The top looks and trends from NYC's week in fashion. By Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi

In a lot of ways, it was a week of fall fashion that we're all likely to remember. While the celeb quotient barely registered (save Madonna's Gucci party), the collections from some of our favorite designers and recent newcomers delivered the real star quality. We loved the gutsy exploration of separates, the new sort of modern femininity, the decadent mash-up of prints, and the exuberant use of off-season fabrics and shades (thanks, Marc). As always, there was plenty that didn't appeal, too. But we prefer to focus on the positive…and all the looks we'll be pining for next fall.

1. Grown-up Grunge—We're not big fans of jumping on the band-wagon, but the nod to grunge this season could not be denied. However, it was the more glamorous interpretations delivered by Preen and Yigal Azrouel that revealed the real nirvana. Pairing big, bulky plaids with a sensuous silky jumper or giving it up in a sexy sheers seemed to hit the mark in a modern way. For guys, the look worked with a thoughtful play on layering (none of that rolling-out-of-bed thing). From left: Preen, Yigal Azrouel, Preen, Y-3

2. Rich Pumpkin—Every season it's a new shade du jour, and next fall/winter is all about a spicy shade of pumpkin. In shimmery satins and silks, this new shade of burnt orange looks lush and un-trendy. We'll be wearing it. From left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Karen Walker, Halston

3. The New Gold—On the heels of the bolder autumn-ready orange, our second-favorite shade was a soft gold, a more modern spin on camel and perhaps the perfect neutral for mixing with all the black in our closets. From left: Donna Karan, DKNY, Ohne Titel

4. Bandleader Jackets—Strike up the band…and that sharply tailored take on the military theme we've been seeing season to season. Something about all those gold buttons makes us want to stand up straight and throw our shoulders way back. From left: Temperley, Robert Geller, Rag & Bone