One strategy designers and buyers are using to lure customers back to the stores: special pieces. Forget the basics like the simple little black dress this fall. It's all about exaggerated shapes, embellishment, color and funky mixes (that's a euphemism for grunge, which is raising its plaid head again.)

The best of the special pieces -- like Jason Wu's (left) -- have just enough mix to keep it interesting, without being weird. The worst of the new grunge, looks like a 6-year-old got herself dressed for school (Trust me: I have parental experience here). Diane von Furstenberg's crazy mixes were off the charts quirky (camo, graphic, tweed and boyfriend jacket combined?!) (Photo Credit: Fernanda Cafalt/Getty Images)