When the normally showy, sexy, and shameless Roberto Cavalli runway yields nothing but demure, pretty, and modest, a major fashion shift must be afoot.  And yet this season, Cavalli and many others showed looks with high necks, long sleeves, and full-length skirts - looks the likes of which haven’t been hip in the past century (or at least since the gauzy bohemian 1970s).  Call it a backlash or just inevitable, but these very Victorian fashions appear to be here to stay, or at least for the next few seasons.

The elements?  Lengthy and flowing, with  towering heels and Spring’s ubiquitous translucent ruffles.  Belts are a must to keep the look from becoming overwhelming, and unusual hats (as at Galliano, above) add a modern edge.  Makeup can be next to nothing or full-on, but the trend for hair is loose, teased, and pulled up - witness the Gibson-girl poufs executed at Marc Jacobs, Alberta Ferretti, and, of course, Cavalli.

This blouse by Alice + Olivia is a simple but charming way to get in on the trend.

These Franco Sarto ankle boots are the ultimate in Victorian-style footwear, for use in a very modern wardrobe.

 Metallics have been in fashion so long that it seems like they were never out.  This season though, past standbys like gold and silver are nowhere to be seen, only to be replaced by less gaudy, more muted tones like champagne and pewter. 

The new metallics are far from the ordinary, in matte fabrics, myriad colors, and futuristic textures.  But, the 60s futurism (with its streamlined shapes, tough gold plating, androidesque leggings, and heavy, cumbersome platform shoes) that was re-popularized last year has subsided in favor of a kinder, gentler take on metallics and the dramatics they so effortlessly add to a piece of clothing.

Marchesa showcased a sweet, pink-champagne colored minidress in a subtle metallic shade, while Proenza Schouler (above) and Dolce and Gabbana (below) chose dark pewters with dazzling tinges of color.  Not wild about dressing in head-to-toe heavy metal?  Shoes and bags in metallic hues are a great way to work the trend into a less-showy wardrobe, and of course, metal jewelry never goes out of style.

This shift dress by Theory is reminiscent of runway looks from Dolce and Gabbana.

A tunic by Alexander Wang is perfect for a night out.

Not ready for full-on sparkle?  A handbag by D&G pairs perfectly with both neutrals and brights.

This season’s runways are all about the ultra-feminine - frills, ruffles and the like. 
So it is no surprise, then, that pink is emerging as Spring’s hottest shade.  The color comes in many guises - artsy prints at Dolce and Gabbana (above), florals at Marc Jacobs and Giles, and neon hues at Chris Benz (below). 

Part of its beauty is that it works on almost anyone (and goes with almost anything) -
it’s easy to find the style and shade that fits you, and though it endows every outfit with a certain dose of femininity, it need not always be TOO much so - just look at Burberry’s futuristic, razor-cut offerings.

Magenta and fuschia work with most skin tones, but are especially striking with a tan.  Dresses like this one by Nicole Miller will be everywhere next summer.

Pale-skinned girls can wear mauve and pale pink like no other.  If bright pink is too much for you, try a more subdued look like this one by Grey Ant.

Accessories are always a must.  Dark colors look great with pale pink, and neon hues look fresh with brighter tones.  Handbag by Prada.

On the heels of a very mature fall, has fashion suddenly regressed into childhood? It would seem so, judging by the frothy, frilly looks designers will be serving up this Spring.

From Giles (above), Erdem, and Peter Jensen in London to Reem Acra, Marchesa, and Rodarte in New York, the Spring runways mark a return to innocence after a season of serious glamor.

Spring’s uniting theme at the moment is certainly its quirky retro femininity, and the Lolita look appears to be the flip side of the grown-up “librarian” trend. When these clothes hit stores early next year, expect lace, ruffles, bows, and chiffon to be the order of the day.

Above: looks from Rodarte, Reem Acra and Peter Jensen.

This look does require a certain youthfulness - if not of actual age, then of spirit. The key pieces here are sundresses and minidresses in fresh, pale colors like pink and white. Hats and gloves make for fun complements but it is best to keep accessories and jewelry simple and neutral.

Plain white sandals by BCBGirls help keep a frilly, ethereal look grounded, while not sacrificing any of its sweetness.

This black sheath by Rebecca Taylor is similar to Marchesa’s runway looks for spring, but is far more suitable for everyday wear. Marc Jacobs’ pale teal layered dress is reminiscent of looks by Rodarte and Giles.

If fall 2007 has one over-arching theme, it’s slim-fitting, body-conscious, and over-sexed silhouettes.  It appears that the season’s central look is unequivocally the bandage dress, whether on the runway or on the red carpet.  But, after several seasons of loose fitting and at times frumpy trapeze and sack dresses, the transition is a jarring one, and one cannot help but wonder where fashion might go next - perhaps toward a happy medium?  It seems designers, from Luella to Marc Jacobs, felt the same way, putting a quirky, almost humorous spin on the line between form-fitting and slouchy.  The new look on Spring runways everywhere?  An updated version of of librarian-chic.

Spring hasn’t rolled around yet, but why not try the look before everyone else does?  The key components are, of course, oversize glasses frames, a fitted jacket (or sweater) and skirt, sensible-but-sweet flats, and a handbag or shoulder bag that is both practical and fashion-forward.

These marigold yellow Miu Miu flats will keep you comfortable in style.

 A wool skirt by L.A.M.B. and a jacket by Cynthia Vincent make for the perfect prim-but-flirty combination.

Nothing completes the geek chic look like a quirky brooch or two.