INSTEAD of opting for the super-saturated red so popular this season, many designers took a more restricted approach to their palettes. The results are particularly fresh. Distinctly different from the bold, sexy or avant-garde tones, these sweaters and jackets in cold shades deliver a low-key metropolitan elegance.

Black is back and in force for fall. Some best of the black comes in handsome skintight jackets, deconstructed knits and the invincible pairing of black and white.

Draping, texture and tailoring details pop where they might have gone unnoticed, with show-stopping standouts that include a black knit blouse with slit sleeves and white satin skirt with black swirl patterns.

Shiny buttons and a zip-up turndown collar highlight the modern taste of a tailored black jacket. It mixes nicely with a neo-romantic A-line skirt featuring oil painting patterns that's smart and cool.

The tomb raider Lara Croft-inspired pairing of a skinny zip-front black sweater with skintight black long pants takes the classical stance of modernism, with buttons and buckles that make it more chic.

Shades of gray, beige, camel and brown are cool choices besides black. Elegance also comes from shiny soft materials like satin and chiffon.

The elastic version of a ballerina's boat neckline adds romance to a soft gray jacket, while it also provides fun and variety with choices to either expose the shoulders or the waist.

Details like a slim belt at the waist and leather-piped sleeves and pockets give a unisex look to an elegant beige coat, while a deluxe lace-coated skirt featuring leaf patterns highlights the latest version of feminine grace.

 
Editor: Wings