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There are many collections this fall that I enjoy, but I think my absolute favorite is Marni’s AW08 collection. Consuelo Castiglioni returned to her minimalist designs from last season, but I feel she refined this season’s work by taking out the fluff and truly letting the fabrics and the shapes of the garments take the forefront. Whereas in the spring/summer collection Castiglioni used a good deal of printing and unique, quirky fabrics, this season centers around the old classics: tweeds, silk, printed knits and fur in a stunning palette of pastel shades and muted colors.

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The entire collection seems to take a strong influence from the 1920’s and art nouveau. The silhouettes are long and straight, with skirts resting just below the knee. Blouses and dresses drape loosely over the forms, incorporating a good amount of fabric. All the pieces include beautiful striped stockings or knee socks, and platform shoes ending in a square toe – an ideal touch for such an architectural collection.

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Fabric effects are brought to a minimum in this collection, but when they are used they are broad statements that encompass the entire garment. Particular favorites of mine are the mustard yellow and black checkered skirt and the wonderful diamond lattice texture in the duotone skirt suit. Particular interest can be taken in the pieces that employ the most unique patterns in the collection – as these are the ones that seem to embody art nouveau. Not only are the models adorned in these nostalgic, graceful patterns, but the headpieces that adorn their heads are highly reminiscent of the wreaths of fruit and flowers that often garland the heads of female archetypes depicted in the period work.

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Integrate Marni style into your wardrobe this season by opting for loose trousers and blouses in pastel and muted colors. Trousers should end a little above the ankle, to prevent them from looking baggy. Choose colors that compliment each other, but do not be afraid of adding a third or fourth flash of color to make the look “pop.” A cardigan or light jacket can be worn over the outfir, cinched in place with a sleek belt. Accessorize your outfit with striped socks, and vintage headband and maryjanes, and you are ready to hit the streets in your modern classic style.

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When I think of Gucci, I think of luxury, sexiness, sumptuousness – and maybe ladies blinged out to the max. I think this has a lot to do with my eighties upbringing, a time when sophistication and lavishing in the expensive reached new heights, with Gucci the call to arms of affluence in fashion. But looking at Gucci’s stunning AW08 collection, I am forced to reassess my former opinion. Frida Giannini has done a remarkable job taking a brand that had a high potential of becoming dated after its rise as the hallmark of opulence, and bringing into the new age of cultural assimilation and bohemian sensibility, all the while preserving that sense of sumptuousness that makes Gucci Gucci.

This collection is a perfect example of her accomplishment. Giannini has pulled from bohemian, folk and middle-eastern influences to create outfits that feel sleek, sexy, yet culturally relevant, well-traveled and ethnic. The result is what I like to think of as a “sexy matroshka” – outfits that feel smart, sophisticated, yet down-to-earth and traditionally aware.

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Many of the ensembles in the collection have an almost uniform-like composition: black slacks, black boots, beautiful belt scarves, decadent waistcoats over blouses and turtlenecks that provide vivacious punches of color. The pieces all carry old-world embellishments that make them feel rooted in tradition – particularly the gypsy belt-scarves and the waistcoats, which vary from caftan-esque knits to carefully embroidered coats, finished with military buttons.

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The footwear in this collection is particularly appealing. Many pieces incorporate long-fringed boots, which add a wonderful movement to the costumes. Others incorporate heavily studded ankle boots, which look both traditional in their decoration, but entirely new and unique in their construction. I am quite smitten with these beauties.

Incorporate Gucci’s style into your fall wardrobe by opting for form-fitting leggings, waistcoats and tops that pop with color. Wrap a large, ethnic scarf around your waist to add a dash of color, and don’t be afraid to pile on the belts. Finish the look with fringed boots, and chunky, ethnic gold jewelry. A no-nonsense black bag and dark sunglasses brings the whole thing together.

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Dries Van Noten has been quickly ascending as one of the most applauded designers today, particularly in the department of footwear, in which his shoes have garnered an almost cult-like following, However, Van Noten’s AW08 collection shows us that his sense of garment design is just as acute as his panache for sharp footware.

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Van Noten’s collection seems inspired by a trip into your rich Grandma’s attic: vintage furs, chunky oversized sweaters, embroidered Eastern coats from long-ago travels, brought together with modern-art inspired prints on blouses, skirts and slacks. Throw in some men’s trouser socks to ground the entire look with a smart black base, and a look is created that is eclectic, romantic and divine.

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The look is one of elegant clutter – a variation of prints and textures brought together with a careful eye. diaphanous skirts and slacks are mingled with coarser, knobby knitting and fur that is spiky or textured. But my absolute favorite touch are the necklaces – whose beads are so loud and pronounced they appear to be numerous bangles strung together. A smaller accessory would be completely drowned out in these outfits, and I admire that Van Noten created a unique accessory that could compete with such ensembles and be entirely captivating in its own right.

Work this look into your fall apparel by being bold – don’t be afraid to mix strong prints and textures against one another. Mix your floral print skirts from the summer with large, heavy sweaters. Printed fabrics brought together can be married with the right accessories — a neutral fur vest, black scarves, and of course, black shoes and black trouser socks. Find the chunkiest necklace you can get your hands on to complete the look, or better yet, make your own from cheap bangles (which is what I am sure to do).

If your personal sense of style revolves around comfort, like mine, then Stella McCartney is the ideal designer. Her pieces always carry a sense of grace and elegance in even the most casual fabrics. Her AW08 collection once more delves into pushing the envelope on couture and comfort, this time through a greyscale color palette, heavy knits, and loose, billowing, one-piece garments that almost cocoon the wearer in the material. The effect is altogether elegant, sensual and stunning.

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Many of the pieces in McCartney’s collection utilize elaborate intarsia (a flat knit fabric with patterns knitted in solid colors), but unlike the chunky, kitsch effect that the style is often associated with, McCartney adds refinement by using loose-form patterns, or elaborate patterns rendered in a grey color palette, which creates a more subtle, sophisticated effect. This successfully translates the look into a much higher caliber, turning a style rather charming and folksy into one of the utmost elegance.

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In my opinion, an almost Elizabethan influence can be found in several pieces of the collection, particularly the evening wear piece above. Again, these two dresses are examples of the way McCartney can take the most simple, casual ideas – in this case, a nightgown and an oversized sweater, and turn them into sheer elegance through shaping and details. The effect is almost geisha-like and old world – the beauty of the woman lies in what is hidden rather than what is revealed. The sexiness of the female in repose, if you will.

You can capture McCartney’s cool comfort by sticking to greys and blacks, and donning uncluttered, large, simple knits. Keep the look uncluttered with accessories — in this case, something soft like a scarf is more appropriate than jewelry. Pair an oversized sweater with another large knit piece (like a vest or cardigan), simple black leggings and black accessories. The look will leave you looking elegant and ready for the elements, while feeling comfy to the max.