The shows in London, Paris, and Milan were a struggle between rational and romantic. Short shapes dominated, and shiny lacquered spacebots were tempered by sheer layers and the occasional touch of froth.

Project Runway may have drawn the crowds at New York’s Fashion Week, but here’s the real news: During the next round of warm weather, you’re going to be wearing voluminous shapes, sharp prints, gowns covered in roses, and really, really big shoes. Spring is closer than you think—so here’s a crib sheet.

A fashion love story.

When the idea of devoting our fall fashion issue to the way women and men relate through clothes came up, we thought, Why not? The male-female dynamic is only the most perplexing relationship in our culture.

Now that all the fashion shows are finished, next fall’s trends are official. Color is out, capes are in—yes, for real—and hemlines are on the rise. Also on the horizon: emphatic shapes (like the masculine suits at Comme des Garçons), bold combinations (black with white, strong fur trims), and a view of fashion that leaves little room for sweet.

The New York shows are over, and the muted mood of fall 2006 has begun to emerge: dark, stormy colors, big sweaters, and a scattering of blasts from the eighties past. From leggings and booties to a little velvet dress, here’s what you need to know about the shape of things to come.

Two topics will reliably bring general conversation to an awkward halt: fashion and money.

New York has had its say about next spring (cool, artsy, neutral). Now the Continent speaks. From the Paris and Milan collections: crazy shoes, humongous bags, and the disappearing shoulder strap.

The spring 2006 collections have walked the runways, and your fashion future has arrived. Whether your shopping spree is the real deal or a fantasy, or if you simply love to watch the parade, here are the ten trends (from the neutral colors and generous shapes to that particularly puzzling plunge of the hemline) you should know by heart.

Fall Fashion 2005.