SilverChic: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Every year, fashion's top names and brands flock to New York City to show off their work on some of the world's most prestigious runways, housed at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Even months in advance, these well established designers have put together entire collections that are meant to inspire our wardrobes this coming fall. Although designers presenting at Fashion Week are at the top of the top, these looks can be recreated by anyone. Therefore, seven days, dozens of fashion shows and about 200 fur jackets later, your SilverChic writer have broken down the best looks from Fashion Week 2011, which ended on Thursday, to give our stylin' readers ideas on how to create outfits for themselves.

Layers of layers
From this fall preview, we can predict that come autumn it will be all about layering. The BCBG MaxAzaria collection highlighted long, flowing dresses accompanied by layers of shirts or fur vests to create a very multifaceted look. Azaria made this tried and tested style work by uniquely mixing a variety of fabrics and textures. Most looks combined a tight fitted solid colored shirt with a lacy top, vest or a fur shawl thrown on top. Not only will this trend have you looking sharp, but by wearing layers, fashionistas will no longer feel the need to cover up a well-executed ensemble with a bulky jacket.

Colors to fall for

In the high-fashion world it's important to know which colors are "in" months ahead of time. Mostly crimsons and blues graced the runway this Fashion Week, though a variety of browns, grays and champagne-golds made appearances as well. And most notably, this fall it will also be time to break out the black. Black lace, black fur and black boots were spotted everywhere during Fashion Week, creating sleek and sophisticated looks, both formal and not. But an all-black outfit does not always make for the most uplifting attire—so as to avoid gloom, entirely black ensembles were livened up by the addition of a faux-fur shawl or a white jacket.

We are also pleased to announce that plaid has finally found its place in high fashion. Whether it be pants, jackets, dresses or purses, you name it— this fall, everyone is encouraged to wear even more plaid than usual and be proud about it.

Details, details, details

It certainly wouldn't be Fashion Week without some outrageous details and embellishments—and who better to turn to for some crazy detailing than the zany Betsey Johnson. As we mentioned before, layering is in, and this out-there designer took layering to heart with her collection this year. She paired animal prints and different textures with detailed jackets and full skirts.

For a more tamed look, we looked at Cynthia Rowley's collection, which was buzzing with accessories. High waisted pants and skirts that have deep pockets and adorable button detailing were matched with skinny belts and loose blouses. But Cynthia Rowley has paved way for a new, critical accessory: gloves. To create a more elegant look, the designer's ensembles were topped off with large bangle bracelets or baggy, voluminous gloves that stretched up to the elbow.