WATERLOO -- This season's fall fashion trends can be summarized in three words: classic, confident and charming.

Classic, because pieces like tunic sweaters, menswear-inspired vests and the wool pea coat are once again must-have items.

Confident, because even the most unassuming ensemble takes on a swagger of its own when matched with a slightly askew fedora, scarf or pair of urban cowboy boots.

Charming, because jewel tones, including eggplant, emerald and sapphire, add a feminine flair to many of the season's trends.

And Cedar Valley clothiers add "accommodating" to the list of this fall's fashion assets, saying that autumn styles allow every woman a little wiggle room. Although specific color palettes dominate store fronts, this season's hot trends are available in a variety of cuts for a variety of body types.

"You see the skinny jeans tucked into boots, but then there's also the wide-leg trouser jeans," said Jodi Deery, owner of Jennifer's on Main in Cedar Falls. "It's kind of like whatever you want -- whichever looks best on you."

That said, here are the top trends that fit every body type.

Contact Mary Stegmeir at (319) 291-1482 or mary.stegmeir@wcfcourier.com.

An old friend

The sweater is back in a big way this year. For those on a budget, pick up its latest incarnation (like this belted number from Sweet Romeo), to help update your standard jeans and T-shirt weekend wear.

"Sweaters are one of the strongest pieces this year," said Deery, of Jennifer's. "There are a lot of the long tunic-type sweaters that you can also wear as a sweater coat, and they are selling really well."

If you've got the extra dough, go for a pair of lace-up saddle boots or a metallic newsboy cap and you'll have a brand new look.

Purple reign

It answers to the name of plum, amethyst and eggplant, but no matter what you call it, purple is hot this year.

"It's huge, it's everywhere," said Shelly Docekal, visual manager at Dillard's in Waterloo. "Right now, everything we're getting is purple."

Many of the season's fabrics are also imbued with a bit of shine and texture, so that purple color will stand out even more in this fall's casual and dress pieces.

Use the color's rich tones to offset another one of the season's other fads -- sweater dresses and suits in neutral colors or menswear-inspired fabrics like houndstooth.

"You'll see the usual blacks and grays, but it all has to do with how you accessorize it," Docekal said. "You're still gong to see that pop of color on a collar or a scarf."

Button up

Yes, the pea coat has been a wardrobe staple since it charmed its way back into our hearts (and our closets) nearly 10 years ago. But this year's styles offer something totally new by drawing on earlier versions of the naval-inspired piece.

"Anything that's vintage -- like the '60s Jackie O. type jackets with the really big buttons -- are huge this year," said Kim Buenzow, owner of Runway in Cedar Falls. "You also see bracelet sleeves, which are a little bit longer than the 3/4-length sleeve, and coats with Peter Pan collars. "

If you've got the cash to upgrade your winter frock, spring for something with a little color.

"The last color that you want to buy is black," cautioned Docekal, of Dillard's. "It's color, color, color in both coats and shoes this year."

Accessories

Which brings us to perhaps the most influential trend this fall -- accessories.

After three months of bumming around in $2 flip flops, flimsy tank tops and canvas carry-alls, fall fashionistas have plenty of ways to make their look sparkle this year.

The most ubiquitous add-on is the scarf, so stock up.

"A scarf can just change a whole look," said Deery, of Jennifer's. "You can have on a pair of jeans and a knit top and you throw a scarf on with it and it just changes the whole look."

At Dillard's, employees hand out pamphlets on how to tie a scarf.

"We want our customers to know that there are at least nine different things that you can do with a scarf, because they are going to be huge," said Docekal. "You'll see them in all kinds of colors and designs, in paisley, wools, rayon, everything."

Also, look for shawls, cuffed boots, reptile-patterned handbags and chunky necklaces accented with jewel-tone baubles.

"Those are the things that are really going to complete a look," Docekal said.

Contact Mary Stegmeir at (319) 291-1482 or mary.stegmeir@wcfcourier.com.