Pre-Fall 2010: the Stand-Outs

I love pre-fall because it's so hit-and-miss, with the train-wrecks almost as much fun as the successes. Here are some of my favourites this year:

Capes have become less costumey and more accessible. I urge anyone who has considered donning this look to go for it this year. Avoid looking matronly by wearing one with modern detailing, like this oversize pocketed version from YSL.

High socks and short skirts? OK, it's a bit "Clueless" campy, but I love the playfulness of this ensemble from Miu Miu, especially the double-strap closure on the coat.

Going from accessories to RTW, a formidable obstacle, seems to be going well for Devi Kroell. I love the clean elegance of this red vest, a perfect counterpoint of volume, front-to-back.

Leather leggings with raised camellias were a high-point at Chanel. This was possibly my favourite collection.

The Burberry Prorsum collection hung on the back of an Emma Watson doppelganger. I can't restrain my enthusiasm for Bailey's trench-dresses. Keep them coming!

A bit of menswear, a bit of corsetry, a lot of cool; Alexander Wang makes it look easy.

Top 10 trends: # 5

# 5: Glitter Who doesn't love a little sparkle? But instead of a uniform bathing in glitter, designers this season used gems and sequins to illustrate naturalistic shapes and images, often over a sheer backdrop. This means that your head-turning entrance will be evocative as well as glamorous.

TO PULL IT OFF: While many bright young things are irreverently donning sequin embellishments on droopy tees and tanks, I urge anyone over 25 to keep glitter for evening. It's not just appropriate, it simply makes a bigger impact against more mysterious lighting.

Could we be a little more French, please? Chanel, mais bien sur!

Classical vines adorned this prim dress at Miu Miu...

... and this red-carpet showstopper at Marchesa.