What will people REALLY be wearing this fall?

I'm trying to think ahead for fall, and even late summer, since I have to start back to work in just a couple of weeks. But what are people really going to be wearing? The FSG newsletter is saying "skinny pants", but their definition of "skinny" is really more of a slim cut. I'm seeing every width imaginable on the websites, but I do NOT see myself wearing "jodpurs" or something like the picture on the left. BWOF, which is usually ahead of the fashion curve, is also showing a variety of widths of pant legs, but also a lot of clothes I know I would never wear (Uh, sorry, the neckline to the navel doesn't work while you're teaching) Again, same problem with most fashion magazines - too low, too short, or just not flattering for anyone over 30. But, again, I do not want to dress like someone's grandmother either. Yes, I have to have shoes that don't hurt my feet, so that is a consideration, but I want to be comfortable and stylish at the same time. For some reason, this season I am not seeing things that really fit the way most of us really live.

Looking at websites like Style.com and watching fashion shows can give you lots of ideas, but really, much of what I'm seeing is nothing that would fit my real life. I love Lucky magazine, but let's face it, I'm not 20, but I'm not 80 either. Also, lately I'm seeing so many more ads in Lucky and much less real wardrobe possibilities.
The look on the right is from the Carolina Herrera collection, and I could see modifying something like this to work for me. However, I'd have to think about it by cutting about 12" off that models legs and widening the hip substantially :-)

So, how does a woman who is 50 something and wants to look stylish and a little trendy, but not like the "old lady trying to look 20" find what really is in fashion? I like to be a little ahead of the fashion curve, but not so far ahead that no one else gets it. (I'll never forget the day I wore green shoes with a brown dress to church and one of the women commented (innocently) that she was glad to see my necklace with green in it because she couldn't figure out why I was wearing green shoes when nothing else I was wearing was green - sigh.)

I'm really having to think hard about what I am going to wear this year since I'm getting too fat and none of my clothes from last year are going to fit - arghh!!! Of course, this does give me opportunity to make some new clothes (like I need an excuse.)

My "one block wonder" quilt is really coming along and tomorrow is our last class. I'm hoping to have the whole top finished by the end of the day tomorrow. I ordered some fabric for the back, but don't intend to put it together until the weather gets cooler. Also, I need to really get on the stick and make some clothes for work!

First up, I think, will be a knit dress or two, since I got some great knits from Gorgeous fabrics earlier this summer and am anxious to make them up. (also, they should be quick to make!)

So, where are you getting your inspiration this season?