FASHION IN THE STARS; ASTROLOGY HOLDS THE KEY TO WHAT WE LIKE TO WEAR.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Fashion Editor

This fall, fashion enters the Age of Aquarius.

After years of power suits, prissy purses and minimalism to the max, fashion is funky, fringed and fun.

Wearable art - from hand-woven ponchos to embroidered jeans - is back from the '70s and a perfect fit for those born under the sign of Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18).

Oh, you never bothered with sun signs?

For those who have always scoffed at astrology and now feel fashion-impaired, we asked syndicated astrology columnist Jacqueline Bigar - whose column appears daily in L.A. Life - to explain the fashion stances of each sun (also called zodiac) sign and how they fit into the fall fashion scene.

Read along and you may even learn that your passion for designer handbags or white shoes is, well, just your nature.

``Aquarius is the original hippie chick and always ahead of her time when it comes to fashion, so she's the one who's going to like the season's bohemian styles and Pucci (colorful geometric) prints.''

But other zodiac signs needn't get in a snit. There's something for every sign under the sun, says Bigar.

``For instance, Leos dress for drama. You can always tell when a Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) enters the room. She's the one who's willing to spend the money to be perfectly groomed and takes time to fuss with a scarf. And she's always got a designer purse such as Chanel or Ferragamo,'' Bigar says.

Aquarians will remain true to their own style, but Leos look for the latest trends as long as they've got enough drama, which includes those new over-the-knee boots, brightly dyed fur coats and embroidered peasant tops. Now, keep in mind that they aren't necessarily the best dressers; they just love fashion more than anybody else, she says.

On the subject of those new-again peasant tops, Bigar thinks it's an item that mostly appeals to the nostalgic signs of Cancer (June 21 to July 22), known as the Martha Stewart of the zodiac; Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20), the dreamy romantic; and Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22), the ultra-girlie sun sign who's got a passion for pink and whatever's of the moment.

Also returning for fall are sweaters. The fluffy mohair style has replaced those tight Lana Turner numbers we wore last year, so you won't be seeing a sexy siren type such as Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) in them. ``This year's sweater girl is more likely to be a Libra who goes for the cozy feeling, or Cancer, who finds the yarns sensual and soft,'' says Bigar.

And ever-practical Taurus (April 20 to May 20) will find bulky cardigans with a hand-knit look paired with long A-line knit skirts are perfect for business as well as wrinkle-free traveling companions. And she'll probably fall for all of those new leaf prints (in autumn hues) in fabrics and leather goods.

About those new longer skirts, Scorpios and Leos may find them too matronly unless the garments are pencil-thin or slit up the leg, but they're an astrological favorite of Cancer, Pisces and Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22), the most modest member of the sun sign family.

Look around, and you'll see red is the hot new (again!) color for fall. Lots of it, from suits to shoes.

Most everyone can wear it well, but Leo, well, she loves it the most. She'll wear any shade of red in monochromatic statements or paired with other sun-kissed colors such as yellow or orange. Or as a dramatic accent to black and white. Yeah, she can go overboard.

Leave it to Taurus and the corporate-chic Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) to use red in a subtle, tailored suit. While they'll favor tomato red, expect it to be deeper and darker when Scorpio wears it.

``Although Aquarians favor electric blue and purple, they need red for good luck and psychic energy,'' Bigar says.

Bigar has noticed that the all-black look continues to be fashion-forward on both coasts, but its biggest fan is Gemini (May 21-June 20), who adores black (think little black dress), followed by Scorpio who finds it sexy, and Taurus who thinks it's practical and doesn't show dirt.

``If it's got funky accessories, an Aquarius might wear it, but definitely not a Pisces,'' she says.

Pisces, the sign of two fish swimming in opposite directions, sends mixed fashion signals all through life. On the one hand, she likes delicate water-colored classics; on the other, she's often seen in striking tailored suits.

Virgos aren't fans of black. They're often teased about being the zodiac's virginal types, yet they do like shopping at the White House chain of stores, where everything is white.

And they also like pearls. Sure, other signs wear pearls, but anybody who sleeps with their pearls on is probably a Virgo.

Now, the flip side of bohemian flair is utility chic, and it's equally big on fall's fashion front.

That simple sporty style (think khaki, zippers and cargo pockets) associated with designers such as Armani, Calvin Klein and David Dart attracts sun signs such as Aries (March 21 to April 19), Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) and Gemini.

Aries and Sagittarius will wear the look because they don't like to spend too much time getting dressed (both are Gap shoppers), but Gemini, which was pop culture icon Marilyn Monroe's sign, will take pride in her minimalist taste and get a rep for being casually chic.

On shoe trends, Bigar also predicted that women who are Leos and Scorpios like stiletto heels and tall boots (with designer labels), which are hot-footing it back into style, while Tauruses and Capricorns prefer pumps or Mary Janes, and Libras probably have whatever's hot, including embroidered mules and platform slides.

Sagittariuses, and their pals under the Aries sign, will have the latest sneakers to wear with everything, and those born as a Pisces will slip into something elegant and tasteful.

The rest of the zodiac? They're not as particular about their footwear.

Ways to follow the sun (signs)

Sun signs are back, so make it easy to start a conversation. Instead of waiting to be asked, tip him off with your astrologically correct cologne or clothes.

Sun sign signature - Victoria's Secret stores are famous for sexy underwear, but the boutique chain also carries a line of gifts for each sign under the sun. Among them is a dainty pen for $6.50.

Horoscope handbags - Los Angeles purse designer and astrologer Julie Feldman designs small satin bags with each astro symbol outlined in ribbon rosettes for $110 each. They're available at two Santa Monica boutiques, Sculpture to Wear and Platino; and by phone, [phone]. Other designs include stainless-steel discs with a horoscope message etched on each.

Zodiac compacts - Estee Lauder has a golden compact for each sign of the zodiac, priced at $55. Available at most major department stores.

Astro scents - The new Astrologie fragrance system, created by Marina del Rey attorney Christine Perakis and Brentwood entrepreneur Lauri Kibby, claims to not only make you smell like your sign but also help enhance your soul, love life and financial status. The fragrance system works with the spin of a charting wheel to your astrological sign. Then you select from a choice of aromas with names like Ethereal and Loving.

Remember, it's just for fun, but the fragrances do smell nice. To order, call [phone], or visit www.astrologie123.com on the Web. Scents are packaged in colorful vials, priced at $24.95 each or in a three-pack for $59.95.

- Barbara De Witt

Astrologically correct handbag@s

So you're shopping for a new purse, and you're drawn to a drawstring style?

Or wondering why you always buy a short-handled Kelly bag, even though shoulder bags are newer?

Look to the stars.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - She's the one most likely to buy a white purse. But whatever the color, it's ladylike.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Feminine styles, from Christian Dior's Lady Dior handbag with the dangling brass letters on the handle to Kate Spade's flower-decked little totes.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Any body-hugging, sleek bag that doesn't detract from her figure, such as Chanel's new 2005 bag shaped like a woman's torso turned upside down. Or maybe Gucci's new black snakeskin design.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - She's a happy camper with any rugged backpack style or a sturdy microfiber tote.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Practical Capricorn favors businesslike designs like Coach's purses with matching briefcases.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Something unconventional, from Miu Miu's new waist bag worn like a belt to Gucci's feathers-and-fringe hippie bags.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - She'd love a Paloma Picasso shoulder bag - the kind with the X-design representing kisses - as long as it's big enough to hold all her stuff.

Aries (March 21 - April 19) - Something sporty to sling on a shoulder or her back.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - She prefers something that's top quality and timeless, such as Ferragamo and Bally. Or a knockoff by Nine West.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20) - A little doll-sized purse to hold her lipstick and cash. Or a black straw tote because it's light and airy.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22) - An old-fashioned drawstring style for an old-fashioned girl.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - It's got to be dramatic with a recognizable label such as Chanel, Hermes or Ferragamo.

Sources: ``Star Style,'' by Gerald Jackson (St. Martin's Press; $12.95); ``Linda Goodman's Sun Signs'' (Bantam Books; $3.95); and horoscope columnist Jacqueline Bigar.

CAPTION(S):

10 Photos, 2 boxes

PHOTO (1 -- cover -- color) Aquarius is the original hippie chick. To express her bohemian flair, she's slipped into a sheer peasant skirt and tank top by Tracy Feith, adding a fringed hippie bag by Jamin Puech.

(2 -- color) Libra is the zodiac's trendie. She wants the latest look - as long as it's a tad girlie like this fluffy lilac sweater with embroidered jeans by Moschino, teamed with pink ankle boots by Figueroa.

(3 -- color) Taurus, the sign of the bull, is fashionable but practical. She'd find that this knit cardigan and A-line skirt by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti is not only timeless but packs well, too.

(4 -- color) Sagittarius, the archer, is the sporty sun sign who dresses for comfort. She'll look for earth-toned separates such as these cropped pants with a blouse and leather vest by Laundry.

(5 -- color) Scorpio, the sexy siren of the zodiac, avoids ruffles and anything that hides her figure. Her stretchy knit top and skirt with beaded lace trim is by Moschino, with shoes by Anne Klein.

(6 -- color) Capricorn is the dress-for-success sign, and she's happiest in tailored suits, such as this Rozae Nichols ensemble with shoes by Bruno Magli.

John McCoy/Staff Photographer

(7 -- color) No caption (Victoria's Secret pen)

(8 -- color) No caption (Horoscope handbags)

(9 -- color) No caption (Zodiac compacts)

(10 -- color) No caption (Astro scents)

Box: (1) Ways to follow the sun (signs) (see text)

(2) Astrologically correct handbags (see text)