Trend Breakdown

Rich brocades and embroidery, architectural, minimalist cuts, and mandarin collars all pointed to something beautifully Asian-inspired on the Fall '12 runways. Proenza Schouler, Jason Wu, Rag & Bone, and more all offered up trips to the Far East that don't require a plane ticket, just a little styling whimsy. Whether with more literal nods to their Eastern influences in kimono-style silhouettes and bold prints from the likes of Dries Van Noten, or in tributes paid more subtly with Rag & Bone's wrap-style skirts and dresses, these collections offer a pretty brilliant jumping-off point. Now we're seeking out the same ornate jacquard, beautiful blossom prints, and sleek mandarin-collared dresses and jackets to channel Fall's homage to Asia.

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Spring 2012's art deco vibe was incredibly hard to ignore — we saw the jazzy, Great Gatsby-inspired trend on the runways from designers like Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and more — and it called to mind a glittery glamour that makes us want to attend a fabulous soiree with Daisy Buchanan, or do the Charleston with Josephine Baker. Art deco is a design style that started in Paris in the 1920s and flourished worldwide thereafter; it represents an elegance and keen attention to graphic details and strong, symmetrical lines, as well as embellishments like beading, feathers, and fringe. We're smitten with the '20s-chic vibe this season, and it can be considerably easy to achieve once you know what to look for.

Here's how to get the look:

• Go for a drop-waist dress; it's a slouchy silhouette that works for all body types and is especially good for girls who prefer to hide their midsection.
• If you'd rather try the trend in smaller doses, consider pairing a sequined tank with wide-leg trousers, or tucking a silky button-down blouse into a pleated skirt.
• As far as accessories go, opt for layers of long necklaces, cute cloche hats, and linear, square-cut clutches.

Now that you're up to speed, click through to see our complete breakdown of this season's art deco trend, then shop essential pieces.

Photo courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue

The call to '40s elegance was all over the Fall runways, drawing us in with classic glamour from Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Miu Miu. It's that '40s influence we first garnered from greats like Katharine Hepburn and Ava Gardner that's now showing up on the pages of Vogue Australia and celebrity favorites like Diane Kruger and Camilla Belle. There are of course more than a few ways to wear it, from the easy androgynous takes in double-breasted blazers and wide-leg pants to the ultra-feminine iterations in pretty pleats and printed dresses, all with nipped waists. To perfect that '40s-era drama, just keep these tips in mind:

• Look for feminine detailing like pleats, cinched waists, and peplum to perfect the decade's ladylike tilt.
• Look for key fabrics like tweed and printed silks to lend the vintage stylized quality you're after on skirts, dresses, and trousers.
• If you're too shy to go for a full-bodied look, opt for vintage-inspired prints like polka dots to channel the trend with ease — and without high risk.

Now, click through for the full breakdown and our picks for perfecting the look.

Ladies, listen up: if there's anything we've learned from the Fall runways, it's that it is officially time to embrace our masculine side. We're talking tuxedo jackets, bowties, suspenders — the whole nine. The menswear look was shown in collections from Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino, and Jason Wu (just to name a few) and calls to mind liberated, cool-and-confident women like Katharine Hepburn and Lauren Bacall. If you need an extra push, just check out how cute Roseanne Doosje looks in Marie Claire Czech; it's a classic, sophisticated look that has just enough gender-bending appeal to make a serious statement — and somewhat ironically, can actually be super ladylike.

Here's how to get the look:

• If you're feeling timid, keep your menswear color palette in chic black and white — the graphic combo is cool enough to make a statement, without feeling too stuffy.
• Temper your androgynous ensemble with a pair of sky-high heels. Not only will they add a touch of femininity, but they'll also give you loads of confidence. The same goes for loose waves, lots of mascara, and a sweep of bright lipstick.
• Opt for fabrics like silk, ponte, and tweed for a real borrowed-from-the-boys vibe.

Now that you're up to speed, click through to see our complete breakdown of this season's menswear trend, then shop essential pieces.

Dark, moody romanticism was explored on many a Fall runway — from the head-to-toe jet-black looks at Lanvin and Rick Owens, to the mercurial floaty chiffon pieces at Roberto Cavalli, we're feeling this slightly fatalistic trend. You can also glean some goth-glam inspiration from Katia Selinger in this spread for L'Officiel Brazil's September 2011 issue, swathed in sultry black chiffon, elbow-length leather gloves, and severe hair and makeup. It's quite clear that Fall's glamour girl is one of mystery, subtle seduction, and quiet confidence.

Here's how to get the look:

• Focus on fabrics. Materials like velvet, lace, silk, leather, and chiffon play nicely to the moody, romantic Fall feel.
• Layer up for ultimate luxe. Part of the allure of the gothic romance look is the effortless, devil-may-care attitude with which layers are worn. Pair a maxi skirt with an ultra long, slouchy knit sweater, followed by a blazer or fur vest.
• Romanticism isn't about showing it all off; balance your look with a high neckline for the ultimate in gothic glamour.

Click through to see our complete breakdown of the gothic romance trend, then shop essential pieces now.

Boudoir — that sexy, come-hither look — took a seriously ladylike turn for Fall, and we're here to show you how to get the look. We'll highlight the trend on the runway and on celebrities, show you key pieces to shop, and impart styling tips on how to nail the trend. The look is marked by lace, pinup detailing, and sheerness all wrapped up in polished silhouettes that keep it far from any brothel references. We think supermodel Arizona Muse looks just right in this Vogue Korea editorial — equal parts soft and sexy. When you style this look right, it should be richly textured, subtly sexy, and classically feminine. Here are our key tips:

Click the slideshow to see our full breakdown of the trend, complete with the essential pieces to buy right now.

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