2006 is a great year for Hawai'i's fashion lovers. Uncharacteristically, this fall is a season when we don't have to bemoan the trends, sighing over fashion magazines and complaining to beleaguered retailers, "It's great looking, but we could never wear that here!"

Perhaps designers are feeling the effects of global warming. Or maybe they're trying to keep thoughts of exotic summer vacations in Morocco, Myanmar or Maui fresh in their memories. For whatever reason, we can benefit from this year's lightening up of fall fashions.

Oh, sure, there are the requisite chunky cable-knit sweaters, fur and tall boots that can look pretty silly in our tropical climate, but there also are plenty of trends that can be worked into our wardrobes, such as layering, big bold bags and belts, leggings, bubble skirts, the color red, narrow pants, navy with black, and baby doll dresses.

Island-ize a fall 2006 Prada look, for example. While the iconic Italian fashion house layered a silk faille navy dress over a thick camouflage sweater, accessorizing with wool knee socks, red patent leather shoes and leather lace-up leg huggers, why not tweak the look with a breezy dress over a camouflage T-shirt, cotton leggings and red patent platforms? All are available locally at a range of prices.

It can be a challenge getting used to the long, lean looks paired with volume that are prevalent now. However, there are clothes out there for every age and body type.

Our fashion forum members found lots to cheer about as they turned a favorite fall trend into their own fashion statement.

WILLOW CHANG

Neighborhood: Makiki

Profession: Artist, educator

Trend: Neo-classic plaid

Why? Plaid is a tried and true autumnal style. I paired the dress with a structured jacket and tights, reinforcing the "back-to-school" feel.

Where did you find it? Jacket: Macy's. Dress: Forever 21. Tights: Step 'n Up. Shoes: Payless.

What do you love about it? What makes it work are proportions and balance. The details keep it fresh: platforms vs. pointy-toed shoes, tights vs. bare legs, red lips vs. nude lips, etc.

Where did you first see this trend? It's a staple in the punk scene, with a bit of posh polish.

Who inspired you? Gwen Stefani, school girl uniforms, King's Road in London, Alexander McQueen and the queen of punk fashion, Vivienne Westwood.

What would be a no-no? Patterned stockings, white shoes and overaccessorizing.

SUMMER HOLCOMB

Neighborhood: Makiki

Profession: Fashion student at University of Hawai'i-Manoa; sales associate at The Sandal Tree, Ala Moana Center

Trend: Skinny jeans

Why? It's fresh and easy to work into my wardrobe.

Where did you find it? Charlotte Russe

What do you love about these jeans? The dark wash, because it's good for evening. Also the zippers at the ankles. These were the only pair of jeans I tried on that didn't need to be hemmed.

Who inspired you? Kate Moss

How would you wear them? They look best with a looser, longer silhouette on top. I have worn them with ballet flats, but on my short frame they look best with wedges or heels. I have also worn them with boots.

Where would you wear them? To school with flats, or out at night with wedges.

What would be a no-no? Wearing them with something tight on top might make it look like a unitard.

MELISSA MAY WHITE

Neighborhood: Tantalus

Profession: Environmental planner

Trends: Layering, wide belts, patent leather shoes

Why: I wanted to make peace with the layering trend and convince myself that it can be done in a way that is Island-appropriate and not dowdy. Adding a wide belt over thinner layers turned out to be the key in accomplishing that goal. Patent leather tends to draw sidelong looks, yet these Mary Janes are docile enough for my day job.

Where did you find these pieces? Dress and belt: Forever 21. Cardigan: Nine West. Tights: Macy's. All these items were already in my closet. New shoes: Payless.

What do you love about these pieces? I love layering with subtly different textures, colors and patterns. The patterned tights, navy cotton dress, glossy black belt and shoes and knit cardigan make the layers interesting but not too overwhelming. (Nobody needs to look like a bag lady.) As for the shoes, in these lean times a girl has to choose her trends carefully. An item like these can inject some newness into my look without buying a whole new outfit.

What's a no-no? Unless you're extremely slight of figure, the most flattering way to carry off belted layers is by layering lightweight, delicate fabrics of different textures. Natural fibers can set each other off beautifully when combined (silks, cottons, linens, cashmere). Stick with a muted color palette. And keep the belt lodged firmly at the high waist — low, hip-slung belts are a bit played out right now. As for the shoes, some of the patent leathers hitting the stores are a good deal racier than mine. To avoid evoking "Nights of Cabiria" or Hotel Street, use the current trends of volume, layering and coverage to your advantage. Trust me, with these shoes on nothing could make you look frumpy.

AUDREY HOO

Neighborhood: Honolulu

Profession: Clinical psychologist

Trend: Skinny pants suit

Why? Versatility. It can be worn together or as separates with solid pieces; can be dressed up or casual, depending on fabric choices and accessories; can be worn for work or play.

Where did you find it? Armani Exchange

What do you love about it? The metal hardware and easy-care fabric. Vertical stripes are a staple in my wardrobe.

Where did you first see this trend? Max Shreck in "Batman Returns" and "Beetlejuice."

What would be a no-no? I'd stay away from additional bold patterns unless your goal is to look like an optical illusion.

SHERRY SHAOLING

Neighborhood: Downtown

Profession: Singer, actress

Trend: Goth rock chic

Why? It's a mix of romantic and rugged, juxtaposing fragile lace and brawny leather. I like the contrasts in textures and colors.

Where did you find it? My mom found the bustier at Nordstrom Rack and gave it to me as a gift; the skirt is by Roberta Powers of Oaks Hawaii.

Where did you first see it? Dior by John Galliano, fall 2006 collection.

What would you wear with it? My studded, appliqued and buckled leather jacket and leggings, fishnets or patterned tights.

Where would you wear it? To a party or out to dinner or to a gig.

What's a no-no? Hardcore Goth fashion is not a mainstream look and it embraces individual style variation. If you are in the mainstream and want to adopt certain aspects of Goth into your own wardrobe for fun, only incorporate one or two Goth themes, such as Victorian lace or corsetry or dark eye shadow or lipstick. Don't overdo it.

CLAIRE STARZ

Neighborhood: Mo'ili'ili

Profession: Honolulu Symphony musician

Trend: Red lipstick

Why? It's classic, sexy and trendy all at the same time.

Where did you find it? I decided to try to create a color from the lipsticks I already had before buying a new one. It's a mixture of Merle Norman Age-Defying Lipstick in "Cocoplum" and L'Oreal Colour Riche in "Some Like it Scarlett" topped with clear gloss from The Body Shop.

Where did you first see the trend? Lucky magazine

Your inspiration? I lived in Paris for a few years as a young girl, and I always admired the French sense of style. Wearing a strong red lip makes me feel like I have a little bit of that European flair.

What's a no-no? Pairing it with a strong eye shadow would look terrible. The lip needs to be the focus. I would also be very minimal when it comes to jewelry and hair — a red lip acts like an accessory.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.