As a complete turnaround from last season’s harsh solids and paper-thin tunics, fall fashion trends have found threads suitable for the season. The buzzword this season is girly conservative, as evidenced by Ralph Lauren, Betsey Johnson, Zac Posen and Jay McCarroll – the first winner of Bravo’s hit Project Runway – four of the premiere fashion gurus shown at this season’s New York Fashion Week.

Last season’s sheer lace and flowing chiffons have melted into warm, comfortable plaids, bulky knits and layers of rich colors and metallic prints. Outfits in gauzy, light colors are still in style – only sparingly.

Androgynous, boy-meets-girl outfits are all the rage this fall, exemplified not only by Ralph Lauren but also scattered through the neighborhood Gap. Traditional plaids and houndstooth patterns create a conservative yet feminine look that brings back the tailored days of Katharine Hepburn.

Crisp, clean tuxedo shirts from Bill Blass paired with muted linens and tweeds reinvigorate the power suit of the 1980s – just without shoulder pads.

The trashy, classy look of Betsey Johnson – a sort of 1950s housewife meets 1970s punk aesthetic – champions above-the-knee, cinched-waist dresses in sassy, bright prints. Bubbles, polka-dots, gingham and wallpaper stripes envelop coats, bathing suits and blouses, a whole different genre than the Scottish plaids of the season.

Up-and-comer Zac Posen, a favorite of Natalie Portman and other Hollywood starlets, focuses on glistening golds and emerald green metallics to offset the greys and blacks of the pantsuits. Blouses and frilly skirts are contrasted by shimmering satins and silks, creating an eye-catching juxtaposition of form and texture.

Lastly, outstanding patterns and color-blocks from Jay McCarroll appeal to the playful fashionista crowd. Designs in aqua blues, chestnut browns and silvery greys work well not only on trenchcoats and jackets but also on sweater dresses.

For anyone yearning to break free of skinny jeans and oversized tunics, plaids aren’t just for Scotsmen and metallics aren’t just for robots. Layer the two and fall into something comfortable with new fashions this autumn.

Contact reporters Roxana Hadadi and Lauren Effron at diversions@dbk.umd.edu.