It’s the time of year that the fashion conscious embrace and the fashion clueless fear. With the change in seasons comes the inevitable change in wardrobe – out with the open-toe shoes and white pants and in with the velvet jackets, earth tones and even pink shirts that have reached unmatched levels of admiration in the Hawkeye State.

But with varied styles and a mix of popular colors, it’s tough to define fall fashion in just a few words. Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone, but stay true to your own sense of style, say Greater Des Moines’ fashion experts.

“It’s all about individuals and their looks,” said Kelli Schulz, owner of K. Renee, a West Des Moines clothing boutique.

Don’t think being in style this year requires a $5,000 wardrobe overhaul, says Schulz. Rather, add a few striking touches that give a new look to years-old shirts and pants.

Women can expect to see fewer skirts and more pants, says Jill Maahs, a personal shopper at Younkers department store at Valley West Mall. To get down to the basics, it’s all about jeans, jeans and more jeans. But for the older crowd, it’s not all about the low-rise stretch jeans that leave little to the imagination. Some styles are funkier than in recent years, says Amanda Johnson, manager and co-owner of B U Boutique in Clive, but the age-appropriate styles are also more predominant this year.

This fall, pants can have a full, fluid look with wide legs and big cuffs at the ankle. But there are still plenty of skinny styles on the racks. And don’t give up on the gaucho pants you fell in love with this spring but feared would go out of style like bell-bottoms. To keep it simple, just steer clear of acid wash and anything that says “tapered.”

Schulz said this year’s fashions have a more feminine look, with softened vintage apparel, lots of lace detailing and plenty of cashmere. But there is some edginess with the popularity of a Western – not cowboy – influence. And the equestrian look is taking hold, particularly with riding boots that Maahs said can be paired with long, full skirts.

Those pants styles can be paired with any number of blouses – think vintage, lace and Victorian – or long, fitted shirts. And keep layering in mind, Johnson says, such as a tank top or T-shirt under a sweater.

Velvet has returned to the fashion scene, but not just for dress occasions. Velvet can be worn for a night on the town or to simply dress up a pair of jeans.

“Everybody should have something velvet,” Schulz says. Maahs added that a velvet blazer is a must for any woman looking to make a few minor updates to her wardrobe.

Last year’s wild colors have been toned down to the more traditional fall colors, particularly earth tones such as chocolate brown, camel, hunter green and mustard. Johnson says white doesn’t need to pass with Labor Day, making white suits and pants appropriate year-round.

“We tried to get away from black last year and black retaliated and it’s back,” Maahs said. “There are people saying black is the new black.”

To spice up your wardrobe with simple embellishments, Johnson says to look for “anything that adds bling,” from dangly earrings and big bracelets to belts and pants embellished with sequins, stones or embroidery. For jewelry, add to your collection of yellow gold and check out new metallic styles, from necklaces to handbags, that Maahs said are neutral and can be matched with most outfits.

Last year’s kitten heel is less common in this fall’s shoe collection. Instead, designers have opted for a stacked, wedge heel that can be worn with pants and skirts.

Though not much has changed in the women’s department, even less has changed on the men’s side. But guys can also grab a few fall must-haves to give a new look to the same 20 shirts and 10 pairs of pants that have been hanging in their closets since 1993.

“Change your pants up a little, because how many pairs of khakis can you own?” Maahs asks. This year, she suggests, consider plaid or wool pants, which have become more popular. At B U Boutique, Johnson says jeans are very popular this year and, like women’s styles, have taken a funkier turn this year with embroidery and “destroyed” finishes. Some designers have ripped off the back pockets and sewn them back on.

After casual dress codes went out of control in some offices, many employers are reverting back to a stricter dress code, which has been a major force in men’s clothing. Maahs says more men are wearing neckties, even vests, when it’s not required, pairing them with jeans or dress pants.

And yes, bright-colored shirts are back in pinks, oranges and purples, though slightly subdued for the fall. Dave Lemons, president of Midwest Clothiers, says some men are self-conscious about donning a pink shirt, but really shouldn’t be. If they exude confidence, he says, they can pull it off.

“Most guys who have a rational sense of thought don’t think of it as being a masculine-stripping thing,” he says.

The best $200 you could spend

For women: Jill Maahs, a personal shopper at Younkers department store in Valley West Mall, says she’s a firm believer that “you can always update your look by changing your shoes.” This year, head to the shoe department and pick up a pair of boots with a 1940s-style rounded toe and stacked, wedge heel. Then find some beads to give new flair to any number of items, such jeans, blouses, handbags or belts. She suggests you complete your new fall look with a velvet blazer, this year’s must-have.

For men: Avoid the annual khaki pants purchase and go for a pair of chocolate brown wool pants, Maahs suggests. With vests coming back in style, purchase one in pinstripes or suede to match with jeans or dress pants. Add a green or purple dress shirt to an otherwise drab wardrobe.