Cocktail dresses, prom dresses 2012, evening dresses, bridesmaid gowns.

There is no getting away from it black is back in a very big, non-Gothic, way. Returning this season with a nod to femininity, this forgiving shade looks best when ruffled, beaded, pleated or silkened.

One of the strongest trends this fall is the obsession with volume. Everything from sleeves, skirts to evening dresses were puffed and pumped. Juxtaposed with tailored refinement, as it was, this silhouette proves ultra-feminine.

The latest rendition of the summers Bohemian trend comes in the form of luxurious layering (cashmere knits paired with silk dresses) and metallic accents mixed with rich patterns (decorative embroidery on David Hicks-inspired prints), culminating into an anything goes style spur.

This season's new antique lace dresses range from refreshing day looks to reinvented timeless evening styles. Lace evokes a true old-fashioned femininity but gets updated with bright colors, metallic treatments and modern cuts, transforming it from a strictly evening option to a daytime staple. Evening dresses take the best of antiquity and give it a twist.

From folkloric patterns to whimsy florals and bold graphics to Eastern influences and 70s Op Art, fall proves an eclectic melting pot of prints. Wear this key look from head to toe or mixed with solids, knits and leather.

Glittering metallics and threads of gold add luster and shine to suiting, party dresses, and casual cropped jackets. Subtly woven into wool and silk fabrics along with elaborate brocade give these styles a special shine.

Sheer flowy fabric with pleats and tiers, in prints and solids, add a feminine romanticism to day looks and carry over to light and airy evening dresses.

The empire has officially reigned as the silhouette of choice. Be it ribbons, embroidery, panels or seams the empire-line strikes a fashionable cord, evening or day, dressed-up or down.

1920s fashion was free and expressive. Fashionistas did not conform to the rigid models of the previous generations feminity. Focus was less on the physical female form. Instead the look was tubular - from the shoulders straight to the hem. Dresses were knee length, shorter than the previous era. These 20s fashions add some glam to the well known style.

This seasons glitter comes in the form of rich jewel tones. Think garnet, amethyst, emerald and sapphire. While satin frocks enhance this intense palette, lush chiffon, sheer flowing fabrics, sparkling embellishments and sophisticated cuts offer stellar substitutes.