LI women model the Fall 2010 season's trends

This fall, fashion is not about the rules. It's about breaking them.

Whether it's a crazy pairing of natty menswear and sequins (for day, mind you), or military looks that run from swank to downtown casual, or tough ruffles (an oxymoron?) - one thing is certain. This is not a wimpy season.

There's real muscle to these clothes, yet they're as feminine as all get-out. We asked four Long Island women who need clothes for different facets of their lives (and who doesn't?) to model some of the season's best looks. There was one caveat: Our models had to really like the clothes, or else they didn't make it into the shoot.

SHOP GIRL

Nordia Wisdom, 26, of Kew Gardens, works as a saleswoman at J. Crew, where she often is mistaken for - get this - Beyoncé, Rihanna or, most recently, Tyra Banks. That's OK with Wisdom, who - from a fashion standpoint - has earned her place in the limelight. Wisdom defines her work style, as "layered, preppy with a touch of edge," while evenings out on the town with friends are about sparkle, "a little classy, a little sexy, definitely feminine."

TRENDS: Opposites attract . . . utilitarian luxe

A silk sequined scoop neck ($148) goes to work with a Donegal tweed schoolboy blazer ($198) and stretch wool pants ($148). Add a pearl and chain necklace ($39.50), knotted chain necklace ($68), crystal cobblestone bracelet ($78) and crystal trinity ring ($45).

COVER PHOTO: Perfect for a night out, bronze sequined bell skirt ($128) wrapped with a skinny belt ($32), paired with a ruffled silk shirt ($79.50), topped by a military-inspired field jacket ($98). Jewelry: crystal and pearl bracelet ($75), Timex watch ($150) and leather wrap bracelet ($29.50). All her clothes available at J. Crew stores or jcrew.com. Hair, Nichelle Boakye; makeup, Josephine Abbatiello, for Salon Blue in Mineola.

SISTER ACT

The Kim sisters - Annie, 39, of Port Washington, and Yoori, 28, of College Point - own LaLa Nails and Spa, a skin care and nail center in Port Washington. The sisters really dress up for work, because, says Yoori, "Our customers are coming to get pampered, and dressing fashionably and professionally tells our clients that we are up-to-date. . . . People notice."

TREND: Military action . . . uptown style

Annie dons Mara Hoffman's color-blocked zip-front dress ($275), canvas B-Low belt ($69), Lionette smoky topaz necklace ($159) and stacked bracelets by Strung ($199 for the set). Yoori shows off the season's all-important cape in Army green by Diane von Furstenberg ($395), Citizens of Humanity skinny jeans ($169), B-Low belt ($119) Lionette chain and Strung bracelets ($159 each). All the Kims' clothing is from Entreé Designer Boutique, Port Washington. Hair, Dominic and Marco Commisso for Maxx Hair, Port Washington; makeup, Ryann Figueroa for Plumm Shoppes, Americana Manhasset.

TREND: Animal prints . . . strong '80s silhouettes

For nights out, Annie wears ALICE by Temperly hammered silk dress ($395) with emphasis on the shoulder, Lionette necklace ($159), Strung bracelets ($199 for the set), belt by B-Low ($139). Yoori does a modern day "Flashdance" in an animal print cashmere sweatshirt by Joie ($179), gray Bordeaux tank ($59), Citizen of Humanity skinny dark jeans ($169), Citrine earrings ($119) and bracelets by Strung ($159 each).

THE VOLUNTEER

Bonnie Spodek, 49, of Muttontown, is the mother of two and an ardent charity volunteer. She works for the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County and also does fundraising for the THANC Foundation (for thyroid, head and neck cancer) where husband, Jason, a survivor, sits on the board. Spodek says by day she's a "jeans and casual kind of person. I'm into being comfortable." And though she'd still love to wear ripped up jeans, she doesn't want people to say, "Oh, my God. What is she wearing? I don't want to look like a 50-year-old woman trying to squeeze into my daughter's clothes." (She has two sons, so that wouldn't happen - but you get the point.) For meetings, she likes to look "understated, classic and tailored." Bottom line, "I want to be fashion forward but age appropriate."

TRENDS: A pop of purple . . . perfectly fitted jacket . . . mix of textures

For work, Spodek will definitely command attention in this tailored tweed blazer with velvet shawl collar by Etro ($1,445) topping Ralph Lauren's turtleneck ($175) and heather wide-legged pants ($555). The Prada suede booties ($595) enhance the look. All Spodek's clothes from Marshs in Huntington; hair, Dimitry Shimanov; makeup, Bobbi Talbert, both for Papillon in Huntington.

TRENDS: Gutsy meets girlie . . . shot of red leather

This ruby Valentino Red leather jacket has the toughness of a leather jacket, softened a touch with pretty ruffles ($1,395). Smashing by day or night when worn over skinny stretch jeans by J Brand ($195). Anodized silver and gold necklace, ($3,350) by Gurhan.