Fashion Week Redux: 10 Must-Haves

Now that the dust has settled on NY Fashion Week, what’s the takeaway? The good news: Classics are in, so anything you’re buying this season really should be a keeper. Think Burberry trenches, Chanel bags, black heels, menswear staples and red lipstick. Even on the indie side of the equation, where leather and studs rule the day, you’ll find things you’ll wear again and again.

Though this buying guide is set up in an ideal vs. steal format, Fashion Week made one thing clear: Quality counts. Many of the clothes on the guests and the runway were beautifully tailored, and though you can find knockoffs at Forever 21, there’s an obvious difference the two. Even if you can’t afford the real thing, the shows were a nice reminder of what “designer” really means. Not crazy logos or bling, but creativity, quality and craftsmanship.

10 must-haves for the fall 2009 season, after the jump.

1. Strappy Black Platforms

Left: Costume National Platform Sandals ($680); right: Steve Madden Nicee Platforms ($109.95)

To better define “strappy”: think sexy cut-outs, a trend that will still be going strong in spring. Though the fashion pack hasn’t scaled back on trendy shoes (as Bill Cunningham pointed out, shoes are the new bag), at least now they’re not buying the same pair in several colors. Black prevailed.

2. Motorcycle Jackets

Left: DOMA Cropped Washed-Leather Biker Jacket ($630); right: Topshop Studd Pu Biker Jacket ($115).

Even if you don’t go all out with studs and zipper details, a black leather jacket is a classic urban essential. It’s the Patagonia fleece of New York City, protecting you against wind, rain, and unstylishness.

3. Black Booties

Left: Christian Louboutin Miss Bootie ($1,075); right: Topshop Parker Ankle Boot ($210).

When it gets too cold for sandals, swap them out for booties, which should be worn in the same way you’d wear pumps – with dresses, skirts, jeans, and trousers. These Louboutins were the ultimate, but don’t even try to find a low cost brand that looks like them. Instead, these lace-up ones from Topshop add an interesting visual detail.

4. Boyfriend Blazer

Left: Jil Sander Dynasty stretch wool jacket ($1,675); right: Ann Taylor Tropical Wool Perfect Jacket ($200).

There were actually a couple of types of blazer going on: one was the oversized “boyfriend” blazer; the other a shrunken version of le smoking. Both had exaggerated strong shoulders. The “boyfriend” version is a little more practical as a layer.

5. Oxfords

Left: Church’s Burwood brogues ($425); right: Frye Erin Oxford Flats ($168).

Again in the menswear vein, these cute shoes were showing up everywhere, usually with cuffed trousers or rolled up jeans.

6. Red Lipstick

Left: Make Up Forever Lipstick in Intense Red ($19); right: L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipcolour in Volcanic ($8.95).

Here’s an instant fashion fix: a tube of red lipstick. The color is slightly different from last fall, with more of spring’s orange-y undertones.

7. Tapered Trousers

Left: 3.1 Phillip Lim Cuffed Tapered Trouser ($375); right: Topshop Ruched Hem Trouser ($70)

Don’t be skeptical of this style: It’s actually quite flattering. Show a little ankle for sexy flash of skin.

8. Burberry Trench

Left: Burberry Double Breasted Cotton Trench Coat ($1,395); right: Elizabeth & James Convertible Trench ($357 on sale)

Now we know why we call it “entrenched” – this coat will not go out of style! Burberry was by far the trench of choice, and their amazing turnout at London Fashion Week this September showed that the feeling is still going strong.

9. Studded Bracelets

Left: Alexander McQueen Studded Metal Bangle ($1,095); right: Made Her Think Silver Studded Wrap Cuff ($165).

Kate Lanphear is largely responsible for spurring on this badass trend. Studded bracelets are a great way to add edge. You can go the designer route, but you could also hit a punk store like Trash & Vaudeville or a goth store for something just as deadly cool. This trend trickled up from the street.

10. Chanel Bag

Left: Chanel classic flap bag; Topshop Large Quilt Cross Body Bag ($65).

Though we heart Topshop, this example perhaps best shows the difference between designer and cheap chic quality. There will never be another Chanel. Still, if you must have the bag for cheap, the Topshop one is a nice tribute.