The Paris collections shared a theme: march to the beat of your own aesthetic. Sandwiched between Saint Laurent’s ’80s-inspired show (with glittery boots so good, Rihanna was spotted in them a few days later) and Chanel’s rocket-ship adventure were staggering silhouettes at Comme des Garçons and a naughty-school girl vibe at RiRi’s Fenty x Puma. The fashion takeaway was clear: Express yourself.

All that shimmers

Shining bright is always a delight, especially when sharp-shouldered minis and slinky chainmail stunners teamed with matching sneakers are on offer. A fringed Gatsby-esque number is your golden ticket to style-icon status.

Check mate

Crisp, classic checks and plaids dominated the runways in colors and shapes aplenty. Pick a cropped baby-blue jacket or a mod skirt suit cut from the cloth, and you’ll be all squared away.

Feathered friends

The fashion flock is foraging for feather-trimmed party pieces. Whether it’s a tunic-and-pant set or a glamorous golden gown trimmed with quills borrowed from the birds, the plume boom is on.

Navy now

Go navy or go home. That was the word at Maria Grazia Chiuri’s second showing for Dior, where each look came in a blue hue. Who needs an LBD when you can choose a glittery ombré bustier gown in a sexy shade of midnight?

Shape shifters

Silhouettes took on surreal proportions on the Paris runways, ranging from ultra billowy babydolls to scarves that double as blankets. Let’s just say they speak volumes.

Shining armor

Nicki Minaj popped up front row at several marquee shows, making a major style statement at each. While her Agent Provocateur pasty is probably her most memorable (and viral) look, we definitely dig this silver Balenciaga boot moment.

What a blast

Paris’ most creative visionaries took a trip to outer space this season. While Manish Arora’s cosmic-themed collection (lower right) was a trip, it was Karl Lagerfeld’s rocketship launch (below and top right) for Chanel that took Paris fashion week to new heights.

Pearl swirl

Pearls popped up in the most unexpected ways. From Ellery’s edgy starburst accent (left) to Y/Project’s wacky hoopm earrings (right), these are most definitely not your grandmother’s keepsakes.