The TrendBox: Fall fads.

Overall trends:

Return to grunge/American worker: Think plaids from lumberjack to more traditional. Beanies. Railroad stripes. You just came off a logging truck. This one's gonna end badly.

Early 60's executive: skinny ties, greased hair, metallic tone suits in brown, copper, gray, and silver.

And as one publication put it, Russian gangster: Think BoHo in men. Lots of contrasting colors, fur, mixed fabrics. I wouldn't expect many except for the uber-rich to be sporting this look. It's very tough to do cheaply.

Men's pants: Either cuffed, or 2 inches shorter than normal. Think punk "Oi" pants from the 70's. Showing off the shoes. Socks are going to be an element this fall.

Colors of leather you should stock up on when making men's shoes this fall/winter: Shades of gray, but medium to darker seem more typical. Careful though, black while classic, will be blase. I have seen a little orange, red, and violet as well.

Styles to work on: Ankle boots with the top exposed (sock showing), in classic 50's -70's styles, but in more modern construction and leathers.

Misccelaneous:

Surprisingly, fur is still in. Even shoes and boots are showing a bit of fluff.

Tongues popped out of lace up boots are showing up.