THE romance started with the Royal wedding and smouldered during the London Games. As the boutiques fill with fall fashions, it's clear that designers are crushing on Britain.

Houndstooth checks, equestrian blazers and velvet smoking slippers are fit for country manor living. Colour blocking and bold colours are reminiscent of 1960s Carnaby Street, the epicentre for the Mod fashion era.

Sears is touting the "best of Britain" in its fall fashion report.

"The Mod look has a great influence on fall's staple pieces this season," states Cynthia Florek, the department store's trend director for womenswear. Colour blocked sweaters and brightly coloured outerwear pieces are great options that can be incorporated into an existing wardrobe for a little or a lot of the Mod vibe, she adds.

"Flats are a definite focus this season," she continues, noting that loafers and tuxedo slippers in bright cobalt blues, poppy reds and animal prints will make any look pop. Stick with an overall basic look to bring focus to this key accessory, or mix colours for the colour blocked look, she advises.

The English influence carries over into menswear, according to Sears trend director for men's wear Nancy Dennis.

"The lace-up Brit boot is one of my favourite men's accessories this season," she states. "They look great when paired with cuffed denim and pop art socks hat peek out the top, for just a hint of humour."

For men, the sports jacket is important, reflecting a return to more tailored dressing in the workplace and for evenings out. Slim tailoring, tweed textures and bespoke details make it modern, says Dennis, who suggests pairing it with a favourite pair of coloured denim for an injection of personality.

lchristensen@nsnews.com