored and modern. Buy simple accessories, like a nice laptop bag if you're a businessman. Scarves will be huge; we saw that kind of creep in last year, and it's going to be huge this year. Even an umbrella is a nice touch.

Natasha Simone, makeup artist

• Don't do leggings. And if you're one of those people who overaccessorize, take Coco Chanel's advice and take one thing off before you leave the house. Step out and come right back in and take one thing off, either the last thing or the first thing you put on. For men, don't do shirts that are too tight. They've never been sexy. Nobody wants to see you in a baby T.

• Do men's-inspired clothing for women. It's going to be really hot. Also, you're going to see the X-Men, kind of Matrix-type inspired clothes -- superhero-looking; really tailored with the superhero-type collar or maybe jackets that are slim-fitting with a little edge. And for men, colored denim, like red and yellow. It's really hot for women right now, and that's going to transcend into the fall for men as well.

Adam Huffstetler, assistant buyer at Niche

• Don't do all-over prints, Kanye shades [or] jeans that are way too tight for guys. Also, no flip flops for guys in the fall. And women, don't do leggings and gauchos.

• Do go for a more grown-up look. For a long time, skulls and eagles have been pretty popular. The trend's going to a lot of classics and layering; classic pea coats; trench coats; cardigans. Also, do one "pop" color with an outfit. Like, if you're wearing black and white, accent it with an electric blue in there.

Michelle Deluca,buyer/fashion consultant/merchandiser for Our Place

• Don't wear printed pants, like the Lily Pulitzer things or the pink-and-green florals. I think women should be sophisticated for their age. Also, don't be too trendy. Stick with the basics. You can stay classic and have a little edge.

• Do pay attention to proportions. Try to stick with opposites. Like, if you're doing a full top, you should try to do a skinny bottom.

Craig-Brandon Stephenson, assistant buyer/creative director, Jordanos Men's & Women's Boutique

• Don't be a fake "Gucci hoochie." There is nothing fashionable about plastering logos all over your body or on every accessory. Discreet fashion is so much more fabulous. I'll take an obscure Balenciaga over a played-out Louis Vuitton Monogram any day!

• Do alter your clothing. Make sure you don't walk around with floppy bottom folds on your pants. And wearing shirts that make you look larger than you really are is not appealing. Tailoring is there for a reason -- it makes the world a prettier place.

Mike Watson, professor of fashion marketing and management at The Art Institute

• Don't wear a lot of black or brown, especially around the face. It tends to wash people out. Also, avoid the big sleeves that were popular all during the spring -- the butterfly blouses and the large blouses. Don't try to transition those into the fall because they'd be scary. The look is more structured instead of loose and flowy.

• Do replicate the 1940s. Wear tweed and plaid, but not the scary old plaids like grandma wore. Instead, wear plaids that lengthen or elongate the body. Also ... wear belted jackets or skirts or pants that create that feminine shape. Layering in really long lengths, like long jackets over long skirts over long blouses, is also fabulous.

Rag watch

OK, maybe you're one of those people who believe Vogue (and the like) is the bible when it comes to clothing. We'll give you that. Here's what some of the bigger fashion rags are forecasting for the fall:

Vogue, September issue: With (the previously mentioned) 798 pages of fashion, it's not hard to find something that's hot this fall: fur as an accessory; madcap print mixes; the Jane Fonda look from the 1971 movie Klute; straight lace; linked-strapped bags; and so much more.

Marie Claire, September issue: The current issue of Marie Claire brings its readers more than 101 choices for the season. Some of those include gemstone-colored fabrics (emerald greens, ruby reds), gypsy-inspired outfits (think "fringed, printed, shaggy"), ruffles, chain necklaces and even clothing with a little bit of a Native American touch.

Giant, August/September issue: Giant Editor-in-Chief Emil Wilbekin writes that the formula for fashion is "substance + swagger = style." The mag's fall fashion issue highlights tartan plaids, old-school-inspired sneakers (think high tops in funky colors) and jeweled accessories.

Street style

You don't have to work in the fashion industry to have an opinion about clothes. You've got a mirror, don't you? Here are a few tips from some folks who don't style and profile for a living -- but still like to look good.

Janna Boswell, bartender at BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon

• Don't wear skinny jeans if you're a big person. If you're not skinny, don't wear skinny.

• Do wear oversized 1980s sweatshirts, off-the-shoulder shirts and knitted print dresses.

Rebecca Kearns, recent graduate of the University of South Carolina

• Don't wear Crocs ... unless you're taking a shower.

• Do wear purple, gray ties and cocktail dresses -- they are huge this fall. Cardigans for men and women are also huge. Also, I like to wear pearls and big chunky rings.

Chad McClure, financial analyst at Wachovia

• Don't do Crocs, bright colors, gold chains and shirts that reveal chest hair -- please don't!

• Do stick to classics. I like to wear a lot of earth tones and mix in a lot of black. I like to wear scarves in the winter -- colorful ones are OK.

Amber Vera-May, TMC of Charlotte

• Don't dress out of season. Girls, if you're going out and it is cold, dress for the temperature outside. Just because you're going somewhere where it may or may not be warm inside, it just looks tacky when you are wearing a shirt that shows your mid-section, or a short skirt. And guys, don't be afraid to keep those beards trimmed.

• Do a classic outfit like a black, form-fitting turtleneck and a nice pair of jeans. If you are shorter, then you must wear heels. Turtlenecks elongate your torso. With a good pair of boots or heels, it will elongate your legs as well, therefore making you look taller and thinner. Guys, a universal trend is a sports coat, nice button-down, good pair of jeans and square-toe shoes.

Angie McKnight, marketing specialist

• Don't do the open toe shoes and high water pants. Leave them for spring.

• Do rock turquoise; tights still make the perfect eye catcher; chunky bangles gets my vote; and a clutch purse never goes out of style.

Ashley Axson and Dianna Dix, Belk, Inc.

• Don't wear too tight or too loose "stretch" knee high boots. Don't emphasize unworthy parts. Know your body when you go shopping/dressing, and what best fits you. Don't do simple accessories. Boring is out. The bigger the better, invest in outlandish jewelry, shoes, and purses. Step outside of the box. Don't wear undergarments that are too tight. Enough said. Man jewelry...OUT. Don't wear short sleeve button up shirts. Winter, spring, summer, or fall - never cool.

Cicely "C.C." Mitchell, WBAV, V101.9

• Do remember that you can never go wrong with basic black. Black paired with gold really makes a statement; it adds softness and allure to any outfit and is perfect for a fall day or an evening out. Also, do remember that makeup can certainly be an option for ladies, as long as a good skin care regimen reveals your natural you.

Fashion Week in the Queen City

What: Charlotte hosts its first ever fashion week, a three-day fashion extravaganza with designer showcases, runway shows, workshops and more. Soul vocalist Eric Roberson will headline the Friday night schedule. Project Runway's Carmen Webber will serve as a host for Friday and Saturday night events. And America's Next Top Model contestant Michelle Deighton will also make an appearance.

When: Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 18-20. Times vary.

Where: The Blake Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St.

Why: The goal of CNCFW is "to support the work of local designers, models, stylists, and fashion students in the Charlotte and surrounding areas by providing a platform where they can showcase their talent to an audience of boutiques, buyers, press and fashion lovers throughout the region."

For tickets and more information, visit www.charlottencfashionweek.com.