Trends can be baffling, like those feathered purses spotted on the runway recently: Is it a bird, or a bag? For more sane advice about what to add to your wardrobe, we asked several Brooklyn boutique owners to name their favorite fall fashions for men and women.

For men: “This fall will obviously be about layering, but with the focus on a great basic denim overall. Think the The Grapes of Wrath meets more luxurious fabrics … My favorite look for the colder season is pairing it with a classic long sleeve button up shirt underneath and a cashmere v-neck or cardigan sweater on top … And of course a beautiful leather lace up shoe can only accentuate the different textures… For those a little more fashion forward, trying overalls in different colors and prints could be interesting when combined with solid colors.” –Maria Chavez, owner, Houndstooth Fine Vintage for Men, Williamsburg, 485 Driggs Ave., 718-384-8705, houndstoothnyc.com. (Pictured is co-owner Michael Kimmins, wearing all vintage clothes, like this Sears engineer stripe overall ($65), except the Fendi patent leather lace-up shoes from this season.)

For women: “So far this year, I’ve been selling (already, in 90 degree weather!) hand-framed and hand-dyed Kid Mohair Fascinators ($125). These are very soft, large shawls that will pass through a wedding ring, knit in a lacy, airy stitch. [more colors here.]” –Staceyjoy Elkin, knitwear designer and owner, Red Lipstick, Prospect Heights, 560 Vanderbilt Ave., 718-857-9534, redlipstick.net/shop

For women: “Shades of gray seemed to show up everywhere for Fall ’08. It seemed as though women’s wear decided to take a note from the men’s wear palette … From cool steel shades to deeper charcoals, I loved it in knits and sweaters for both men and women. The All In One dress ($280) by Norma Kamali has to be the best representation of the great shades. The ombre color combo from dark charcoal to the light silver at the bottom make it really special. [ed.'s note: it also converts into a long sleeve dress.]” –Fetije Madzuric, owner of Ylli, Williamsburg, 482 Driggs Ave., 718-302-3556, yllibklyn.com

For Men: “My absolute favorite trend this season is the thermal cashmere. Thermal is the epitome of rugged comfort and effortlessness, while cashmere has come to symbolize finery and elegance. It is a winning combo. NSF has a beautiful zip-up hoodie in the shop ($415), while Penguin and Modern Amusement produced cashmere blended pullovers and henleys that we’ll see later this month.” –Jen Argenta, owner, Watts on Smith, Cobble Hill, 248 Smith St., 718-596-2359, wattsonsmith.com

For women: A “so sexy sweater dress” by nelli ($110) in perfectly plum and “Camryn” Military jackets by BB Dakota ($89) in Blarney green (pictured). “It’s a sexy look with an edge while being warm and functional for fall.” –Michelle Mangiliman, designer and owner of Dalaga, Greenpoint, 150 Franklin St., 866-287-8395, dalaganyc.com

For men: “Grunge is back in a huge way and our own line is picking up the trend with our buffalo plaid shirts [like this one here].” –Kimberly Christenson, assistant buyer at Oak, Williamsburg and Park Slope, oaknyc.com/stores

For men and women: “Alec and I are finding that for fall everything is a bit more refined. For men it’s refined and cozy and the best example of that is probably the Neal Sperling double pocket cardigan in super soft lambswool [$310, in dark navy or charcoal]. For women things are refined and tailored. We’re loving the Vanessa Bruno 3/4 sleeve wool coat [$628, in gray or navy].” –Celeste Wright, co-owner, Stuart & Wright, Fort Greene, 85 Lafayette Ave., 718-797-0011, stuartandwright.com

For women: “This fall we searched for items that were more tailored. Styles that favored men’s wear were inspiring since it’s the antithesis of the waist-less dress. The sweater vest is an easy, stylish way to incorporate the men’s wear trend. Wear it over a button down or silky top, on its own with jeans, and it looks amazing over dresses. We have one in the store now by Saint Grace; it’s cashmere with gold buttons [$194, pictured here: saintgrace.com].” –Lara Fieldbinder, owner of Dear Fieldbinder, Cobble Hill, 198 Smith St., 718-852-3620, dearfieldbinder.com

Designer Shana Jackson, owner of our local women’s vintage boutique, says she doesn’t follow trends — though the two pieces she’s designed (so far) for fall — like this versatile wrap sweater ($42), meant to be worn over a turtleneck or tank, and a flattering sweater dress ($64), short enough to show off those knee-high boots — come in muted patterns and colors like the gray that’s so in now. Collecther, Bed-Stuy, 306 Franklin Ave., 718-484-9101, myspace.com/collecther1