FOLEY, Ala. — Deep and rich shades of orange, purple, brown and green seem to be the trend for this year’s Fall fashions in everything from graphic tees to leggings, according to Jackie Sewell, general manager of the Tanger Outlet Center in Foley.

And although the Summer sun is blazing and the heat index is soaring into the triple digits, local retailers are gearing up for a bumper crop of new merchandise sure to please everyone.

With the theme of “Fashions you will Fall for!” Sewell said their stores will provide chic styles, selection and stunning savings around every corner. Mixing earthy shades with beautiful jewel tones and adding a hint of Military flavor is a must. And pulling the ensemble together is “bold statement jewelry-whether it is a chunky cuff or big metallic necklace-and adorning with buckles and texture’” is a big look for 2010.

Then there’s the back-to-school crowd to consider. Although the first day is later this year, Sewell says the stores are stocking up on the latest in school uniform fashions. “It looks like uniforms will have a more upscale, sophisticated look this year with skirts, shirts, pants and new jacket styles. We also have leggings girls can wear under their skirts or jumpers.”

In addition to the new clothing items, Sewell said many stores now carry accessories like bows and tights in the uniform colors. “The kids will be very much in style when they choose to buy their uniforms at any of the stores in the mall.” Sewell explained.

Looking stylish in the classroom is only one of the fashion trends this Fall. Making your mark on and off the sports field is another. Josh Sallin, manager of Sand Dollar Lifestyles at the Tanger said one of the most popular trends for the Fall is the Under Armour brand of sports apparel. “I believe this line is the “it” brand right now. It has become so popular in the last couple of years. I would say there are not too many teenagers who don’t have an Under Armour t-shirt of some kind.”

According to the company web site, the Under Armour line was founded in 1996 by Kevin Plank, a former University of Maryland football player, and is made of an exclusive double-sided fabric that wicks away sweat in the summer and circulates warmth in the winter.

Consisting of shirts, pants, shorts, visors, hoods, gloves, caps, leggings and footwear, the brand found fame when Georgia Tech and N.C. State began using it and now is widely used by numerous colleges and high schools around the country, including Auburn University, who uses it as their official outfitter. Pricing for the Under Armour line starts at $19.99 for a basic t-shirt and goes up from there, Sallin said.

In addition to Under Armour, Sallin said The North Face, Columbia and Patagonia brands are very popular as well. “These brands will maintain their popularity because of their quality.They may be a bit pricey, but if people like a specific brand, they will buy it.”

Even though Sand Dollar Lifestyles is new to the outlet, they have been in the Foley area for many years. “We have always been known for our shoes but we are doing more business in clothing than shoes right now. I guess it has to do with the specific outlet crowd we are seeing.”, Sallin said with a laugh.

Speaking of shoes, Ed Zahn, manager of Sand Dollar Lifestyles in Orange Beach said boots and a dressier look seem to be the up and coming trend for Fall. “Lace-up ankle boots and knee-highs are really popular. Comfort is a big selling point. People are more conscious of their foot health these days.” Fitness shoes like MPT’s and Sketchers are great sellers as well as Merrill’s and Sperry too, Zahn said. Pricing for fitness shoes range from $100-250, under $100 for dress shoes and $89-249 for boots. “Brands don’t seem to be as important in boots as look and price.”, Zahn added. For the school crowd, New Balance, Merrill and Sperry are the top sellers for price and quality, Zahn commented.

When it’s time to change out of the school uniform, skirts and pants of varied lengths in bright vibrant colors as well as multicolored graphic tees and tops will be the order of the day. Sally Paul, district manager of Pampolina Children’s Boutique at the Tanger, said because her store is of European origin and very fashion-forward, they are able to keep up with the latest trends and bring them to the United States. The company has only been in the outlet market for two years but has been very successful with their birth-14 line of clothing.

“I have found the kids who come in to shop have a very defined fashion sense and know exactly what they want to wear and we try to provide that for them.” Paul explained.

Scarves, boots, hats and leggings are among the trendy accessories in kid’s Fall fashion and all of those are coordinating in style and color from head to toe, according to Paul. “Lots of “bling” and varying shades of black are mixed in with this year’s line too.”

Because Pampolina’s merchandise tends to be high end, the pricing can be steep but the quality and handmade nature of the clothing compensates for the higher prices, Paul said. “This is by far the best Fall line we have ever had.”

As far as men and women’s styles go, a Brazilian urban jungle theme of purple, orange, brown and green are on the menu for the Fall, said Mary Ann Fidler, manager of Calvin Klein at the Tanger Outlet. “Lots of foiling detail on graphic tees and more bold colors are what we are seeing as well as jeweled and sequined items with 3/4 sleeves.”

Simple sweaters, light woven wools and slim cuts in tees, polos and jeans are dominating the runway for the Klein brand. Men’s fashions are not as bright but striped casual shirts with rolled-up sleeves and a “cool coastal city” theme of blues, neutrals, greys and purples as well as v-necks styles are what’s hot for the Fall season, said Fidler.

Skinny-leg jeans and casual Chino pants are still popular this year along with leather and suede and a mixture of other fabrics in outerwear, Fidler explained. However the outfit wouldn’t be complete without a CK canvas bag for the men and a jeweled leather bag in gold, silver or bronze for the ladies.

Pricing for CK range from $19.99-49.99 for tops and $19.99-29.99 for bottoms. Basic tees go for $14.99, Fidler said.

No matter how fashion-conscious or trendy you may or may not be, this year’s styles are worth a look. And If you want to take advantage of the tax-free weekend to stock your closet for Fall, Aug. 6 and 7 are the dates that need to be circled on your calendar.