(Photo: Jenny van Sommers)

Bows and ribbons have been the preferred embellishment in fashion for a few years, but in this cooler, more serious season, they seem cloyingly sweet. The best-looking decorative touch now comes from glossy, sleek feathers, as exemplified by this dramatic, unignorable necklace from Louis Vuitton ($5,390; 1 E. 57th St., at Fifth Ave.; 212-758-8877). The glittery rock crystals and metal links combined with ethereal white plumes make for a much more interesting addition to your outfit than another bunch of droopy satin loops. For more ways to work with feathers, click ahead.