It's August, which means that it's time to think about what's hott for fall (even though you're probably still thinking about how hot it is outside).  Magazines and catalogs and web sites are all chock full of cool stuff for cold weather, and while it's tempting to run out and shop shop shop! this is a good moment to take a step back and think about what kind of look you're really going for.

Vogue has identified six runway trends for fall: longer hemlines, curvy silhouettes, and minimalism are all back (at the same time, even), along with looks Vogue is calling "superhero worship" (a 60s inspired look reminiscent of Wonder Woman), "winter garden" (frills for cold weather), and "country life" (the return of tweed and plaid).  On the runway, these looks were all over-the-top outrageous; in your closet, however, they can all work for every day.  It's simply a matter of making careful choices about what you buy and what you wear it with.  Head-to-toe tweed?  Probably not the best choice.  A tweedy sweater with jeans and a tee?  Very of-the-moment.  (Herringbone sweater from J. Crew, $128.00.)

Trends can be fun -- even when you're working with a wardrobe of basic, classic pieces, a shot of trendy -- like the sweater pictured here -- can change your whole look without necessitating a new closet.  But taking on a trend doesn't mean tossing everything you already have; instead, think of ways to repurpose what's on hand and make your look new, even if your clothes aren't.

Where do you go for inspiration for fall trends?  Fashion magazines are one place to start, but catalogs are often a more pragmatic source for wearable trends; look both at what your favorite retailers are showing and -- more importantly -- HOW they are showing the look.  Pins are big for fall 2008; I've seen them on dresses and skirts and sweaters and coats.  Last winter's coat gets a whole new look when you add a big faux gemstone or silk flower pin to the lapel.

Another strategy is to start with your dream line -- if you could shop ANYWHERE, where would it be? -- and then replicate that look with pieces from lower-end stores.  A trend is a trend, and stores at all price points will be showing some version of the same things this fall; don't feel like you have to invest a lot in something that may or may not make it through the winter.

Stick with trends that actually work with your existing wardrobe.  If you're not someone who wears polo shirts, for example, then skip this fall's trendy vintage polo look.  There's no point in buying a piece that will languish in your closet just beause it's hip -- in the case of the polo, you're better off opting for a basic tee, if that's a look that really works for you.

So what IS big for Fall '08?  Green is huge -- both new pieces that are designed to be eco friendly and vintage pieces that circumvent manufacturing and shipping all together.  Look for vintage jackets and dresses and jewelery.  Not really interested in wearing someone else's cast-offs?  Shop your closet and see what you already have that is old but might be new again.

Need more inspiration?  Check out InStyle's great gallery of nine hot ways to stay warm this fall -- try a few on for size.

Coquette says that purple is big for fall.  I'm happy about this, because my ten-year-old cashmere twinset is the most fabulous shade of thistle.  I'm green AND hip!  Hooray!

Looking for wallet friendly options for fall?  Style|Notes dishes about the Richard Chai for Target line.

Susan Wagner writes about style at Fashion Find and everything else at Friday Playdate.  Want to know what's hott in beauty for Fall?  Join her at BeautyHacks and find out!