Sometimes the arrival of fall and its flurry of fashion brings a sigh to the lips of Honolulu women ... a sigh of exasperation. What are we supposed to do with those creamy camel coats and irresistible suede boots in our tropical climate?

Can we really justify such expenses for our two-week trip to the Mainland? Should we splurge on a fur-trimmed cashmere sweater coat for a visit to Tutu in Kansas? How much wear will we get from those incredibly sexy leather jeans — or will they mildew in our closets before we ever put them on?

Cheer up! Fall 2005 is offering plenty of fresh new looks that can be adapted for the Islands.

Fall has a romantic, folkloric feel. There's still a remnant of spring's bohemian vibe, but it's more refined and elegant. There's a richness in color with deep jewel tones (amethyst, sapphire, ruby and emerald) and texture (brocades, devores, jacquards and velvets).

The Russian look is all the rage, with tightly fitted and richly embroidered jackets and textured tiered skirts. Forget the fur hats and muffs, however.

Demure Victorian lacy blouses and tulip-shaped skirts offer poetic silhouettes.

The military look is big, with chevron cuffs, braided trims, epaulets and brass buttons turning up on garments and accessories.

We asked our fashion forum members to choose a fall trend and interpret it with their personal style and in a way that can be worn here. Today we'll cover daytime looks; tomorrow we'll dress it up for evening.

WILLOW CHANG

Profession: artist, vocalist, dancer, educator

Neighborhood: Makiki

Trend? "From Russia, with Love"

Why? Russia evokes the richness I love from both fashion and culture; an old-world feel, a return to opulence, boundless mystery, mysticism and ethnic diversity."

Who inspired the look? The themes are endless: YSL gypsy looks, Anna Karenina, Cossacks with fur boots.

Where did you find the key piece? The vintage velvet and embroidered jacket is from Darlene Mandel (it cost more than $100), from the turn of the last century.

How else will you wear it? To a concert, art opening or special event. Life itself is a special event so might as well dress for it! The embroidered boots are also great with jeans, skirts and dresses and pack a real "wow!" factor.

CLAIRE STARZ

Profession: Flutist, Honolulu Symphony

Neighborhood: Mö‘ili‘ili

Trend? Falling for browns — and the Bohemian influence

Why? Brown speaks “fall” to me and goes well with my skin tone, plus I wear monochromatic black every week when I perform with the Symphony, so half my closet is black already.

Where did you find the one key piece? In a boutique in Nice, France, while playing at the music academy there.

What did it cost? 39 euros, which is about $50, I think.

Was it your dream item or did you have to compromise? It was my dream item. I spent far less on all the other items: $10 for the top at Clothestime, $20 for the belt at Bali Moon on the North Shore, and $5 for the earrings at Claire’s.

How else will you wear it? I can dress the skirt down with a white tank top and flat gold sandals or dress it up with a one-shoulder top and strappy stilettos.

No-no? Wearing all the same shade of brown. Ick! Mixing it up keeps it interesting.

JULIE BECKEL

Profession: French horn player, Honolulu Symphony

Neighborhood: Mö‘ili‘ili

Trend? Jewel tones

Why? These colors work well for me. I like to mix up my wardrobe with different accessories and contrasting colors.

Where did you find the one key piece? My weakness for sure is accessories. I love all these pieces but I think the belt is my favorite. I found it at the GAP for around $20. I love the sandals, too, which I found at Bali Moon in Haleçiwa for $27. I get most of my jewelry at Art Lines in Ala Moana …I love everything in that store.

How else will you wear it? I would love to add a shrunken velvet jacket to my wardrobe this season, maybe in a rich purple or forest green. It would pair beautifully with other jewel tones and give the other pieces a sheen that’s needed.

AMY DEFILIPPI

Profession: Graduate student in social work, yoga instructor

Neighborhood: St. Louis Heights

Trend? Military-style jacket

Why? It’s fun and easy to wear — tailored enough that people of any shape and size will feel good wearing it. I like that it’s a little edgy and I can soften the look with lip gloss, jewelry and a smile.

Where did you find the one key piece? I got this jacket in New York for $150, reduced from $400, but they are everywhere.
Was it your dream item or did you have to compromise? Gotta admit I would love to have a Marc Jacobs jacket as he does the military look really well.

How else will you wear it? With jeans or a black knee-length skirt. Simple pairing would be best, as it would be easy to overdo this look.

No-no? Too much of a good thing is always wrong. Don’t pair a military jacket with camouflage pants or you’ll look like you’re going into battle.

Reach Paula Rath at prath@honoluluadvertiser.com.