FUR: There was an unabashed use of fur on countless runways, heralding a return to decadence, and unapologetic luxe dressing.  From coats and capes, to skirts and dresses, the fuzzy stuff abounded, sometimes merely as trim, and often fabricated in unusual new ways.  Chanel even showed fur trousers and shorts!  But for that house, it was all about fabulous fake.

 

 

HATS:  Peruvian hats, sophisticated bowlers, lame turbans, velvet poor boy caps, fur and leather hoods-Take your pick from whatever suits you!  Many fall collections featured fancy headgear this 'go round, for those confident enough to strut it. 
  

TAILORED MENSWEAR: Sharp, no-nonsense tailored menswear has come back the past couple of seasons, and the trend continues for fall. This classic mode of dressing speaks to the confident businesswoman in us, and is always elegant and empowering.

FEMME FATALE: Sensuality and femininity are a big part of the season's DNA, and you can express yourself any way you choose:  From delicate, romantic chiffon dresses, like we saw at Dior, to the arresting tribal glam offerings at Lanvin, to the '60s chic multi-textured looks of Valli, to the Audrey Hepburn meets Brigitte Bardot retro feel of Louis Vuitton, womanly dressing figures beautifully for fall.

ARCHITECTURAL MINIMALISM: It was bound to happen, after that exhausting '80s ride we've been on the past couple of seasons.  Time to think about paring down a bit-if the spirit moves you-and start subscribing to that old theory that less is more.  But this go 'round, minimalism doesn't have to be boring: Sophisticated architectural shapes are making profoundly strong statements.  These looks particularly set the tone at Stella McCartney and Celine.

COZY COMFORT:  The slouchy look is back for fall, with relaxed dressing that's manifesting itself in all kinds of knits and even glam, decorated lame sweatshirt style dresses like we saw at Lanvin.  Gaultier had practical knit hoodies and sweatpants, and the patterned knits at Givenchy were just the thing for making  cozy chic statements at the chalet. Chanel showed beautiful frosty white and blue angora dresses.

PANTS: They're everywhere, from relaxed to skinny, and speak of the ease we're all looking for in our fast-paced lives.  Akris suggested a relaxed cut, that was slightly flared, while our pal Karl Lagerfeld insisted on the sizzle of skintight shiny patent and metallic stretch silver pants for his collection.

LONGER SKIRTS:  Though leggy looks continue to be hot, micro minis are on the wane, with skirt lengths taking a plunge. The mid-calf skirts surfaced on lots of runways, suggesting a more sedate approach to sizzle.  Marc Jacobs' fuller skirts for Louis Vuitton,  Gaultier's  colourful peasant skirts, and even the striking full mohair skirt at Hermes are all harbingers of things to come. Ultimately though, it's all in the mix.

BOSSOMS: Modesty seemed to be taking over for a little while there, but I'm glad to say that décolleté is back, so you might think about investing  in a good push-up bra if you want to show off those curves to their best advantage. Trust me, the Louis Vuitton show was eye-popping!

 

COATS: What a sensational season for outerwear!  From militaristic looks to classic trenches to cozy parkas to beautifully sculpted shapes and architectural lines, you're going to want to go coat shopping more than once this fall. Options abound, and some coats can even be worn as dresses. 

CAPES:  Drama approaches: There's nothing like a fabulous cape to make a bold and sweeping statement, and this fall, cape-dressing should be commonplace.  Capes are the perfect layering piece, but besides the practicality and freedom of a garment of this nature,  a cape with fur-trim, like we saw at Viktor and Rolf, or a cape made of leather, like Dior's, could instantly elevate you to real diva status.

STREAMLINED SHOES:  While few women will be prepared to abandon their platforms-we all so love the height they give us-a more streamlined shoe is the big news for fall, and a smaller heel.  Pointy toes are also making a big comeback-a shape that looks great peeking out from pants.

EARTHY and BLUSH TONES: While some collections featured welcome shots of colour-think Valentino red, for example, orange and fuchsia at Stella, or bright green at Ungaro-and some, like Gaultier, went for a wild ride on the vibrant colour wagon, most designers stuck to quiet shades of pale taupe, greys, camel, and ivory.  Blush tones were also out in full force, and pale pinks and nudes made for soft femininity.