’Tis the season to load up on the wonders of fall fashion, and like last spring, everything seems to be relevant in 2007. This has been the year of doing whatever the hell you want, and it’s as evident on the runways as it is walking down the street.

What differentiates the season? If you’ve gone shopping lately, you’ve encountered the many shades of grey that have swept across boutiques. The time has come to embrace the monochromatic shade... and put it to shame.

Spice up the austere hue with jewel-toned scarves, tights, huge accessories and vivid makeup in fall’s top colours — cherry reds, deep yellows, emerald greens and royal blues.

Some styles from last year are still kickin’ it. You can keep wearing the leggings and skinny jeans, but keep your eye out for the extremely wide-leg pants meandering their way back into the fashion fray.

To make it collegiate, add an extra long cardigan to your wardrobe, or opt for a slinky V-neck knit dress. Whatever the choice, be sure to supersize your knitwear — oversized shawls, wraps and big-knit-anything is in full effect.

Often, the best thing about fall fashion is the return to classic styles, and this season is no exception. Wools and cashmeres have come home to roost and even splashes of velvet are popping up again. Combine with rouged lips and false eyelashes and you’ve got the key ingredients for quintessential autumn glamour.

The “it” item of this season is definitely the tailored outdoor jacket. Beautiful coats are surfacing everywhere. This is not the item to chintz out on. Designed with clean lines and minimal detail, the time is now to buy that last-you-a-lifetime piece essential to any wardrobe.

If you want to get a little bananas, break away from grey-mania with a trip down the lamè path. The metallic fabric has discoed its way into the hearts of many designers this season and is featured in just about everything from leggings to sexy secretary blouses. If rolling this way, other options to consider include sparkle-threaded scarves and metallic knits.

Heading south, shoes are a bit of mixed bag, too. From patent and suede, and in some cases both, boots and heels are still big. The classic Mary Jane has been updated and elevated with sleek and sultry heels, and as far as boots are concerned, it’s anything goes. Buckles, straps, flats, chunky heels — do what you like.

For accessories, the eyes have it. If I see one more pair of red Ray-Bans in a fashion spread, I may have a fit, but you might want to go out and get a pair of the iconic shades. Alternately, you may want to treat your eyes to fall’s optical trend of nerdy, oversized plastic framed glasses, but only if you need them — it’s lame when people who don’t require glasses wear them.

And of course, scarves are still big and absolutely everywhere, though you may want to branch out and try a soft beret to complete your fall ensemble. For a night of cocktails and dancing, try jazzing it up with sequins. Mamacita!

As we head into winter and fall fades away, prance around in the leaves with wild abandon, knowing that anything you wear is most likely A-OK in the fashion files. We’re all safe for another season — and frankly, I’m relieved.