Posted Monday, February 20, 2012 by Grace Gold,

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The fashionistas have come and gone, and the tents have been pitched up and taken down. But New York’s 2012 Fashion Week has left us with the following top trends to contemplate as we clean out our closets to make room for the fresh and the new.

Peter Som runway; courtesy of Wella

Burgundy is the new black.

From the luscious wine-colored silk peplum dresses at Peter Som to burgundy lace capes at Jason Wu and pleather maroon raincoats at Diane von Furstenberg, burgundy dominated the runways. If it’s not a shade already  in your wardrobe, you can easily work in pops of the trend with heels, a scarf or elbow-length gloves.

Model Liu Wen wears leather at Derek Lam; courtesy of Esteé Lauder

Leather, leather, everywhere!

At Rodarte, the Australian outback inspired leather and shearling dresses, while at Derek Lam, leather figured into prim and proper designs of oxford collars and librarian blouses by way of the classic pencil skirt. Leather can be tough to pull off, so keeping the material (or faux versions) to accessories like handbags, flats and jackets is the most accessible way to go.

Betsey Johnson runway; courtesy of Aveda

Military touches.

Black capes at Prabal Gurung paid tribute to the 20th century army officer’s dress cape, while a feminine floral tapestry embellished a classic belted military jacket at Rag & Bone. Meanwhile, Betsey Johnson married military with houndstooth and a cap. If you’re looking to invest in one trend piece, a military jacket is timeless, as evidenced by designer infatuation nearly every fashion week.

Jenny Packham runway; courtesy of Loréal Professionnel

Jump suits are back.

At Jenny Packham, wide-legged jumpsuits with a natural enforced waist would’ve done Katharine Hepburn proud, while the trend took a sultrier turn at Thakoon, where black satin and plunging necklines took the lead. This is a trend for the true fashionista, who’s not afraid to take a risk and garner attention – and show off some shapely arms.

Peter Som runway; courtesy of Wella

Wear white after Labor Day.

Winter white is the neutral color of choice next season, with the snowy shade overtaking cable sweaters at Derek Lam, blouses at Cushnie and Ochs, and oversized coats and slip dresses at Peter Som. A touch of color helps pull off white during the cold weather months, so before you suit up, a few days of gradual self-tanning lotion may be in order.