This fall, I sense a warming trend – warm colors, warm sweaters, warm jewelry.

Warm jewelry?

Yes. Gold is the new silver. And sweaters are the new camisoles. Which is good, because I’m already freezing and it’s only September.

I hate the word “trendy” and I totally hate the idea that leggings are back in fashion. I’ll leave those to the gals who didn’t wear them the first time around. That said, I’m excited about many fall trends. I’m even more excited that they’ve managed to make it to Bangor. Finally.

So without further ado, here are my picks, which will flatter every figure and fit every budget.

For color, red is hot in handbags, sweaters, shoes and accessories. Not comfortable with a bright red jacket? No problem. Try a vermillion leather belt or a pair of garnet gloves. Or, punctuate your outfit with a crimson crocodile-embossed purse from Liz Claiborne – a steal for $12.98 at Burlington Coat Factory.

For noncolor, charcoal is the new neutral. Last fall it was chocolate brown, and this season, gray is everywhere – from denim to footwear. Don’t ditch your brown clothes, though. They’re still hot.

Speaking of hot, sweaters are better than ever this fall – as are the prices. I’ve already treated myself to a brown sweater coat from Burlington Coat Factory ($12.98) and a tunic from New York & Co ($34.50). To make the look even more flattering, you could cinch it with a belt. In fact, don’t be surprised if your long shirt or sweater comes with a belt. A blouse I recently picked up at T.J.’s did.

I already swore off leggings, but skinny jeans are another story. Of late, I’ve become a little obsessed with Sevens and Luckys, which is becoming an expensive habit. Fortunately, I tried on the platinum collection jeans at New York & Co., which could be the most flattering jeans ever. And since I had a coupon, they were only $40.

Don’t let the name fool you. Skinny jeans aren’t just for beanpoles. The slim fit and darker washes are universally flattering. Lane Bryant and Avenue (www.avenue.com) both offer sexy fitted jeans for fuller-figured women.

Another stereotype-shattering trend is the return of horizontal stripes. Contrary to popular belief, they can be flattering – and forgiving. Subtle color schemes, such as black on heather gray or maroon on charcoal make them more wearable.

If you’re always cold, like I am, you’ll be happy to know that thick, textured tights are hot this year. Literally. So are cozy wraps. I am smitten with the wraps at Macy’s and New York & Co. and I plan to stock up. The trick is to make it so you don’t look like a sandwich. Or a superhero. Unless, of course, you are a superhero.

In which case, your uncanny powers of perception have already alerted you to the fact that footwear is comfortable again. Not that I don’t love a good stiletto, but I’ve already bought a pair of sporty sneakers ($17.99 at Target) and the cutest ballet flats at the Gap ($39.50).

More of a boot girl? No problem. Whether you prefer round-toe high boots, slouchy stacked heels or biker boots with attitude, they’re everywhere. I’m completely smitten with the tall, buttery tan Destroy boots at ShoeGazer in Ellsworth and the classic Frye boots at The Grasshopper Shop in Ellsworth.

Can’t quite resist a pair of four-inch heels? I feel your pain. Literally. And I urge you to try a pair of sexy platform heels. These aren’t the clunky platforms of a few years ago. They’re decidedly feminine, and you won’t look like a glam rocker in them, you’ll just look glam. If you’re on a budget, Target has plenty of tempting options hovering around $25.

In the jewelry department, gold is always tempting, if not always affordable. But you don’t have to have a guilt trip about your gilt trip if you opt for a cute costume piece from Claire’s or Kmart.

If you’re into the classics, you’re in luck, because preppy looks are gorgeous this fall. You know you want a luxurious plaid skirt (check out Dressbarn), a pair of riding boots (your best bet is to actually go to a tack shop) and a cable-knit sweater (Ralph Lauren at Marshalls). Chances are, you already have some of these things in your wardrobe. If not, that’s just one more excuse to shop.

Now that’s an idea everyone can warm up to.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329, or by fax to: 941-9476. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. Fridays on WLBZ-2.