Decorum

Polished, prim and proper. These are the three key words that inspire many of this season’s pieces. With extensive reviews on sleek silhouettes, the revival of the skirt suit and a perceptive illustration of the new smart, style takes form with an image of the quintessential Stepford wife as Fall’s fashion template. Lace trims, ruffles, tulip skirts, billow sleeves, cuffs and cinched waists are prime elements that make collections from major fashion houses Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Fendi and Balenciaga a strong declaration of somber style. Considering the twisted and disturbing flawlessness that makes this look so distinct, defined shapes and patterns are, undoubtedly – most complimentary to the female form. Feminine in every sense of the word, these pieces embrace the very essence of being put-together, of looking almost absurdly perfect. Think Bree Van De Kamp of Desperate Housewives or Kirsten Dunst (who plays the uptight Betty) from Mona Lisa Smile. Better yet, Martha Stewart before her highly-publicized federal indictment.

Elegantly lustrous without going over the top with showgirl sequins and embellishment, a minimal dose of jewel tones is highly-prescribed: plush purples, deep blues, ruby reds and emerald greens. Creating a chic look does not require an exorbitant display of skin under the new smart manual. Boat or scoop necks and stand-away collars remind us that a swan-like neck, the swift and almost precisely calculated movement of one’s wrist and the regal, if not statuesque stance guarantee more than a second glance. Hemlines, similarly, are crafted architecturally to guarantee a silent allure that emphasizes one’s curves instead of overpowering. While silhouettes are very reminiscent of ’50s feminism and a strong affinity for minimalism from the ’90s, mastery over tailoring is highlighted through fabric selection. Tweed, silk, taffeta, brocade and lace add texture to pieces that remind us of the exquisite young women from Finishing School. The look is about restrained panache, intelligent style and a paired-down sophistication. Tartans and florals also play up ensembles providing the perfect balance between nostalgia and modernism.

The look is anything but contrived or frigid. After all, this is the new millennium. What this trend proposes is a more grown-up, astute and streamlined approach to modern dressing, appropriate to the letter. These numbers give new meaning to the phrase "picture perfect." This is the anti-thesis to the pole-dancing, nightcrawler disco queen figure celebrated in seasons past. Fashion once again flips through the leather bound pages of the manual that gives one the A to Z in decorum.

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(E-mail the author at bianca.salonga@gmail.com)