Aug. 3--Fall fashion is making a valiant effort to get us shopping again, to free us from our funk. Designers are offering fresh ways to dress and accessorize. We believe in shopping your closet and finding one key fall piece that will jump-start a whole new look. Add a leopard bag, the perfect red lipstick, a luscious leather motorcycle jacket, a bold bauble.

Here's the Neiman Marcus take on fall trends, as presented in an informal fashion show Thursday.

Red is the color, in many shades and even mixing shades. Red can give us confidence, especially when paired with black or gray. Wear red head to toe, lipstick to heels, or just a single statement piece.

Leopard was shown in every collection, from Robert Rodriques to Jimmy Choo. Not to be worn head to toe, leopard works best as an accent or peeking out of a jacket or neutral cozy sweater.

Narrow legs are necessary, whether in leggings, opaque tights or skinny pants.

Jewelry is high impact, with bangles stacked and the boldest beads.

While the motorcycle jacket may seem like a Mainland trend, Neiman Marcus versions are so lightweight they would work well in Honolulu.

Watch for shoulders. Not those '80s hyper-pads, but a squared-off, sculptural approach.

Love the new LBDs that are either sleek or sculptural.

Designers to look out for: Phillip Lim, See by Chloe, Robert Rodrigues, Marni, Elizabeth & James, Donna Karan.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.

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