Floral bustier by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, fall-winter 2010-2011.

I absolutely love the cutaway clothing trend of the spring and fall 2010 runways. Perhaps I’m just nostalgic for the paper-and-scissors snowflakes I diligently crafted in my youth.

But regardless, as much as the fabric that comprises a dress is essential, the missing fabric of cutaway clothing also creates a fabulous, sexy shape and pattern, showing off just enough skin. The fun and different part about cutaway clothing is this absence of fabric entirely, branching away from sheer-fabric fashion trends. Look for cutaway clothing that has fabric missing in the right places — the midriff, the shoulder and the back. In all other areas, you’ll have safe coverage, but in other spots, just a hint of exposure. I’ve also seen intricate scarves based on the cutaway clothing trend if you’d prefer a more subtle wardrobe infusion. Check out Chloe and Herve Leger for my favorite cutaway clothing looks.

Bustier:

Although I feel awkward wearing a bustier, several designers have incorporated them into their fall lines. Shopping around town, I’ve seen one-piece, body-conscious dresses in local stores that were made to resemble bustiers on top. By creating a dress in one fabric, top to bottom, these dresses can be sexy and alluring; in fact, the lines on top add interesting elements and texture to the overall shape of the garment. At any rate, if you do wear a bustier with other separates, balance is essential. Wear a longer, more conservative skirt for a modern take on the ’50s trend. Or, if you still feel like it’s a bit much, try wearing one under a blazer. Just keep in mind, subtlety is always classic, much more refined. See Fall 2010 Louis Vuitton for a fun, floral bustier and Fall 2010 Dolce & Gabbana for a wild leopard print bustier.

Lace:

Recently, I’ve started to get tired of all of the lace fabric popping up on everything. Lace tank tops, lace bangles, lace headbands — stretchy, black lace seems to be everywhere. And I love lace, but I’m excited that the type of lace used for women’s clothing is becoming more sophisticated. Look out for lace that looks delicate, a bit more antique and less stretchy. Opt for wider-patterned lace skirts and dresses instead of tight-knit, small-hole lace. This emphasizes the beauty of the lace and the craftsmanship of the garment. Pair your lace dresses with traditional heels and classic jewelry, gold metals and pearls. For chilly autumn nights, add velvet blazers or tuxedo jackets to maintain a dressed-up appearance without forfeiting style.