Black leather is an eternal classic and unwavering staple. It's not going anywhere anytime soon, but a new shade of leather is hot on its trails. Burning hot. This season, rich, saturated red is the unexpected and ultra-confident alternative to neutral skin. Just one key crimson piece, whether it's a pair of bum-hugging leather pants, a casual motorcycle jacket, or brilliant shift dress, has the potential to take your wardrobe from fizzle to sizzle. Rock some red and keep the rest neutral - this color is so potent, it's most powerful in measured doses.

1) Notify Bamboo Mid-Rise Skinny Leather Pants: Fiery leather pants are part of every denim label's collection this fall, but Notify has achieved the perfect shade of deep lipstick-red, while the jean style makes for casual ease. On Net-a-Porter for $900.

2) Veda Thriller Leather Jacket: Slouchy, laid-back cool. Red has never looked so nonchalant. You would be surprised how versatile a motorcycle jacket this color can be. Play up Veda's relaxed crinkle goatskin and style it sans fuss. On ShopBop for $770.

3) Tibi Leather T-Shirt: It's not just the hue that makes Tibi's tee a smart take on the leather shirt. The boxy, almost-cropped cut and laser-cut edges add up to breathable comfort that can be dressed up, down, and all around. On
ShopBop for $575.

4) Yves Saint Laurent Leather Dress: Does it get any better than this? I don't think so! YSL has provided us with the mother of all leather dresses. The color clearly can't be missed and the cinched shift silhouette (completed with a back belt detail) is ahead of the curve. At Bergdorf Goodman for $3,490.

5) Imoni Short Glovettes: Imoni takes the fingerless glove to the next level. With no individual finger slots, these deep ruby gloves leave your hands free and grant you just a splash of saturation. Exclusively at Intermix for $118.

Holiday dressing is like no other form of decking yourself out. It's a time to go all out and show off your spirit (when it comes to both fashion and the festivities). Matchy-matchy is usually a big no-no, but if you find the absolutely perfect cocktail of couture and accessories, the holiday party is the moment to go for it. But that doesn't mean you have to get typical with your color scheme - or your style.

Bottega Veneta's belted shift dress ($2,600) is a year-round stunner. A fascinating crinkle print gains endless depth when it has a lace overlay - these are modern effects on a classic dress. And the contrasting cumberbund belt in bright rust is brilliant. Layered yet streamlined, it's appropriately grown-up in the front, then explodes into a festive bow in the back - perfect for channeling your inner little party girl.

As drop-dead breathtaking as the dress, it's hard not to get taken with the accessories here. Who cares if it matches? In gradient reds and oranges set on a gray background, this Jil Sander karung clutch ($1,345) looks too good to turn down. It was made for this dress. Pony-hair embossed pumps announce that you're going all-out, but Yves Saint Laurent's subdued print ($795) makes for a discreet metallic. You also want jewelry that won't overwhelm. Simple yet bold, choose a coordinating assortment from this season's Bottega. A chunky bangle ($4,380), dangly earrings ($980), and a cocktail ring ($580) are all you need to finish it off.

Wear this around those who will appreciate: this is an outfit to contend with, nothing subtle or casual about it, and it will probably knock all others out of the holiday park.

With the dips in temperature come the cold-weather accessories. Why choose to look at them like the practical necessities they are? We all have a pair of black leather gloves (or two or three) in our closet, but this season, live it up and don a pair with unique style! Whether you encase your hands in jewels, lace, or leopard, the glove is a demure yet assertive way to infuse unexpected panache. My top picks are as ladylike as they are unafraid to take the spotlight.

1) Alexander McQueen Black Fingerless Glove: I'll concede this brass-encrusted pair is far more decorative than it is warm, but the sense of flavor these gloves bring will amp up any ensemble. And at least you won't have to take them off to text. At Alexander McQueen for $755.

2) H&M Long Lace Gloves: Have an old black dress in your closet? Dress it up, retro-style, with a pair of dramatic opera-length gloves. Think of these frugal snob-approved finds as lacy tights for your arms. At H&M for $9.95.

3) MICHAEL Michael Kors Jeweled Lambskin Gloves: Enjoy coziness and still show off your manicure. Soft lambskin with a ribbed knit trim is sensible; clusters of multi-cut rhinestones will add a spellbinding flash to your hand gestures. No doubt about it, this is the best value for your money. At Michael Kors for $98.

4) Agent Provocateur Leopard-Print Calf-Hair Driving Gloves: I love a good leopard glove. This season, there is something for every budget. With a flash of red leather, Agent Provocateur's driving gloves bring even more pizzazz to the statement. On Net-a-Porter for $500.

H&M Imitation Leather Gloves: For a frugal alternative, H&M's faux fur and imitation leather offers a similar dual-sided effect (at a tiny percentage of the price). At H&M for $17.95.

5) Lanvin Crystal-Embroidered Long Leather Gloves: Would Holly Golightly have "swooooned" over these? I think so! Elbow-reaching leather looks dreamy with wild, three-dimensional Swarovski crystal embellishments. The glam factor just climbed by a thousand notches. On Net-a-Porter for $1,555.

Feeling lazy but need to dress up? The beauty of cooler weather! Look to outerwear that does all the work. We constantly have the statement shoe, dress, and jewel on the mind, but let's not discount the importance - and usefulness - of the statement sweater. A bold, wild yet refined cardigan has the potential to cover all your bases, making you look like you put a whole lot of effort into pulling yourself together, when all you really did was get even cozier.

Peter Pilotto's printed wool cardigan ($1,295) functions like several key outfit elements in one. This isn't your ordinary autumn sweater! The shape is long and fitted for a formal effect; the deep-V only adds to the fact that just because you're wearing something comfortable, you're not neglecting your silhouette. Broken down into three opposing "prints" (that all work together seamlessly), this is like wearing separates - it even has a belt detail to flatter your figure. The key to outerwear that saves you is by not choosing nubby neutral; Pilotto's mixed pattern is oh-so-current and still makes you look appropriately effortless.

The rest just falls into place. Slim-fitting black jeans or pants are necessary (old blue jeans and you might look like you shouldn't have left the house). Rag & Bone's ($298) feel as comfortable as can be, but leather riding panels smarten them up. If you want to amp up the look - and why not? - go with a shirt of an opposing print. See by Chloé's cats-and-trees pattern ($395) is capricious yet mellow; plus, silk always raises the bar. You've made it this far: stay comfortable and get some high-heel posture with a pair of 4" wedge ankle boots. A hybrid of leather and suede, Surface to Air's ($435) are equal parts casual and polished.

Next time you don't feel like dressing to the nines but you're still going to be seen, go easy on yourself and put your cardigan to work.

There's a fine line between fuzzy-cute and Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Bear. But what's clever dressing without some humor - and some comfort?! We have to be willing to poke fun at ourselves. The most daring of style-philes do it all the time; just adding plenty of glamour and confidence into the mix prevents these trailblazers from looking actually laughable.

So at the risk of getting mistaken for a cast member of Sesame Street, I am going to say yes to this cropped mohair jacket. Marc Jacobs has made it look just too cozy to turn down. I can't imagine a safer feeling than pulling up that cuddly hood and hiding in when the crisp wind is whipping my face. Navy felt panels with horn-shaped toggles just reinforce the sense of youthful impishness, and thank goodness for the abbreviated cut. Or else we would have a hairy situation on our hands, and this jacket would go from funky to downright funny.

Barneys in Dallas is offering 20% off purchases. Just call 469-221-4700, ask for Rebecca, and tell them Couture Snob sent you. At Barneys New York for $1,950.

Pair with: Slender and streamlined all the way. If there ever was a time to yank on your skinny jeans, here it is. Get the slick look of tight leather leggings without the commitment, a la Helmut Lang's combo pants. Stretch denim backing means these keep their shape and sense of comfort. At Bergdorf Goodman for $495

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This is the very best kind of the affliction! Bright, vivid, sunshiny yellow is my favorite color of the season. Not mustard or muted, amber or apricot, goldenrod or chiffon, but true yellow. You know it when you see it because there's just nothing else like it. An instant and undeniably pick-me-up, rich lemon yellow makes people smile. And it will be sure to make you smile to yourself, especially when it's in the form of a fluidly draped dress, sparkling convertible tunic, or too-cute little miniskirt. Who says yellow is supposed to be mellow? Kick things up a notch, no matter what storm clouds or dreariness the weather brings, and create your own sunny day.

1) 3.1 Phillip Lim Silk V-Neck Dress: This just might be what Phillip Lim does best: taking the initially most simplistic of dresses and bringing a je ne sais quoi. Not only is the color a standout, his configuration of structure and slouch is rare. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $650.

2) 3.1 Phillip Lim Rhinestone Trompe L'Oeil Tuxedo Shirt: So sunny he made the list twice! Phillip doubles our cheer with yellow that sparkles as much as the midnight sky. A scrunch-able jersey top switches into shift territory for a totally different look. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $195.

3) Roberto Cavalli Jersey Dress: I can't remember the last time such an innocent shade looked so suggestive. These draped lines hug every curve to bring out your flirty side. Who knew yellow was a bombshell shade? At Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.

4) Diane von Furstenberg Elley Mini Skirt: One word: adorable. This black-on-glowing yellow A-line skirt buzzes with energy. Pair it with easy flats or wedges and a menswear-inspired shirt, and don't forget to bring as much sunny spirit as your mini. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $265.

5) Thakoon Addition Asymmetric Dress: Thakoon's take on the hue reads like liquid gold. It's all in the sheen of that rippling silk, which only improves with movement. A little asymmetry via a ruffle at the shoulder and this dress is a ray of light. On ShopBop for $565.

Forget Burberry and forget Lanvin! I tried this on at the trunk show in LA last spring, and Holmes & Yang have produced, hands down, the best trench coat I have ever encountered.

The problem with most trench coats is they are usually slouchy and messy-looking. When it comes to their line, Jeanne and Katie are meticulous about every last detail; and the simplicity of their designs puts even more emphasis on the importance of structure and tailoring. That's just what the duo has nailed with this trench - it couldn't be more precise or polished. Reverse duchess satin is endlessly divine; trimmed in leather (notice the phenomenal panel details on the back of the sleeves, as well as the piping all around them), it's sexy without revealing any of your own skin. And so flattering!

With a coat like this, it doesn't matter what else you're wearing - this will pick up the slack. Like a great Hermès bag, the prized pieces I own get worn over and over without any visible sign of wear. I'm crowning this the Birkin of trench coats, and it's worth every penny. At Barneys New York for $3,480.

Pair with: Gold studs and nude leather will amp up the appeal even further. In the form of razor-sharp, peep-toe pumps by Valentino, you know you're getting the best of the best.
Available for pre-order for $895 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Your granny's booties? Not even close. The latest selection of lace-up boots at Shoe Snob posses the refined quaintness of the Edwardian era with an edgy and often almost S&M spin!

Textured Tights Take a Playful Turn This Winter Season at TheFind!

A neutral yet festive little bag like this clutch at Bag Snob is fun for the holidays - you don't have to worry about coordinating, so live it up in the wild colors you crave to jazz up cold weather, and this will turn up any party dress.

10 Instant Fall Classics to Add to Your Closet at FabSugar.

This Ralph Lauren jacket merges Tot Snob's snappy fashion fantasies with the real deal.

Red Carpet Fashion Awards has Zooey Deschanel In Moschino at the 2011 World Series Game 4 - Texas Rangers v St Louis.

The Fashion Spot's Apartment Fashion: Love Where You Live.

With lots of vintage inspiration, Kelly Framel at Jewel Snob uses antique and recycled materials for sustainable pieces that transcend time.

The Budget Fashionista has 13 Great Fall Dresses for Under $50.

Just a dab of the Le Métier de Beauté Crème at Beauty Snob will offer that natural glow to your cheeks or a bitten tint to your lips, and it comes in five appealing shades.

My favorite pairs of everyday pants have the ability to look great with something overtly complicated but are also so much more than just a plain pair of jeans. I say, why not ask more of your pants?! Ultra-flattering denim brand DL1961 has granted my wish. Their Angel jeans, in an almost-cropped ankle cut with faux front pockets (so no unsightly bunching) are the most energizing shade of pale meringue. Technically a basic pant, but the hue says so much more. This is the color I crave this time of year to brighten up dark tones and make a splash, especially with shades of gray. These function as the sunshine to your storm clouds.

Of course, you can wear these as simply as you want, but why would you when you can have so much more fun? A skinny pair of pants can stand some bulk up top. Enter Rick Owens' large shawl sweater, a royal alpaca knit in dusty taupe. It's all about creatively ribbed coziness until you look again: leather sleeves steal the show. Or go for a major tuft of fluff. Joie's lamb's fur vest is a delicious shade of pale, warm gray that complements yellow like nothing else. Luxurious, toasty, and totally wild. If you're feeling structure over abundance, look no further than Ann Demeulemeester's lace-up jacket. Sculptured shoulders and ornate lacing add up to a keen tailored look that should be given a hint of optimism via pale yellow jeans.

DL1961 Angel Ankle Jeans on ShopBop for $158.

Rick Owens Large Shawl Sweater at Barneys New York for $2,550.

Joie Fur Vest at Barneys New York for $628.

Ann Demeulemeester Lace-Up Jacket at Barneys New York for $2,095.

Pair with: Increase the level of chic without veering in an unnaturally fancy direction with a pair of chunky peep-toe boots. Christian Louboutin's clog-inspired ankle style has sleek black leather and a stacked wooden wedge to wear day or night. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,165.

Sometimes you don't want your clothing to be crushed under a heavy coat. A structured overlayer can get restrictive and burdensome. And so repetitive! While I don't live in a place that frequently requires hefty coats, wind chills will dip the temperature during the colder months. Capes are the perfect top-off option. Movement, drama, and all the warmth that you need when it's not absolutely freezing. Put a little swing in your step, and sling a modernized cape casually over a cocktail dress for a fresh alternative to the fur coat or bring unusual intrigue to your ordinary daywear. Variety is the spice of life. It's time to start a caped crusade of your own.

1) J.Crew Knitted Wool Cape: For just $200, this is the best bargain for a casual-chic look. A cropped length makes it lighthearted, and black-on-camel is a timeless combination. On Net-a-Porter for $200.

2) DKNY Two-Tone Wool Cape: Take the idea of borrowing your man's jacket and draping it over your shoulders when you're cold, and make it your own. A great fit, and two-tone navy and black makes for youthful edge. On Net-a-Porter for $495.

3) Joie Tyra Melton Wool Cape: Blame it on a childhood on the East Coast, but I have a thing for toggle coats! Joie's leather trimmed variation is a throwback to the wool ones we all had growing up, but leather trim makes for a new take. And the hoodie is a bonus to keep your hair from being windblown. On ShopBop for $548.

4) McQ Cape Zip Coat: Technically this isn't really a cape, but I love this streamlined silhouette. Triplet zippers make for some funkiness, and the perky capelet overlay is an adorable touch. On ShopBop for $795.

5) Yves Saint Laurent Chain-Neck Cape: The mother of all drama-inducing capes. I would twirl every time I make my entrance in this! A hook-and-eye closure at the top and a major flourish of billowing black knit. At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,990.

Photo: FAME