This fall, what's in fashion is a study in opposites.

While the weather is making its move from hot to cold, designers are trotting out combinations of contrasts: Marc Jacobs showed a fisherman sweater with a flowing skirt, Ralph Lauren mixed romantic florals with all-business herringbone and 3.1 Phillip Lim featured a tuxedo jacket over a sheer mini-cocktail dress.

The most notable push and pull is between masculine and feminine. Gender lines are being crossed in playful ways: a billowy dress topped with a bomber jacket, a chiffon skirt paired with oxfords.

This mix-and-not-so-match approach makes it easy to create your own look because there aren't any rules to follow. And it offers an opportunity to extend your wardrobe by taking your favorite pieces and combining them in fresh, new ways. So there's no need to buy a whole new closet full of clothes, but you'll probably want to pick up one or two things to make a bold yin-yang statement of your own.

Camel

The classic color is unquestionably this season's hot hue. Designers from Michael Kors to Chloe are showing shades of camel in coats, sweaters, suiting and shoes. In fact, there's so much camel that you could go monochromatic, but the traditional color also works well with other neutrals such as gray and black, as well as brights.

Military

Pull on a pair of combat boots and enlist in this old-is-new-again trend. Anything with an epaulet or in a shade of army green is going to improve your rank. Mix with feminine touches to avoid being taken too literally.

Associated Press, Star Tribune
Michael Kors went monochromatic with an all-camel look.

(Faux) fur

Labels such as Chanel and Rebecca Taylor are going for faux, whether head-to-toe or just with a bit of trim. While not all of the designers opted for fake, plenty of them are using it in quality vests or jackets, detachable collars, even trim on boots.

Animal prints

Show off your wild side with an accent in leopard, zebra or giraffe. Though these graphic prints are always in style, a scarf, cardigan, hat, belt or pair of shoes can make a tame outfit fierce.

Velvet

From gowns at Nanette Lepore and Ralph Lauren to a 1970s-style suit at Zac Posen, plush velvet in rich reds, soft neutrals and jewel tones is having a comeback for day and evening.

Menswear

Pantsuits, pencil skirts and tweeds are ready to "man up" your wardrobe. But don't get out an old Annie Hall ensemble. For the new look, think fitted and mostly feminine but with a single masculine element, such as a fedora, a button-down shirt or oxford shoes.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177