"Back in Black", "Baby's In Black", "Black Velvet",  "Black Betty". 

The list of songs that have been written about this color is endless and the images it evokes are just as diverse.  From vampire gothic to beret-clad beatnik.  Uptown fashionista to downtown gallery dweller.  Darth Vader to Zorro.   Everyone has her own idea of what "black" is or what it looks like to them.  And that was especially evident for designers this fall as the non-color  was more inescapable than ever.

However, that doesn't mean you need to commit yourself to the Dark Side!  There are many other trends that have peaked our interest for autumn, trends that won't have you seeking out a prescription for Prozac. Below we've listed some of our favorites and the best way to wear them.  And if you're more of a second-hand clothing fanatic (like me), with a little ingenuity, you'll always be able to find vintage versions of any of these.  Check it out.

Metal Heads  Variations on 60's style show up every season (don't ever believe the hype when magazines claim "Mod is in!" because it never really does go "out").  This time around, the swinging little birds are all dressed up for the occassion in sparkly metallics.   Way above the knee, these structured shifts recall perennial fountains of inspiration like Pierre Cardin and Mary Quant.  Pairing them with matching legwear (a 60's staple) is suggested, especially since it's no longer a "fashion don't" to be sporting open-toed shoes with tights.

Wool-y Bully  A refreshing alternative to all of the black is monochromatic white.  The best way to pull this off is by mixing up lots of different textures like an open-weave sweater over a wool ribbed turtleneck or a thick cableknit cardigan with some skinny corduroy jeans.  Think warm and cozy, sitting by the fire with the cute snowboarder at some ski chalet in Switzerland.  Or Aspen.  Or Vermont.  Maybe the Poconos.  Just be careful after that first snowfall in the city since the dry cleaner just may not be able to remove the grungy urban slush out of those newly purchased wool trousers.

Who Wears Short Shorts  Wearing shorts in cold weather may seem like an oxymoron but think of it this way: you wear skirts in the winter, why not shorts?  Back in the 70's, they were called "hot pants" and when women paired them with knee high boots and long coats, the look really worked (for a little while, anyway).  Follow similar rules of proportion if you want to rock this look for 06'-07'.  Wearing them tailored and a little baggy calls for a fitted top while a shorter or slimmer pair wants to team up with more volume up above.  But whichever way you go, you must always layer them on top of tights because pasty bare legs in the middle of December scream fashion victim (and so will the frostbite).

Tight-en Up  With all of the little skirts and shorts out there it's only fitting that you'll need something to cover up those gams of yours (fashion isn't entirely impractical, after all).  Here's where tights come into the picture.  99% of what's out there is, of course, black.  But some designers did show a little ingenuity and flashed some grey, off-white, and (like Pucci and Chloé above) color.  The more opaque, the better.  And no, those footless ones with the lace trim at Urban Outfitters DO NOT COUNT (they should be filed under "Do Not Resuscitate in Case of 80's Revival").  Tights should completely cover your tootsies.

Pump Up the Volume  Many of the garments walking down the runway seem to have been influenced by the Michelin Man, but if you take a closer look you'll find plenty which still have an off-kilter proportion but are in fact, pretty wearable.  The most extreme of the lot was Nicolas Ghesquière of Balenciaga who rummaged through the house's old closets for inspiration (great for fashion editorials, not so much for the street).  We suspect the racks at H&M and Zara will be filled with items that more closely knock-off the likes of Marni.

And the Beat Goes On Whether you refer to this look as marching band, royal nobelman, or French officer, there's no escaping the current incarnation of military finery as fashion.  This fall, however, finery is the operative word. With tons of brass buttons, guilded details, and razor sharp tailoring, don't be surprised if you are saluted while suited up.  Want to bring the formality down?  Wear some slim white jeans and shiny riding boots.  Want to bring it down more?  Put on some war paint and be mistaken for a member of Adam's Ants.</td><tr></table>