GO TO THE HEAD OF THE CLASS WITH THIS SEASON¡®S TRENDS

The seasons are changing, so it's time for a crash course in fall fashion. If you do your homework, you'll be able to transform your wardrobe from bland to brilliant. So, let's study up on fall's finer fashion points:

Did you fill your closet with chocolate brown and olive last fall? Don't throw them out--simply add some butterscotch and some cinnamon as an update for this season.

This year, autumn isn't so much a color story as it is a texture fairytale. Colors layered on top of one another in plaid designs and textured yarns add depth to each piece. The most basic design--like Laura Lundstrom's blue snake print number--garners drama by using color to create a textured treat for the eyes.

Your assignment: Research herringbone and tweed. You'll find that they are lighter these days, thanks to new fabrications. Slip into some knits and woven cottons--their depth will certainly draw eyes your way. If you begin to itch when you just think about woolen togs, then by all means use this as an excuse to get some new camisoles and slips for a sensual feeling underneath it all. In accents, you'll find a lot of leather touches on hems as well as along waistlines and pockets.

Don't skip study hall, or you won't learn that Persian wool is creating a fall frenzy. Is it a skirt or an oversized sweater? That's entirely up to you! They are soft and stretchable, and, most of all, fun.

If you like your sweaters a bit more domesticated, Avalin offers a classic V-neck that's striking in its simplicity. Be sultry in a deep neckline sweater with a camisole or bandeau. For a bit more vamp, Ulla Popken presents a color block version.

The arts have always impacted fashion--so it's no wonder that the current Latino blockbusters have translated into fashions informed by the influence of Spanish design. Think Flamenco dancer, toned down. It's also a great time for gypsy wear. Ruffles and drop shoulders are the first wave; bias cuts and Caribbean hip lines are sure to follow. Take down this note: Work on that foreign accent--for your apparel.

The bell rings, and denim is a perennial favorite for outdoor recess. As a curvy woman, you'll find that fantastic new creations greet you in stores this fall. Stretch denim proved itself to you last year (why not be comfortable and beautiful?), so this year expect to see stretch with the added dimensions of shine and glitter. Embroidered embellishment is fading, but you'll find unique designs in the pants themselves. Split hems, tie fronts, and low-rises are peaking out from every shelf in the plus section--we're now wearing some great names on our derrieres. Test those low waistlines with a tied blouse or a jacket and bra! You'll quickly become the teacher's pet!

Parachute skirts aren't just for the teenager. Teamed with a vibrantly colored T-shirt and an eye-catching sweater, the style is creates a classy but casual look.

It may be fall, but the dresses aren't all long. Mini skirts are back, and no one looks better in a mini than a girl with some curves. Whether the skirt is denim or leather, simply add boots to ooze sex appeal.

While hemlines are climbing, necklines are plunging. A poet's blouse is delicate and alluring, and, in today's colors, can't help but draw attention. For a more demure approach, top it with a playful sweater jacket. For just a sneak peek, try on a keyhole blouse. Extracurricular activity: Watch what he does when you wear something revealing.

If you're looking for a piece to bring some drama into your wardrobe, dive into sparkle. Subtle highlights reflect your inner vibrancy, and can take an ordinary outfit to the outer limits.

While you're out on the edge, why not go all the way and spice your life up with some fantastic prints? Geometrics haven't lost their flavor, but prints made of words, patterns and even photographs transform a plain design into a unique fashion statement.

Jackets returned to the office last year, and now it's time to let them loose in the wild. Ditch the lapels, but do grab a soft jacket to transform a pantsuit into a complete outfit. Washable suedes are warm but comfortable, and they look great layered over a wool plaid. Polar fleece outerwear ties together an awesome casual grouping, while accentuating your femininity.

For a refresher course, try the car coat--it will serve in you many ways. Wear it with a crisp silk shell to the office, or sash it and you've got an outstanding dress. What a multi-talented piece to add to a travel wardrobe!

While we're bundling up, let's look into our snow globe to catch a glimpse of late fall and early winter. You'll get straight A's if you recognize the reappearance of the cloak. An extremely versatile piece, you'll be able to wear this time-honored favorite over jeans or out to the opera. For extra warmth, layer a cloak over a sweater or light jacket--or another coat of an opposing color! Fur trims add elegance, but you can also find basic versions in fur, felts and wools that will still look great for a few winters to come.

There is something about a swing coat that puts a spring in your step--is the fact that you aren't buttoned up tight inside, or perhaps that you'll simply look marvelous? We can't be sure, but from the simplest wool version to a leather swing with fox collar--women are warming up to the design.

Speaking of fur--oh yes, it's back. Everything from vests to jackets to pursesü is going to have the soft touch that only fur can provide, due in part to the importance of--yes class, you remembered--texture!

On the Fur & Fashion Frankfurt, fashion for the fall/winter season of 2002/3 may be described by two opposite terms. On one side, realism or pragmatism finds expression in feminine sportswear. On the other side is romance. Sporty, practical and casual styles also continue to be important in fur and leather, most often in short silhouettes or longer ones with narrow cuts. Popular in Frankfurt were a range from the slender blazer, the cabana, the slip-on and the trench to the casual wrap coat.

Fur accessories such as classic Russian fur hats, knitted furs, rabbit or mink scarves and stoles reflect strong statements found in the ready-to-wear designer shows. Just as big-name designers are embracing long-haired, fluffy, major furs, however, fur makers have seen a demand for velvety, soft, flat and light types of furs such as sheared or plucked mink, weasel, kolinsky, muskrat and rabbit, which were shown in Frankfurt reflecting the reality chic trend. Still, longhaired furs like fox and finnraccoon gained in popularity. Lamb looks in reversible karakul, Swakara or shearling were also important. Squirrel, sable and chinchilla did not lose significance, and hamster still proved interesting for inner linings.

What have we learned? Color +Texture x Your own personal style = Fall Season Apparel that passes the test.