When it comes to evening dresses, fall and holiday 2006 are definitely not one-note seasons.

At an evening-fashion show at Neiman Marcus recently, it was anything but somber, black and predictable. Jewel tones such as teal, aubergine, ruby and sapphire shared the runway with black, but color definitely looked fresher. Gunmetal gray and a range of greens are standouts, and blue is just beginning to appear, as predicted by the color experts at Pantone.

Silhouettes include lots of volume (in bubble skirts that end just above the knee, for example) as well as the grace of Grecian columns. Fabrics are often layered with a strong showing for chiffon and lace.

Thankfully, the '80s influence has not found its way into evening. There were some echoes of '20s flapper dresses as well as knit jerseys that were clearly influenced by Diane von Furstenberg's '70s eponymous wrap dress.

Necklines were predominantly strapless or halter. Embellishments were minimal except in the new to Neiman Marcus label Marchesa Notte, which features sari-like Indian beading.

The models' makeup was all about red lips and long, lush eyelashes. Flawless skin with a hint of blush and neutral eye shadows offered a balance to the bold lips. Hair was equally simple: high, sleek ponytails.

HAIR TODAY

A team of stylists from Aveda Ala Moana Center worked feverishly backstage during New York Fashion Week to give the models their luscious locks. The team included Cherie Stamm-Roberts, Ralph Malani, Scotty Geddings, Johnny Brillo and Dayna Ume-moto.

They rushed from one show to the next, coiffing the models for designers Nicole Miller, Jay McCarroll (winner of the first "Project Runway"), Rag and Bone, Alfred Fiandaca, Charlotte Ronson, Gustavo Arango, Reem Acra, Lisa Thon and Y & Kei.

The stylists also managed to do some tress trend spotting for The Honolulu Advertiser. Here's what they noticed on the runways and streets of New York:

What's in: Headbands, braids, loose curls and waves with lots of texture, big '80s-inspired hair (but not helmet heads), controlled messy looks, bobs.

What's out: Flat irons, smooth hair.

The host and producer of "Hawaii In Style," Shawnee Hammer and Julie Aragaki, tagged along with the Aveda team. A show featuring New York Fashion Week will air at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 on OC 16.

TRENDS FROM L.A.

Although stylist Blaine Ashley lives in L.A. now, she left part of her heart in Honolulu. So when she's tracking trends, she can't help but translate them to the tropics. Here she shares her favorite fall 2006 looks:

Punk rocker edge: Achieve this look with dark skinny pants or leggings paired with Goth-like lace camisoles and top it off with a leather accessory such as a belt, clutch or large structured bag.

Mod: This is a trend invading L.A. streets. The most popular way of wearing this is pairing a mini A-line dress with tights. Edie Sedgwick should be your inspiration.

Lumberjack plaid: L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani is your go-to label for this look, as plaid is a staple in her fall collections. Forever 21 also turns out tons of plaid at great prices.

Big, bigger and biggest: Buy big billowy dresses, baby-doll tunics and boleros. Wear dresses bare or paired with your loyal leggings. Try tunics and boleros with tanks and skinny tapered jeans.

Inky darks: Mix two inky dark hues together, creating a sophisticated yet sexy style. Combine navy and black, brown and black, gunmetal gray and black. A royal blue dress with black necklaces, stilettos and a clutch, a brown lace camisole with black skinny jeans.

Bold graphics: Another L.A. look, bold graphics can be found printed on your mod dresses in geometric, pop floral and watercolor prints.

Be your boyfriend: Be tailored and chic in a vest worn over a crisp collared shirt paired with pants. On hot days, try cuffed plaid or striped shorts.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.