The first day of the autumn season brings with it the release of Cintas Corporation's (NASDAQ: CTAS) 2011 Fall Fashion Trends Forecast. The report details emerging trends in the fashion industry and provides hoteliers a sense of direction when considering seasonal changes to apparel programs. Runway-inspired apparel can easily be translated to the workplace and help build brand identity and uniformity.

From updated classics to bold colors, Cintas' list covers the top fashion trends for fall 2011:

• Slimming Separates: Both men and women’s work wear pieces are tailored give a slimming illusion this season. Drainpipe pants and pencil skirts elongate women’s figures to create thin silhouettes. Men’s pants are also cut to be more slimming and can be accentuated with blazers cut away from the body.

• Sweater Dressing: For an updated take on the preppy trend, lightweight sweaters and sweater vests in a variety of colors are a stylish choice. When accented with a dress shirt, tie and tailored pants, sweaters can be a great alternative for properties that want to look professional without relying on suits. Sweaters are also key for creating a sharp, layering effect.

• Soft Details: Drape, tie and bow details add a feminine, chic touch to work wear tops. The elegant and comfortable pieces are great alternatives to the classic dress shirt.

• Sleeveless and Cropped Tailoring: Sleeveless blazers for women provide a softer look for a jacket. Hoteliers can pair these with blouses to create an eye-catching, layering effect. Additionally, slim, cropped pants bring height to the lower body and allow the option of combining with a great pair of fall boots.

• Dramatic Colors: Gray and chocolate hues such as charcoal and mocha provide relief from the usual black suiting and white dress shirt options while allowing businesses to differentiate themselves. Bright tones such as teal, curry and red also bring a lively splash of color to work wear for the gaming and hospitality industries. Lighter suiting in shades of stone and oyster are an ideal alternative for the resort market.

• Precision Suiting: The return of peaked lapels—a phrase which describes when the folded flaps in front of suit jackets or coats point up and out just below the collar line—brings a precisely tailored look to suiting this season. Satin lapels and single button closures make the peak especially fresh this season, allowing dressy suits to double as black-tie appropriate.

• Men's Wear Inspired: Men's wear inspired jackets and ties are also emerging this cold-weather season. Smaller ties, with a width from one and a half to two inches, are an excellent and polished choice for banquet and foodservice employees.

• Small Doses of Print: Small neckerchiefs for women in floral and geometric prints can add just the right amount of fun. Subtle plaids and jacquard patterns also bring desired texture and depth.

"Fashion makes a statement, and work wear uniform programs are no exception," said Michelle Dortch, senior apparel designer at Cintas. "We strive to produce comfortable, stylish uniforms that maintain a highly professional look. This way, we can make a positive impression on guests and ensure that staff members feel and look great, which translates to a welcoming work environment."

Featuring more than 500 styles, Cintas is the premier supplier of apparel solutions for hoteliers. Quality service and technology and innovative designs bring durability and style to uniform fashion. Finding the right look on a budget is fast and easy with the help of Cintas’ custom design services. The in-house design team works with hoteliers from sketch to finish, delivering original fashions within four to eight weeks.

Visit www.cintas.com/shop to view The Uniform Book or contact a style consultant at 1-800-UNIFORM.

Are you ready to refresh your apparel program?
Trust your look with Cintas, the leader in service and style. Turn to Cintas for expert design, innovative technology and outstanding services to deliver an apparel program that makes a powerful impact. Contact your Cintas Consultant or call 1.800.UNIFORM.