Maybe it's too early to be thinking about snug cashmere sweaters and cozy wool coats, but the other night I caught my first episode of The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo, and Rachel Zoe got me thinking about Halston (Zoe was hired as a creative consultant for the brand, although last I heard, she had been "let go") - all of which led me to peruse Halston's Fall 2008 ready-to-wear collection at Style.com.

In addition to gorgeous capes and other voluminous, billowy silhouettes, what caught my eye most was the way they worked over-the-knee boots (which are making a comeback this season) in a manner that exudes elegance and power. Mind you, over-the-knee boots can quickly sink an outfit into pole dancer/streetwalker/ dominatrix territory - all of which are places that we generally don't want to take our style. Generally.

But not so with Halston: Apparently, part of the trick is to pair your over-the-knee boots with a long coat, skirt or dress that just barely covers the top of the boot. Add an androgynous turtleneck, minimalist hair and makeup, and you've got yourself a edgy, sophisticated look for even the coldest days.

Not bad for a train of thought that began with Rachel Zoe.

Turtleneck: Cashmere turtleneck sweater at JCrew.com, $158
Coat: Calvin Klein Luxe Wing-Collar Wrap Coat at Macys.com, Was $275.00 Now $206.25
Boots: "Endear" over-the-knee leather boots at SteveMadden.com, $259.95