Powering forward this fall means reaching back to the "80s with strong dress-for-success-style silhouettes remixed with black leather and shimmering metallics. No look is complete without a touch of the era's most important embellishments: zippers, snaps and buttons. There's no better way to celebrate that pioneering generation of MTV, especially the era's most iconic rock goddesses like Joan Jett, Pat Benatar and Robert Palmer's fierce guitar lineup of model musicians who were all addicted to love.
HOLD THE LINE
Blazer: Escada, $1,395. Neiman Marcus Fort Worth.
Knit top: Akris Punto, $695. Neiman MarcusFort Worth.
Trousers: Escada, $495. Neiman Marcus Fort Worth.
Earrings: Homini, $120. byrd+bleecker.
Leather top: BCBGMaxAzria, $158. Dillard's.
Pleated knit skirt: Akris Punto, $795. Neiman Marcus Fort Worth.
Fingerless gloves: Stylist's own.
ZIP CHIC
Dress: Alexander Wang, $895. Nordstrom.
Shoes: Aquazzura, $995. Neiman Marcus Fort Worth.
Earrings: BCBG Generation, $16. Dillard's.
SHARP EDGE
Blazer: Brochu Walter, $428.You Are Here.
Shorts: IRO, $442. You Are Here.
Camisole: Alice & Olivia, $195. Neiman Marcus Fort Worth.
Gladiator sandals: Opening Ceremony, $475. OpeningCeremony.com.
SNAP JUDGMENT
Cardigan: Opening Ceremony, $210. OpeningCeremony.com.
Leather joggers: Nili Lotan, $1,495. You Are Here.
Earrings: Zenzii, $24. Birdie + James.
Sneakers: Jimmy Choo, $625. Neiman Marcus
Fort Worth.
MERCURY RISING
Silver dress: Ralph Lauren, $1,990. Neiman Marcus Fort Worth.
Boots: Jeffrey Campbell "Maven," $225. jeffreycampbell.com.
Earrings: Zenzii, $25. Birdie + James.
Ring: Homini, $120. byrd+bleecker.
EXTREME VOLUME
Blouse: A.L.C., $495.You Are Here.
Shorts: Inclan Studio Houston, $230. Pax & Parker.
Earrings: Uncommon Matters, $225. byrd+bleecker.
Sock booties: Stuart Weitzman, $298. Stanley Eisenman Fine Shoes.
Wide net tights: Out From Under, $12. Urban Outfitters.
HEAVY METAL
Metal and cashmere sweater: Ralph Lauren Collection, $1,690. Neiman Marcus Fort Worth.
Leather pants: Isabel Marant, $2,300. Neiman Marcus Fort Worth.
Earrings: Baublebar, $36. Birdie + James.
Glasses: Cazai, $710. Adair Eyewear.
Fingerless gloves: BCBGMaxAzria, $98. bcbg.com.