Light Years

ALL THAT JAZZ Red’s an extra powerful color when it comes to the season’s best vintage-inspired dresses

Zac Posen silk dress ($1,490), Neiman Marcus. M. Miller fox fur collar ($145), Karan Dannenberg Clothier. Beaded bib necklace ($48) and ruffled patent leather belt ($34), Macy’s. Elsa Peretti wood-and-lacquer bangles ($395 each), Tiffany and Co. Brass and 14-karat gold earrings by Creative Brazil ($92) and geode ring by Dara Ettinger ($68), Sandy Lew. American Apparel tights ($14), American Apparel.

SMART MOVE Ankle boots make knit dresses just right for day; opt for a strappy suede heel after dark

Moschino cashmere-and-silk dress ($895) Butch Blum. Wool hat ($48), Alexis Bittar “lucite bangles” ($75 each), and Marni leather handbag ($2,160), Nordstrom. Brunello Cucinelli suede ankle boots ($595), Mario’s. American Apparel tights ($14), American Apparel.

GREAT ESCAPE Go for broke with high-impact, high-style pieces

Marc Jacobs wool cape ($1,100), Vince leather-and-viscose pants ($895), and trouser socks ($7), Nordstrom. Prada cracked-leather heels ($595), Mario’s.

HERE TO ETERNITY Invest in timeless shapes with modern details and worldly fabrication

Marni jacquard dress ($1,400), Neiman Marcus. Elsa Peretti wood-and-lacquer bead necklace ($1,650) and Elsa Peretti wood-and-lazquer bangle ($395), Tiffany and Co. Vintage gold chain choker, stylist’s own.

PROPORTION CONTROL Corduroy is the new denim; keep it lean and leave a little room for color

Dries van Noten wool-and-down jacket ($1,385), Number Nine corduroy pants ($450), and Issey Miyake silk-and-wool scarf ($730), Jack Straw. Giorgio Armani leather sneakers ($495), Butch Blum.

TOUGH ENOUGH Fall’s best jackets are cut for high-speed motorcycles and shaped for high-style life

Oscar de la Renta wool bouclé jacket ($1,990) and Prada velvet tote bag ($1,450), Mario’s. Elizabeth and James rayon harem pants ($285), Nordstrom. Studded ankle boot ($1, 395), Jimmy Choo. Copper and sterling earrings by Grrdog Metalworks ($80), Sandy Lew.