Rachel Comey

Rachel Comey showed us her sophisticated side for Fall '12, streamlining her usual quirk factor with a modern, refreshing twist. "Normally for Fall we dive into print and pattern and color," said Comey. "This time, I pulled all of that out and cleared the air." With that in mind, the designer showcased laser-cut cotton dresses and wool felt tops, digital-print knee-length skirts, pretty prints, and shiny boxy leather tops. Color pops included an oversized bright orange coat and dress and even a heart-print dress doused in hot pink. Comey's shoes, a cult favorite amongst many, included quirky-cool black-and-white cap-toe loafers, flatforms, and chunky ankle boots. To finish, Comey closed out the show with an array of cocktail-appropriate black dresses, ranging from a simple, slinky halter-neck LBD to a shimmering full-skirted version. More details on the collection below.

• Trends: Laser-cut tops, full-skirt dresses, metallic, digital and watercolor prints.
• Colors: Black, gray, hot pink, bright orange.
• Key Piece: Rachel's laser-cut tops and dresses exuded a light structural quality we can't wait to try on come Fall '12.
• Accessories: Black-and-white cap-toe loafers, flatform boots, clear plastic skinny belts, sheer metallic socks.
• Who Would Wear It: Girls who crave quirky yet sophisticated pieces like Kate Bosworth, Whitney Port, and Leighton Meester.

Colder temps don't mean we'll be surrendering our right to slip into our favorite little dresses. Instead of looking at the chill as a death sentence for pretty frocks, think of it as an opportunity to get creative with the rest of your closet. The slinky dress worn alone in Summer can look just as fab layered up to fight the cold with soft knits, cozy cardigans, and the perfect tights and booties. We've layered up one great find and given this Rachel Comey Dress ($202, originally $403) three Winter-ready looks — taking it from the early chill straight through to snowy days. Just click through for our styling tips and tricks, then shop the looks!

>> Rachel Comey's wood-heel clogs and flat-soled oxfords are cult favorites, so at yesterday's presentation we couldn't wait to see what styles the designer had in mind for Spring 2012. We spotted so many covetable styles — ankle strap peep-toes, leather flatforms, wood-heeled loafers, and more. Shiny straw bucket hats and super-dark shades rounded out the rest of the accessories, and Elle Fanning was perched in the front row. Click through to see all the snaps from backstage.

With a live drum-heavy performance from New York indie band I.U.D. playing in the backdrop, Rachel Comey showed her Spring 2012 collection last night at Pier 59 Studios. Comey's trademark cool-cum-whimsical prints were updated with a chic new twist, "I'm taking them to a more subtle, textural level," said Comey. "And I like it." Adding depth to her collection were draped asymmetric floral print dresses layered over corsets and diaphanous sheer cable knit print patterns. For accessories, Comey showed off another covetable range of flatform sandals, colorblocked loafers, and Moroccan flats topped off with straw hats. We like this chicer, more streamlined side of Comey. Check out highlights from the show below, then flip the slideshow to see the rest of the collection.

>> For Spring 2012, Rachel Comey was feeling a bit introspective. "I was trying to capture this moment when I have my hat or sunglasses on and am able to wander around the city and look inward," she explained backstage after yesterday's show at Pier 59. "I was kind of creating this character that is maybe exploring traveling, getting away, or in some way has stuff on her mind — she's thinking things through."

Physically, this reflectiveness translated into relaxed silhouettes, textural layers, and lots of innovative prints. Knitwear stitches were photographed and printed onto chiffon skirts and tops for a trompe l'oeil effect, while large-scale prints by artist Rosemarie Auberson and photographer Gus Powell adorned crisp sheaths and silky frocks. "I wanted to play with depth, layers, and different levels of opacity," Comey commented.

>> When you don't feel like donning vibrant prints this Summer, seek solace in these seven simple dresses. Whether it's a vintage-inspired denim dress or effortless coral shift, our picks will make for a chic standout – wherever you decide to go this season. Flip through the slideshow to see, and shop, our favorite pared-down options.