The three basic aspects of any garment are its cut, its color, and its texture. While the cut and color may be the most immediately obvious signifiers when it comes to fashion, we would argue that it is the texture that is the most important. Texture changes the very surface of the outfit, adding dimension and depth. It’s a tactile factor, capable of making fashion even more alluring because of our desire to touch it, wear it, and experience it. We have compiled a list of the top 10 textures to hail from the Fall/Winter 2012 runways, which range from featherweight fabrics, like sheers and satins, to heavy hitters, like textured leather and patterned knitwear.

compiled and written by GRACE GORDON