Shopping can be a similarly hectic experience for many men and women. Racks and shelves stuffed and bursting at the seams with the season’s hottest items. Where to start?

I’ve isolated a few of the season’s best and most versatile looks for M readers of all ages — direct from the runways. You can use this as a cheat sheet for the season’s shopping, but remember that fashion is open to interpretation. You don’t need to pull together a head-to-toe "now" look. Instead, you can incorporate these key items into your existing wardrobe and instantly update your closet, without breaking the bank.

1. Velvet

"Is that velvet?" Ah, who doesn’t love velvet. Like George Costanza, we’d all love to drape ourselves in the rich fabric day and night. At least I know I would! Designers are taking note, as velvet was seen dotting the runways of several shows last February. Dresses (like shown here at BCBG), jackets, skirts, scarves, gloves and more will be in stock this season. Velvet is also a great mix-and-match fabric with other, lighter pieces. Try it in a copper-brown for a luxe look.

Find BCBG at Macy’s, Mayfair Mall, Wauwatosa.

2. The Peacoat

More on trend for men than women, the classic peacoat is the perfect topper for a man’s fall or winter look. Easy to wear and versatile, peacoats can be used to dress up or down a look, depending on the style (see one look from the Calvin Klein Men’s collection at right). To boot, peacoats are available in many colors, with myriad button treatments, in varied lengths and fabrications — and at ANY price point. The classic for any man, and my personal favorite, is a hip-length navy blue peacoat with gold buttons. So sea-worthy chic.

Find Calvin Klein Men’s at Boston Store, various locations.

3. Shimmer and Shine

This may be the easiest trend for any woman to pull off. It could be a long scarf with a touch of sparkly thread, a bling-worthy chunky necklace or a head-to-toe look in a pantsuit or dress, like the one shown in the Calvin Klein Women’s show. No matter how you play it, you will be a major fashion scene player if you’re willing to shine like a star. Winter chic is easy with a slouchy wool hat with silver piping. For a night on the town, try a bit of sparkle in your winter tights for added oomph. But remember, a little shine goes a long way.

Find Calvin Klein Women’s at Boston Store, various locations.

4. Skinny Pants

Please, don’t be afraid. I promise you don’t need to be Kate Moss to wear them, and that you can do it at any age. Skinny pants don’t only have to mean super-skinny jeans or leggings (although, those are terrific on women with great legs!). Skinny pants can really be any straight-fit style that do not flare at the bottom. The Martin fit skinny pant at Banana Republic is a great wear-to-work example. Worn with a blouse-and-sweater combo, you’ll be warm and stylish all season. Or, go glam as shown in the Matthew Williamson show, with silky pants in a shimmery silver. Just remember, it’s all about proportion. Skinny pants means wear something a bit fuller on top to balance it all out. Find Matthew Williamson at Valentina, Mequon.

5. Layers (and Layers)

It’s valuable to have a full closet this season, because you may be able to wear it all in one outfit. OK, that may be a bit of an overstatement, but there’s a nugget of truth at the center. The traditional pants, shirt and blazer is not the kind of layering I’m talking about. Think leggings, dress, belt, jacket, hat and more, similar to what was shown at the Diane Von Furstenberg show. Or, for men, trousers, a T-shirt, collared shirt, sweater, coat and scarf. Now that’s laying it on thick!

Find Diane Von Furstenberg at Faye’s 1, Mequon and Brookfield.

6. The Skirt

The skirt is back in a big way and in a range of shapes and colors. Perhaps the most popular skirt trend this season is the tulip skirt, done in rich fabrics like wool, silk and brocade. The ruffle-layer pencil skirt, shown here in an amazing azure at the Tibi show, is a ’40s throwback that I am welcoming back with open arms. And, of course, the traditional pencil skirt is always a winning choice. Try one in a luxe silk or unexpected color for a twist on a classic.

7. Black and Copper

From Donna Karan to BCBG, it was hard to find a more refined and pleasing color combination on the runways than black and copper. The duo has often gotten a bad rap because of its close proximity to black and brown (a fine color duo that many deem unworkable) and black and gold (another great combo that still suffers from "Solid Gold" syndrome). But shimmery copper and basic black are sophisticated and chic when paired, as seen here at the Donna Karan New York show. Give it a try for your next party.

Find Donna Karan New York at Aversa, Bayshore Town Center, Glendale.

8. The Belted Sheath

Will the belted sheath ever go out of style? It’s doubtful, and for good reason. It’s the single most important dress any woman should have in her wardrobe. It’s figure-flattering on every body, goes from day to night with a change of hosiery, shoes and jewelry, and is available at every price point. I love the tweed J. Mendel version with a black banded belt, and the added luxury of a jeweled broach. It’s classic, chic, sexy — and always fashionable. m