Summer is barely in the rearview mirror but we're already stocking our closets for fall. At the same time, Twin Cities fashionistas are imploring us to think about spring 2014. Confused? Welcome to the ever-changing world of fashion.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Fashion Week returns Friday, with events ranging from runway shows to a massive garden party gala. It's a weeklong celebration of the local fashion scene and, let's face it, another chance to put on our fancy pants (and dresses) before the snow flies.

The week kicks off Friday at the Graves 601 hotel with "Envision: Artopia," a runway showcase of fall and winter fashions from local designers and boutiques, such as Atmosfere, Cliché and Roe Wolfe.

MN Fashion executive director Tara Murphy and her crew will be on the lookout for the best-dressed at Avant Garden (Saturday), an after-hours event at the Walker Art Center.

"We want people to go all out," Murphy said. "Get dressed up and use fashion as another form of expression."

The cornerstone of the local Fashion Week is "The Shows," two nights of highly produced runway shows at Aria (Sept. 25 and 26), featuring spring/summer 2014 lines by local designers such as Christopher Straub, Samantha Rei, Lindsey Hopkins, Caroline Hayden, Idle Child, Cocoon, Union and Hackwith Design House. □

IF YOU'RE GOING

Envision Artopia: Two runway shows (10 and 11 p.m.) Fri., and a silent auction of paintings. Doors open 9 p.m. $20-$75. Graves 601 Hotel, 601 1st Av. N., Mpls.

Avant Garden: 6-11 p.m. Sat. Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. $100-$500.

The Shows: Two nights. 7:45-10 p.m. Wed. and Sept. 26. $25-$70; Aria, 105 N. 1st St., Mpls.

TIM vs THOM: The Upstarts: With music by the Kid Vicious. 8-11 p.m. Sept. 27. Gallery 13, 811 LaSalle Av. S., Mpls.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design: Full Fashion Panic, 8 p.m. Sept. 28. 2501 Stevens Av. S., Mpls.

Details at www.mnfashion.org.