The air may turn cold and the leaves may turn colors, but fall’s fashion shades will keep the season rich and fresh. The most notable shades for fall are red and gray with a splash of leopard pattern for fun. Kendall Smith, a senior in textile and apparel management, is looking forward to the change in temperatures for the new trends.

Smith certainly knows fashion. As a participant in the College of Design and College of Textiles Spring Fashion Show, she was a notable favorite for her innovative collection. Her talent for designing and her flawless seamstress ethic landed her on the front page of the style section of The News & Observer.

Her favorite hue for the fall is most certainly red, for more than one reason. Red is being shown in everything from skinny pants to voluminous bell-sleeved blouses. No matter what piece of red is added into a fall wardrobe, there is one guarantee — the girl who wears red will be the center of attention wherever she goes.

“I love red,” Smith said. “Red is such a perfect and powerful color; it can be worn monochromatically. An all-red dress is perfect.”

However, Smith understands not everyone is ready to wear red head-to-toe.

“For a somewhat dull outfit, all you need is a red accessory, and the look is complete,” Smith said. A perfect pair of red pumps or a wide, red leather belt will instantly move the eye away from a monotonous outfit and make it a show stopper.

But perhaps the best way to wear this hue for fall is in the classic, Ralph Lauren manner.

“For a fool-proof red look for the fall, I would suggest either the red, short sheath dresses or a red wool coat,” Smith said. “Both of these can be accented with either a white blouse underneath or a wide, black patent leather belt.”

Gray — the next, yet more low-key shade for fall — can still be just as much fun. Although gray looks chic in everything from short baby-doll-styled dresses to chunky knits, the hottest gray item is the sweater dress.

“I really like the gray sweater dresses; they are an easy, trendy and reasonably priced item for the fall,” Smith said.

Smith thinks the best way to wear a gray sweater dress depends on the individual’s sense of style and the occasion.

“You can wear it with the leggings of your choice and a pair of low boots,” Smith said. “The chunkier knits are good for a more casual daywear while the thinner knits that drape or hang smoother can be put with black stockings, a belt and longer necklace for a dressier, yet comfortable evening outfit.”

By far the most playful piece for fall is leopard print. This season leopard print exposes the animal within as it makes an appearance in nearly every aspect of the wardrobe. From accessories to outerwear, a splash of leopard keeps things interesting.

Smith points out that the crucial part of wearing a bit of leopard is that “moderation is everything.” To avoid going overboard, think minimalist.

“Pair your leggings and sweater dress with a cute pair of leopard flats,” Smith said.

Another way leopard can spice things up is to pair it with the classic little black dress by carrying a leopard clutch.

“It can be a trendy way to accent the simple black dress,” Smith said. “I would suggest that you never wear more than one leopard print item at a time, just to be safe.”

Smith’s dedication to fashion will be revealed once again this November in an upcoming fashion show in the Raleigh area. Expect a bright future from Smith and, as always, more fashion-forward direction.