8. Shine
Satin and charmeuse are no longer reserved for winter. In shorts at Vera Wang, draped dresses at Chaiken, evening wear at Monique Lhuillier, Richard Chai and a slew of others, shiny fabrics are de rigueur. And don't forget metallic accessories; designers surely haven't.
9. Bold prints
Gals who like their prints less cute or kitschy than the flower and polka-dot set will find what they're looking for in the wide assortment of artsy, graphic and ethnic prints designers are using. Diane von Furstenberg's island-themed "Under the Volcano" collection included totem print dresses, while DKNY used graphic prints, Peter Som played with an oversized floral or poppy print. The patterns look modern and not as retro as they've been in recent seasons.
10. Extras
Accessories haven't been shown on the runway like this for ages. Cartwheel brim hats at Ralph Lauren and floppy sun hats at Michael Kors, clutch bags, weekend-size totes, piles of bangle bracelets and long, swingy necklaces are among the accents that recurred in the shows. Skinny belts worn at the waist, and the freshest are metallic or in a color that doesn't match the outfit. Underfoot, there are fewer wedge heels and more spikes. And designers are still taking a shine to patent leather and oversized sunglasses.
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