Reign of Shine

Whether it's a shimmery metallic dress, gemstones on a collar, or a gleaming patent-leather boot, women's fashion this season is all about shine, the must-have counterpoint to fall's rich textures.

"The hard, cold shine adds contrast and a touch of modernity to a season that is very understated and elegant," said Gregg Andrews, a fashion director for Nordstrom, which opens its first Massachusetts store in Natick on Sept. 7. "We have smooth patent leather but we also have textured suede and snakeskin. The shine gives you a sense of polish."

And depending on how they're worn, gleaming pieces can also give wearers some edge. Shawna Strachan, co-owner of new South End boutique Looc, is abuzz over her favorite shiny piece of the fall season: a patent leather motorcycle jacket. In black, of course.

"It's like Jackie O gets married to Steve McQueen," said Strachan, who just opened Looc with Audra Bodenstab. "The name of the game is shine."

To be sure, there are plenty of other style trends this season. Knitwear is huge, especially chunky sweater coats, belted and below the knee, as well as long cardigans. Dresses are still big this fall, and many stores are featuring a variety of knit frocks in colorful graphic prints.

Betty Riaz, owner of Stil Clothing on Newbury Street and Chestnut Hill, said she's stocked knit coats, knit skirts with fox fur detailing, tuxedo-style cardigans that are long in the back and short in the front, and knit scarves that wrap around the neck multiple times. "It's all about layering and creating different looks using a sweater as a replacement for a traditional jacket or a skirt," she said.

Charcoal gray and black are staple colors, but they're being accented with 1980s-inspired palettes like cobalt blue and chrome yellow as well as jewel-toned purples, turquoise, and fuchsia. Alan Bilzerian, co-owner of the Newbury Street store of the same name, cautions not to overdo color. "When you've got too much on, you're a fashion victim," he said. "I still think women look so sophisticated in black."

There's a renewed focus on the body, especially the waistline, with cropped jackets and large belts, and on the leg, with lots of short skirts and tights. "The silhouette is fitted," said Riccardo Dallai, owner of Riccardi on Newbury Street. "We are back to feminine shapes."

At the same time, there is a subtle touch of menswear influence this season, said Andrews. Shoulder pads have returned, albeit nothing like the famous pads of the '80s. "We're seeing a slight padding of the shoulder to give the shoulder line more width. That gives the illusion of a smaller waist," he said.

Although skinny pants are hot, the newer pant is the wide leg menswear-inspired trouser with a single pleat, he added. "The wider leg on a trouser is a great way to balance out a fuller hip," he said. "I'm not talking about looking androgynous. Women are still wearing a high-heeled boot with these trousers."

Indeed, high-heeled ankle boots, or booties, are big, especially with skirts and dresses. Another fresh choice is the lace-up, high-heeled Oxford, another menswear-inspired item.

And then there are the bags. Oversize, structured handbags are the new standard, while daytime clutch bags are a nice alternative.

"Valentino, Jimmy Choo, and Dolce & Gabbana all incorporated shine into their handbags this season," said Saks Fifth Avenue spokeswoman Nicole Bertucci, "whether it be metallic or patent leather."

Ann Sherman is ready for it all. Already the Newton resident has purchased a wide belt covered with sparkly gemstones. She has shiny black patent leather ballerina shoes and a shimmery silk ruffled tangerine gown.

She's still waiting for her showstopper to be completed: a gold lame tuxedo by Boston designer David Josef.

"When I saw it, I said 'I'm going for it!' " said Sherman, the chief financial officer for a home alarm manufacturer. "Black has been in for so long. It's so traditional," she said. "Sometimes you just want to have fun clothes."

Suzanne Ryan can be reached at sryan@globe.com.