TRENDY SPORTSWEAR

Designers like Stella McCartney and Alexander Wang have moved sportswear off the courts and on to the catwalks; dressing for the gym is no longer just for fitness, but also for fashion. High-end athletic apparel can be worn on any occasion because wearers want to be comfortable and stylish. Here’s a decorating tip for items that stretch, like yoga pants: “The back yoke area is great for embroidery placement because it won’t interfere with the wearer during yoga or exercise,” says Geri Finio, owner of Anne Arundel County, MD-based Studio 187 (asi/604320).

MODERN URBAN

Prints and geometric patterns are a bold way to assert your client’s message and style this fall. “This year, I’ve seen much more mixing of prints than I have in the past: floral with stripes, polka dots with stripes, tribal with tie dye and animal with geometric,” says fashion blogger Shelly Stuckman of Arizona Girl.

A main concern for decorators when working with patterns is logo placement. “Working with woven material like plaid allows for easy alignment, while still presenting a fun design challenge,” says Crystalee Hoge, owner of Springfield, TN-based Creations by Cris. “Make sure your client’s design is lined up with the pattern beneath.” Otherwise, the viewer’s eye will be drawn to the fact the logo slants rather than the design and company logo you’re promoting.

SHEER EVENING

Lace tops and mesh insets can turn a plain and simple outfit into something edgy and on-trend. “The fabrics are soft and lightweight and can easily be worn as a tank, with or without a jacket,” says Crystalee Hoge, owner of Springfield, TN-based Creations by Cris. “And for embroidery, I use a tearaway stabilizer on these sheer, lightweight fabrics, as a cutaway will add more bulk.”

COLOR CRASH COURSE: GOLD AND RED

Why we love them: Deep reds like crimson and burgundy are everywhere this season, especially in velvet, leather and wool. “Red and gold are very rich and represent the essence of fall and winter, so it makes sense that they’re the season’s colors,” says fashion blogger Shelly Stuckman of Arizona Girl. “They look amazing together.”

How to wear them: Red tops like sweaters and knits are bold, another trend this season. Complete the look with a gold necklace or cuff bracelet. Play well with: Black, dark blues, gray, prints and even each other.

SHEARLING FUR

Fur and shearling have made a fierce comeback on the runway. This classic trend is the epitome of glamorous and chic. Your clients will be cozy, comfortable and stylish with the eclectic mix of apparel and accessories like coats, jackets, vests, sweaters and gloves. “You can place a full-color or tone-on-tone logo as a left-chest design in leather and it won’t compete with a fur-trimmed collar,” says Nancy Zander, owner of Bakersfield, CA-based Seams by NAZ.

1960s MOD

Sixties mod is all about bright, colorful prints and standout silhouettes. It’s a playful and fun way to make a statement. “You can embellish these garments with bright or pastel threads, or even solar-activated colors,” says Nancy Zander, owner of Bakersfield, CA-based Seams by NAZ.

KNITS

Knits offer wearers the ultimate comfort this season. They come in a variety of styles such as oversized sweaters, cardigans, dresses and scarves that are perfect for layering. “You can get away with exotic and distressed designs as long as you pay attention to what colors you use in the design and how many locations you imprint on the piece,” says Howard Potter, CEO of Utica, NY-based A&P Master Images (asi/702505). “You can screen print, laser and embroider all of these pieces.”

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