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.
All Eyes on You
Drape yourself in Adrienne Landau’s supersoft ostrich boa ($195 by special order at Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Ave., nr. 56th St.; 212-247-1100).
Banish Blah China
Make your table as well dressed as you are (ceramic plate, $38 at ABC Carpet & Home, 888 Broadway, nr. 19th St.; 212-473-3000).
Evening-Gown Eyes
Embellish your eyelashes with pink-tipped, feathery faux lashes ($14 at Make Up For Ever, 8 E. 12th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-941-9337).
Lampshades That Party
Reinvigorate sconces or bedside lamps with these small, sassy shades (feather shade, $90 at Gracious Home, 1201 Third Ave., nr. 70th St.; 212-517-6300).
Everyday Earrings
They weigh nothing but pack a wallop (peacock earrings, $10 by special order at Fred Flare, 300F Kingsland Ave., nr. Nassau St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn; 718-599-9221).
Make Your Nest
Prepare for chilly fall evenings to come (Martha Stewart Collection down comforter, $180 at Macy’s, 151 W. 34th St., nr. Broadway; 212-695-4400).
Channel Pocahontas
Ferragamo’s large pheasant-feather bag announces the trend, for a price ($3,100 at Ferragamo, 655 Fifth Ave., nr. 52nd St.; 212-759-3822).
Heavenly Without Heels
Float above the pavement with Tod’s rubber-sole Dee Ballerina flats ($425 at Tod’s, 650 Madison Ave., nr. 60th St.; 212-644-5945).
A Cap Upgrade
Nod to the forties fedora with this cashmere baseball cap ($75 at SSUR Plus, 7 Spring St., nr. Elizabeth St.; 212-431-3152).
Better Than Esca
For really fresh fish, catch it yourself by fly-fishing (Black Ghost fly, $1.95 at Orvis, 522 Fifth Ave., nr. 44th St.; 212-827-0698).
Use Your Head
Combine two major trends for fall—feathers and headbands—in one (relatively) affordable purchase (Jennifer Behr headband, $100 at Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave., nr. 58th St.; 212-753-7300).