It's that time of year again. A chill is in the air, the leaves are beginning to turn and the light at night grows dimmer and dimmer as the days pass. Autumn is nearly officially upon the northern hemisphere. As such, the fashions for this wonderful 2012 season are reflecting the change in light and temperature. As noted during the Fall 2012 runway shows for the world's brightest designers earlier this year, the season is marked by a return to the dark side – the cool gothic chic.

Both men and women can appreciate this change in tone as it is being reflected in many high-end men's and women's clothing lines. Black leather, black lace, black silk, black denim, black feathers & black furs. Blacks on blacks on blacks. You needn't go anywhere without feeling the epitome of cool with this use (or lack) of colour.

The versatility of the dark and gothic is on your side. Modern cuts or romantic lines fall into step with this trend which will continue in through spring. Slouchy pants and shirts aid in the effortless chic appeal of the clothes. Pairing the softness of whites, light pastels and greys with blacks aid in providing contrast to the silhouette. Heavy metal accents in small or great amounts can add a hardness to your look.

For makeup, introduce your lips to the darkest berry hues. Keep your eye makeup minimal (think little to no mascara) or go all out with shadowy dark greys and heavy eyeliner. Heavy eyebrows are also key as this trend has not seen a slow down. Tans are out for the naturally fair skinned(and bad for your complexion) so you have the option of a blushed cheek.

Below are a few shots from runway shows and fall lines unveiled this past spring for fall 2012. 

Watch Theyskens' Theory's Retro-Meets-Modern Fall 2012 Runway