THE fashion world’s favorite color is back in force this fall. Black jackets are all the rage. This year we’re seeing a dazzling mixture of styles that seems to outwit time and history.

　　The two styles most popular seem to be oversized jackets with a borrowed-from-the-boys appeal, and sleek form-fitting jackets with clean crisp lines.

　　With a black leather hat in hand, the woman in this sleeky black leather Edwardian jacket appears cool and sexy. Big lapels, a double-row of buttons and touches borrowed from menswear build the image of a Charlie’s Angel, and the black cotton shirt with frilled bell sleeves hint of the female heartthrob inside.

　　Where feminine charms meets reasoned discipline, elegance is naturally present. For a fluttering black skirt with layers of lace decorations and frills, only the black goatskin jacket can add a clear-minded elegance to the luscious female form. Trimmed in fur, this zip-front jacket is very popular.

　　Yves Saint Laurent’s patchwork goatskin jacket is both sexy and slimming. With the black lace shirt and semi-transparent black satin pants, the overall effect of this outfit is very sexy.

　　A simply-designed black leather coat is perfect for a truly metropolitan girl. It goes well with the black wool short pants and a pair of shiny black boots, and creates a very trendy, cute look.

　　Gucci’s powerful Gothic collection is among this season’s most influential. A black leather short jacket in the shape of a Gothic cloak paired with form-fitting pants is absolutely stunning. The black lace shirt underneath features extremely long sleeves, reminiscent of Oriental courts. This combination is mysterious and alluring.