Trend Report: Falling In Step For the Season

Soft scarves, cozy sweaters and well-worn boots are showing up on fashionable types from Chevy Chase to Chinatown and everywhere in between. Some of the area's fall fashion aficionados share their street style inspirations.

Aaron Surgeon, 26, Washington, D.C.

Inspired by rocker Lenny Kravitz's edgy style, Surgeon strives for a balance between classic and trendy. "I love mixing old with new," he says. "You see someone wearing an outfit where everything is brand-spanking-new, and yeah, it might look nice, but it has no character." His look is composed of an H&M scarf, an Urban Outfitters buffalo plaid shirt, a sporty hooded sweater vest, distressed slim Levi's jeans and vintage-inspired glasses with clear lenses. A pair of Kenneth Cole boots -- ones he admired online and then later scored at an outlet store -- complete the look.

His fall-fashion philosophy: "I've never been a fan of gray, but I'm finding that I'm buying a lot more gray pieces, like scarves, sweaters and a jacket," Surgeon says. "And I'm super-excited about being able to wear my scarves again. I think a scarf can instantly change someone's look."

Why it works: Surgeon pays close attention to texture and proportion, choosing a thin flannel button-up and adding a warm layer with a vest. He opts for straight-leg -- not ultra-skinny -- jeans to complement his shape.

Kjersti Solhaug, 32, Oslo, Norway

Visiting from Europe, Solhaug toured the city looking like anything but a typical tourist. A collection of neutral basics -- a loose Zara cardigan, simple T-shirt and skinny Nudie jeans -- looks effortlessly cool when paired with Gucci sunglasses, a flowing scarf picked up in Barcelona and a pair of flat leather Bronx boots. "I almost always look like this," Solhaug says. "I spend quite a lot of money on shoes, sunglasses and nice leather bags, and then finish with cheap basics."

Her fall-fashion philosophy: "I like Chloe Sevigny -- she always looks fabulous and simple. She's always wearing Ray-Bans and a white shirt and a short skirt or skinny pants," she says. "You can get far with simple clothes and fresh hair."

Why it works: A little bit rock-and-roll, a little bit Euro-cool -- with her cozy layers and flat boots, Solhaug proves that dressing for sightseeing doesn't have to involve sacrificing style.

Sak Pollert, 46, Washington, D.C.

Pollert is a tactile shopper who likes the 14th Street NW outposts Muleh and Redeem. "I shop in the stores around here, because I need to feel the item," he says. "I've never bought any clothing online, ever." Here, he strikes the right note of urban-plus-modern in a sharp Theory blazer with a wool scarf from Thailand, jeans from a boutique in Florence and John Varvatos gray suede boots.

His fall-fashion philosophy: "I have about 10 good pairs of jeans and four or five jackets, so I accessorize a lot, either with a hat or a scarf," Pollert says.

Why it works: Pollert, a native of Thailand, says designer Helmut Lang is his fashion icon. "Every time I see his photograph, he always wears something simple," Pollert says. "The clothes don't wear him; he wears the clothes."