As summer fades into autumn, fashion marks a welcome return to ladylike sophistication. Ruffles, silk ribbons and couture lace abound, adding softness to all the black that dominated many of the collections.

Ms. Prada made a case for lace, rendering it ornate yet undeniably sensuous in a spare, buttoned-up skirt suit. Delicate floral prints reigned at Chloé. Giambattista Valli gave the little black dress curvy newness. And Mr. Albaz distilled the essence of the season at Lanvin with genius ribbon designs. All in all, it promises to be a fantastic fall.