This is the first year I’ve recognized fall as a significant time of year. Usually it just signals the end of summer, the end of every weekend at the beach, the return to a more rigorous work schedule and the start of school — which all translates into crowds, work and study. Not the most exciting combination. But September has become the new New Year, the time when you step back and plan, set the tone for the rest of the year. It’s also when you plan your annual wardrobe. September is the start of all things vogue, setting the trends for cold wintry nights, and even the summer vacation you think you don’t have to worry about until next year.

The trends this fall are plentiful, and you won’t be disappointed. This season is a throwback to the classics of every era, taking all the good and leaving all the bad of each and every decade — from the decadence of the 1920s, the eccentricity of the 1980s and the grunge of the 1990s — and making it distinctly 2000s. Fall is also the season of the largest issues of Vogue, GQ and Vanity Fair, the holy trinity of guides for the hip and happening, the return of your favorite television shows and fabulous shoes. Flip-flops are out; now it’s time for some class.

This season, Egypt Today gives you a comprehensive guide to fashion, from the latest in cell phones to the designer bags that house the little treasures, and even the furniture you should aspire to own. If ever there was a time for a renovation, of your house or your style, it’s now. Classic is back with a vengeance and you won’t regret this year’s twists on the most popular items.

Fall this year gives you two options: 1) reach in and unleash your inner rock star or 2) lean back and get casual and relaxed. Runway fashion is finally wearable, with styles that encapsulate the most appealing combination: simple, with a dash of frivolity and eccentricity. The sweaters and coats of winter are classic trenches with a twist, the snug boots have all taken on classic cuts — but with a funky heel, a bright stripe somewhere, or even just a zebra print sole. This season it’s easy to not take fashion too seriously. You won’t find it hard to buy select pieces that suit you, be unbelievably trendy and still look like you’re not trying too hard. The cardinal rule does, of course, apply: do not go for anything that you know doesn’t look good on you. And finally, have fun with it. After all, fashion revolves around a little bit of fun, an abundance of frivolity and a touch of obsession, all to make up the perfect fall wardrobe.

I am a rare breed. Only a man who enjoys the drudgery of shopping will readily admit his undying appreciation for the perfect suit. Or his pleasure at finding the shoes that perfectly complement the Armani he has been trying to wear for the past six months. Those of you who hate shopping but need to look good are in luck this season. The throwback to classic cuts, materials and styles makes this the perfect time to stock up on timeless pieces that will last you a lifetime. The trick to getting this right is going for quality. As opposed to buying six cheaper — excuse me, more affordable (even shopping has become politically correct) — suits that are the different colors and styles of the season, buy two that you know will always be in style. For example, go for a navy suit that works for both winter and summer, go for designers like Armani and Boss if you’re on the heavier side and Dolce & Gabbana or Dior if you’re slim.

Remy de la Mauviniere Louis Vuitton proves classic can be chic.

Among the advantages to buying suits like these is that you can commission alterations, the suit will fit you perfectly and you can play around with the accessories to make it look different each time (a different tie, a patterned shirt, wearing it with a t-shirt and sneakers). You’ll be able to do a lot of different things with just one suit. Avoid pin stripes and get a suit that is impeccably cut and can work for business, pleasure and everything in between. By all means buy a bunch of different suits if you like, but invest in one classic piece.

Avoid leather coats, sweaters in loud, primary colors, and the velvet coats and purple jackets of seasons past that scream David Beckham-on-an-acid-trip. Even Mr. Beckham will have to tone it down a bit. For the casual days at the office, go for fitted pants in gray, black and neutral tones. The cut is pivotal: fitted but not skinny, skimming the outline of your leg and falling right above the top of your shoes. Invest in a variety of sweaters, which fall into two categories this season. The first is the big braided sweater, patterned or not, with a big turtleneck. Go for neutral colors; if you attempt louder colors with this kind of sweater you will end up looking garish and obnoxious. Have a look at new menswear offerings from Zilli, Zegna and Brioni.

Your second option is cashmere. Preferably made in England, cashmere sweaters with a deep V-neck, in any color, will make casual elegance an effortless task. Buy browns and block colors such as electric blue and green. Pair the sweater with a shirt; the color doesn’t matter just as long as the collar is of a medium size. If you want to be particularly fashionable, stick in a skinny tie, making sure the colors all match, and wear a striped shirt. For an easy tip that works well with most people, do shades of blue and team it with dark denim or gray, black lace-ups and a jacket in a subtle shade. Don’t be afraid to don a modern cardigan with a shirt, tie and jeans. The cardigan should be fitted, make sure it doesn’t have the elasticized cuffs or hem. This will cause clinging, discomfort and a glorious lack of style, which you’ll share with the degenerate old men whose look you aped in the first place. Try a horizontally striped, dark-colored cardigan with a white shirt and silver tie. Team this with black pants or jeans and white sneakers. Leave the collar a little bit loose and you’ll add a little bit of punk rock sophistication that is quite wearable in day-to-day life.

Jackets and blazers are staples in any wardrobe. If you’re financially challenged, maybe you can raid your father’s wardrobe for jackets that need a little bit of tweaking. Houndstooth, tweed and subtle plaids are making their way back onto the scene. Your jackets and suits should be slightly reminiscent of yesteryear: think back to a 1950s movie and the slim suits, bold yet subtle patterns and moderately skinny ties that blend in perfectly against the backdrop of a smoky cigar bar in your favorite mafia film. Again the way to pull this look off is simplicity; if you’re going to go for one of these suits, make it a point to put on a shirt that compliments it rather than clashes. One in pale blue with a white collar and cuffs and a tie in a deep, rich color is the best way to go. Attempt the browns, but only after carefully considering shirt options. A white shirt, teamed with a deep mahogany or burgundy is probably your best bet if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.

For more relaxed days, weekends with the kids, or driving out for the weekly shopping, go for a more down-to-earth look. Flannel shirts, khakis and brown loafers with a down jacket should do the trick — but make sure you find one that is light and more fitted. Think of what you would wear while hiking: white t-shirt, lumberjack flannel shirt and a pair of trusty brown loafers. Basically, shop at Timberland, but don’t overdo it. This is a downtime look only. Not for the office.

Associated Press High-waisted wide-leg pants make a strong comeback this season.

You do not need scarves because big turtlenecks are back. Pop the collar of your double-breasted Burberry trench (a must-have for both men and women) and avoid the scarf. Go for classic this winter and you won’t regret it. Don’t go overboard with eccentric and bold, stick to one piece and keep it simple. Remember, simplicity is the keyword of any fashion connoisseur; when dressed simply you’ll never lose your style.

The fairer sex will always have a bigger array of choices. This season’s pants come in a range of styles, cuts and colors. There are two main distinctions this fall: a classic pair of high-waisted pin striped pants set off with flamboyant accessories; and the 1920s flapper dress, adorned with sequins and a fabulous pair of platforms, are all the rage. The most notable trends are structured clothes, loud accessories and the glamour and nostalgia of cosmopolitan living.

You have quite a few options when it comes to your pants this season. The skinny jean is still reigning supreme, but go for wild and flamboyant colors. Don’t be afraid to pull on a pair of maroon, bright purple or yellow jeans; just make sure the rest of your outfit is mellow.

Working women will love tailored high-waisted pants, with pleats and piping and a throwback to 1950. Be warned, while you will have an immediate tummy tuck with these pants you might be a tiny bit uncomfortable. Throw on a red t-shirt with your black high-waist pants. A pair of high heels, a fabulous neutral coat and a medium sized tote will compliment the outfit perfectly. Wide-leg pants are also making a comeback so buy yourself a pair of wide-legged jeans; buy a pair that is part of a suit and you will never want to go back. It’s like wearing a skirt without the added insecurity of flashing your knickers to the general public. You can attempt to go pale, but avoid creams and such. Opt for a pair in pale gray, navy blue or variations of beige. Think camel, not taupe. Want to make your legs look like they go on for miles? Pinstripes and structured pleats going across the middle of the pants will add immediate height.

Stuart Ramson They’re probably going to be painful, but everyone’s going to be wearing them.

Tops come in a variety of styles. The structured looks of Miu Miu and Prada all sport square tops that are both longer and heavy duty. Sweaters are mainly angora, falling with rather constructed shape on the silhouette. Structure is the keyword. Think men’s shirts, t-shirts made from soft material and sweaters that are both comfortable and stylish. Colors are also bright, like fuschia with orange (Prada), purples, electric blues and bright reds. This is not a subtle winter. Go crazy with colors and structure, you won’t go wrong. But again do not go overboard. Trust your instincts and play with pieces.

Buy a really expensive winter coat. A double-breasted Burberry trench, a full-skirted dress coat from Armani, or a three-quarter-length sleeve number in a bright color from Prada will make the perfect fashion statement. Buy one amazing coat and make sure you can play around with it. Does it look good with the buttons open? Does it look good with jeans or a skirt? Can I wear it all the time? Ask yourself if this is a coat you can throw on in the morning and that will then see you through a meeting at the office, lunch with friends, dinner with your family and a night out on the town. Go for quality as opposed to quantity. There is nothing as priceless as a coat you know will last forever.

Shoes. Every woman’s weakness. This season, the higher the better. Gone are the days of flat boots (like Uggs and very unflattering black knee highs from last season). This fall prepare yourself for some arduous walking. Boots are back with chunky heels, stilettos and platforms, and the one thing they have in common is that they are super high. Boots cropped at the ankle are the shoes of the moment, as are fitted lace-up boots with a funky embellishment. Tod’s has made a rather simple boot, perfect for all occasions, while going for gold-enhanced Gucci’s could be more your thing for a night out on the town. Your little boots must be teamed with tights, a knee-length skirt (preferably a pencil skirt, but you have to be at least a little comfortable) and the above-mentioned fabulously expensive coat. Pumps are also a big deal this season, and peep toes are a favorite as well. Go crazy with colorful pumps. Be fun, bright and a tad on the eccentric side. The trick is to pull it all together with something neutral, like a white top, sheer tights or a big black bag. If you can’t bear heels, buy a pair of Tod’s loafers, they have a line of alligator skin drivers coming out for the fall, in colors that will be fresh, fun and most importantly, comfortable.

Every woman loves her handbag. The slightly obsessive will peruse the pages of magazines and websites looking for the bag of the moment. In a fevered frenzy, she will not rest until she has it — that Louis Vuitton clutch or the latest tote from Gucci. This season, leave behind the massive handbags. It’s not that they’re not still rather vogue, but you’ll have to select the right brands if you’re going to supersize your purse. If you want something smaller, go for medium-sized bags from brands like Balenciaga and Gucci. Although on the bigger side, the Yves St. Laurent selection is also quite impressive, with divine leather and the funky timelessness of an YSL bag. Like the coat, spend money on a timeless piece. Fashion is fickle, as is money, so spend on something you know you will love forever, in colors suited to winter. Think dark chocolate, deep black or a gray — gray is the new black (I apologize, the analogy has to pop up at least once in anything ever written about fashion. A cliche, but one that works).

My friends will tell you that I am obsessed with sunglasses. There is rarely a time I will refuse running into a brightly lit store to ogle the array of choices. There is nothing that makes me quite as happy as trying on Prada, Armani and Dolce (oh my!) sunglasses and finding the perfect pair. But shades are fickle; one day your Ray Ban aviators are the hottest thing on the block, and the next you might as well be back in the 1980s when they were first popular. My advice: Ignore fashion when it comes to sunglasses. Seasons are important yes, but what is more important is finding shades that suit you. That doesn’t mean you can’t buy the crystal-studded Chanels that suit you to a tee but won’t be able to wear in ten months. Have a back up. A classic pair of black shades is a must have. It doesn’t matter what style. But make them black, subtle with clean lines and rather large to cover up the more difficult (read: hung-over) days when you walk into the office twenty minutes late. This season, the aviator is still the way to go for guys, but with a twist. Opt for a more high-end designer. Forego your Ray-Bans for Valentinos, and think outside the box. They have square aviators, leather trimmed aviators, aviators that are all black, aviators with faded and tinted glass. Girls, the vintage Jackie-O shades are the rage, and everyone from Gucci to Dior has taken a shot at perfecting the style. For a slightly more modern take on the retro look, check out the dark brown bamboo shades from Burberry. But again, stick to styles that look good on you, not Paris Hilton.

Accessories will always, in my most humble opinion, be the be-all-and-end-all of any outfit. No matter what your gender, the accessories make the outfit. Everything from the type of bag you wear to the types of jewelry and embellishments that can transform a white t-shirt and jeans into the most flamboyant of outfits. With men, again, go classic. The only thing you should break away from is the briefcase. Instead opt for a messenger bag made of great leather in a distressed brown or black. It’s perfect for a suit or for a pair of jeans. Everything else is pretty much the same. For the watch, try to get one with a leather band and a simple white face and avoid gold. No one in Cairo has a better selection — from Dior to Breitling, Chopard to A. Lange & Söhne. Cufflinks are making a major comeback, so be playful and order something with a rock edge like rough silver skulls, golf clubs or the playful colors of Paul Smith and Etro. It will be like a private joke between you and your shirt cuffs, immediately brightening your day. Ties should be moderately skinny, without big prints.

For women, forego traditional jewelry like earrings and necklaces and go looking through your grandmother or great grandmother’s jewelry boxes and find her old brooches. The brooch is the ultimate accessory of the season, difficult to wear but the perfect compliment when done right. It’ll look great on a structured evening dress, preferably of stronger material than chiffon. Go for black. If you don’t want black, go for navy. Favor dark, inky colors for this look, and pin a cluster of brooches to areas that you want to embellish. Cocked slightly at the hip, up by your shoulder or smack dab in the middle of your décolletage. Spread the dress out on the bed and move the brooches around see where it looks best, if one looks good by itself so be it. If you want a cluster of diamonds go for it. Experiment! Without trying different things, most of us would still be wearing cavemen’s furs and coveting the latest in Chloe loincloths.

So now you know. You shouldn’t be wearing your old toggle coat at 28 and you most certainly have the know-how to fashionably place that exquisite brooch you found tucked away in grandma’s house. No excuses, go out there, throw out all the clothes you hate, shop till you drop and remember, fashion is nothing without a little sense of humor. After all, what do you have to lose? Just that really ugly pair of sneakers you go to work in everyday.

Smell So Good

Some women claim that there is nothing sexier then a scented man, and with the vast range of smells from various designers, it can be more than a little daunting to choose which to buy. When do you wear a heavy scent? What is appropriate for the office? What kind of scent is ‘me’? Here is a breakdown of the hottest scents on the market.

This is by far one of the sexiest scents on the market. Slightly musky and distinct in its subtlety, this is the type of cologne that is definitive and there, but without overpowering the man — or the elevator. This is one of those classy and timeless scents that will forever add a sophisticated and sensual sense of relaxed, but very prominent and successful, ease.

This is one of the freshest scents on the market. It is casual and laid back, the kind of cologne you spray in the morning and immediately gives you effortless sex appeal. Reminiscent of the fresh outdoors, this is the perfect day scent.

I love products you can use all day. If you are confused by winter and summer scents, scents for day and night, then this is the fragrance for you. What makes this product unique is the impression it leaves. It is distinct, it is there, but you can’t quite put your finger on where the spicy scent is coming from.

Messieurs Dolce & Gabbana seem to have their finger right on the pulse of down to earth sophistication with a hint of flamboyance. The new fragrance is mainly a blend of citrus notes combined with masculine woods and subtle spices, making it sexy, modern and relaxed all in one little bottle. Save it for the nighttime though, as it might be a bit too much for office wear.

The style maven that put Gucci on the map is well on his way to building his very own fashion empire. And he is focusing on men. He just recently opened his men’s boutique in New York and his sunglasses have been flying off the shelf. His fragrance is for the men that he expects to wear his clothes: strong, sexy and eternally bold. The fragrance has notes of leather, amber and jasmine, which makes for a bold, earthy and zesty smell. Perfect for the long nights of winter.

Women know what smells good on them, and this season you won’t have an excuse for running off and smelling like your mother because your perfume knowledge doesn’t go past Fleur de Rocailles. This fall a slew of celebrities have released fragrances, and Jennifer Lopez may just have a little competition on her hands. And then of course there are the more established perfumeries, who have always given J. Lo a run for her money, and have been on every woman’s shelf before the crooner even lost her first tooth.

The style icon has just released an affordable clothing line called Bitten, but her latest endeavor, Covet, released after the success of her first perfume Lovely, is one that is both sexy and down to earth, flamboyant yet eternally classic. The perfume is made up of scents such as lavender, chocolate, honeysuckle, magnolia, musk, bois de cashmere and amber.It’s a fun, flirty, scent with just a smidgen of attitude.

The success of her clothing line L.A.M.B (Love Angel Music Baby) is the reason behind the release of Gwen Stefani’s fragrance L. And surprisingly, it is quite good — subtle, sophisticated and sexy, you probably couldn’t ask for a more appealing pairing. The scent is made up of fresh pear, violet leaves, heart of jasmine petals, rose, sweet pea, orange blossom and peach skin. Like Stefani herself, it is tough and ready to go, laced with femininity and passion.

There is nothing like a classic, and Fendi will always give us classics. The fragrance is made up of Bulgarian rose, orange blossoms, tangerine, lemon, pink pepper, and jasmine. It is one of the fresher scents on the market, while retaining a certain heaviness that is more endearing than overpowering. This scent is the perfect addition to a ball gown and plenty of diamonds.

Missoni has always been one of the most energetic and relaxed designers in the business. Her designs are at once fresh and elegant, a constant throwback to the beach and easy living. Her fragrance, which also stands out due to the excellent packaging, is sexy, fresh and ultimately sensual. Made up of juicy melon, fresh grapefruit, narcissus, violet, peony, blue freesia, Tuscan iris and jasmine, this is the perfect daywear for any woman, whether at the office or an intimate lunch with friends.

Prada defines fashion’s minimalism. The designer is famous for enhancing and flattering what already exists, without taking over personal style. The perfume is the same — soft, romantic and almost ethereal. Tendre is the type of fragrance that is reminiscent of more relaxed, sensual times. The fragrance has notes of plum accord, cedarwood, labdanum, cardamom, Indian sandalwood, jasmine, and vetiver.  et