Trending this spring and summer will be “slick urban clothing” items such as thin, dark blue leather jackets and gray suits. You’ll also be seeing cut-off and brightly colored board shorts, and fedoras. While dark jeans will remain a staple of the well-dressed man’s wardrobe, they will be of the skinny type, outfitted with complementary 50′s era trim polos, earth-toned tanks and light jackets. Designer warning – avoid mixing similar dark colors like dark brown with navy or black, and definitely get rid of the bulky items.

To be seen in the hottest locales this spring and summer will also be bright colored flannel tops, high-folded pants and no-lace tennis shoes in neons and other bright colors.

Accessories will see culture-influenced items, such as Guatemalan and Navajo-patterned belts. Neckties will become more elaborate, bowties will rise in popularity, and men’s jewelry will continue to increase in sales.

The little white dress, lace, tuxedo jackets, sportswear and floral prints are just a few of the most popular trends for Spring and Summer 2012.

Purists will also know that spring/summer 2012 is offering up white as the new black. Usually a major no, white has come in interesting guises for the new season. Along with white, the trendiest colors for spring and summer include tangerine, green, lemon, red, pastel light blue and black and white paired together.

Even though white may prove a difficult trend to pull off, sport this season’s pastels with bravado, and opt for white pieces with an offhand air about them. Mix texture and layering; opt for a sculptural jacket with interesting lapel detail or, a perforated shift dress for girlish charm with a twist.

Multicultural looks inspired by Spain, Haiti, India, and Africa are making statements for this spring and summer lines. Patterns that are big hits include flowers, tropical, leaves, birds, animal and photo prints.

Sportswear, including anoraks, track pants, motorcycle jackets and mesh cover-ups are the big winners in the spring/summer lines of the major fashion houses. Other popular apparel trends to look for are pleats, a variety of skirt lengths and pant widths, long evening dresses with sweaters or jackets, feathers, and ocean themes.

When it comes to accessories, trends for spring and summer include wedge shoes, handbags that match outfits, pearls and vintage-style earrings.

Men’s suits don’t change dramatically from season to season, but those with a careful eye for style will notice subtle differences. This fall and winter, classic, masculine, slim-cut suits that broaden the shoulders and trim the waist are what to look for. It’s all about showing off what you’ve got (or minimizing what you might have a little too much of). Single-breasted jackets dominate this season, though you won’t be outdated if double-breasted is your game. For those who want to step a little closer to the edge, consider a jacket with external pockets (gotta love those zippers!). These aren’t going to show up in every board room, but they’re definitely out there turning heads.

For pants, the key phrase is “loosely tailored.” A loose, easy fit is the aim – but don’t skip the tailored aspect either. Trousers should have plenty of room around the thighs and crotch. In fact, if you get only one thing right this season, get this: crotch-hugging pants are dreadfully out of fashion, and for good reason. (If you need to have this explained, perhaps you should keep wearing them; honestly, it won’t matter anyway.) Seriously, though, the fit of your pants is probably the single most important aspect of your wardrobe decisions this fall; don’t say we didn’t warn you. 

One final note about pants: pleated styles are in again, with pleats going either forward or backward (toward the center of the trousers or toward pockets). We like these, because they’re flattering on almost all shapes and sizes.

In casual and outerwear, we’re seeing two distinct styles this season: seamless and dropped shoulders. These aren’t the baggy streetwear look of previous years (thankfully), but again, are tailored and well-fitted.  In case you’re unfamiliar with the terms, seamless shoulders have no stitch line between the shoulder and the arm. Dropped shoulders (also called “deep” shoulders) have the stitch line off of the shoulder. Although this style gives a coat or jacket the appearance of being oversized, it’s important that it be fitted properly to achieve the right look.

Of course we haven’t covered all the trends, but we’ve armed you with the most important distinctions of this year’s fall/winter season. And since men’s clothing doesn’t change very quickly (like most of the people who wear it?), you’ll be able to hang on to any new pieces you purchase for at least a couple of years.

This fall and winter opens up the best of both worlds in women’s styles; the essence is soft, yet strong. Bell bottoms, flares and wide-leg pants are making a huge comeback this season (but don’t worry – skinny jeans haven’t left us yet; they’ve just got some company in the closet with these wardrobe-extending options). Hem flares are hot, and so are trousers with wide legs that ride straight to the hip. Pair these with a slim top, and finish the look with vintage or classic accessories. 

The tuxedo is showing up again, too – but this iteration defines the 21st-century female. Tailored, high-waisted – and featuring those great wide legs – the fall 2011 tux you’ll be seeing on women is elegant. Collars are wide and peaked (no puffy shoulders, please!), and jackets reveal soft silk or sheer blouses. With all of these wider-leg pants, heels are a must.

Skirts and dresses continue the spring emphasis on long, swishy looks, but you’ll see them in richer colors now. Runways paired sheer, flowing skirts with heavier fabrics above the waist. Soft pleats are another great look this season. And for special occasions, dresses and tops with deep V-neck cuts are a la mode.

In outerwear, we’ll be seeing lots of fur — real and faux. Despite the controversial issues, animal fur is indeed turning up in designer showrooms; but those whose ethics dictate otherwise will be glad to know that the ersatz version is getting equal billing. Full length coats, jackets, collars and sleeves – all are sporting the warm, rich look of fur. Styles lean toward the classic, but don’t be surprised if you spot a few dyed in brilliant colors.

“Heavy metal” takes on new meaning this fall and winter with jewelry that makes a solid statement. Metal chokers and cuff bracelets, the latest inspiration in accessories, are clean and simple, often inspired by ancient art or armor. Choose a stand-out piece or two to wear with some of this fall’s grand and graceful clothing styles and you’re sure to be noted as a stylista.

Long skirts and dresses, wide-leg pants and halter necks all showed up on the runways previewing the summer 2011 season – but don’t get the idea that they’re the Nick at Night version of women’s fashion. The hottest designers have taken what we’ve always loved about these classics and turned them into a perfectly-ready-for-primetime lineup.

If one word were to define this season’s style, it would have to be “graceful.” Just-below-the-knee and ankle-length skirts and dresses have an air of sophistication. For longer hems, slits and sheer fabrics dominate; shorter lengths are soft and swingy.

Trousers with a high waist and flared legs have never really been “out” – but now they’re showing up everywhere. Flattering on almost every body type, these pants create a long, leggy look – and this season’s favorites flow with elegance, even in the more casual (and sometimes funky) variations.

And what about those halters? They’re most often seen on the bodices of sultry gowns – whether dressy or cool casual – and they’re the epitome of today’s femininity. Revealing lots of shoulder, these tops announce the presence of a woman who embraces her softness and her strength with equal confidence.

Two other trends give long-overdue recognition to the woman who values both her prettiness and her power: the “I-look-this-good-even-when-I-first-wake-up” pajama style, and the futuristic military look that says,“I-can-be-sweet-but-don’t-mess-with-me.” These fun fashions let us dress according to our moods (and keep ‘em guessing!)

Featured colors this season include the neutral range (creams, khakis, whites, tans) and two big standouts: orange (any shade) and chartreuse. Mix and match them with your favorite picks of the season and you’re sure to make a statement wherever you go.

Fashion changes almost as often as some men change their bed sheets – at least once every six months. We can’t help you with your laundry, but we do have some tips for you if you’re among the sartorially challenged. We’ve checked out the hottest trends in men’s fashion for summer 2011 so you can look like a man of the year, even if you wouldn’t know a Hermes from a Hilfiger.

One great head-to-toe look for this summer is to go monochromatic. Mixing neutral shades – and paring down accessories – is a trend that’s flattering on men of all ages, as is the classic all-white look. Soft, washed-out colors are big this summer too; blue, green, red, orange … if it looks like it’s been hanging on a clothesline behind an old barn for 30 years, it’s “in.”

Bright hues also have a prominent place this season; exotic bold flower patterns, paisleys, oversized checks and stripes are appearing on casual button-downs and T’s. Show them off by pairing them with neutral pants or shorts and you’ll be sure to catch some approving glances.

Speaking of shorts: For a style that goes just about anywhere, choose a medium-length pair (sticking with those neutral shades) and dress them up with a button-down collared shirt. High-grade cotton and linen are among the trendy fabrics this summer, and they’ll make you feel as cool as you look. What to wear on your feet? Loafers and deck shoes give this style a finished, classy look.

For cool evenings, grab a windbreaker or lightweight mesh jacket. These are showing up everywhere, and like most of this summer’s fashions, their easygoing, easy-wearing appeal will suit your style, whether you’re a recent college grad or a grandpa.