The message is loud and clear. This is relevant in the latest bio by Axel Madsen, “Chanel: A Woman of Her Own.” Because in buying fashion, we always seem to be left on our own. This ends today.

At New York Fashion Week, there was a collective shout-out from designers Jason Wu, Peter Som, Alexander Wang, Richard Chai and Jeremy Liang. To stay afloat and alive in this industry ruled by Forever 21, H&M, Zara and Mango, one has to have survival tactics and offer luxe tailored quality and innovative styling.

Here is where the designs of Coco Chanel are ageless, trumping trendy garments 24/7. A la Chanel is a polished look, age-appropriate for everyone, from teens to their cougar grandmas.

The standout fashions start with pairings of black and cream. The winter coat quilted from the inside, the skirt suit either shaped or A-Line, bowed blouses, 15 kinds of lace as contrast, and high-waisted flared trousers are the foundation pieces a la Chanel.

These are uniforms; this is sophistication personified for this new century, weaned from jeans and disheveled deconstruction. It can be symbiotically corporate or casually chic; add some colored gems and strings of pearls, ballet flats or spectator pumps, and you are as impeccable as Mademoiselle Gabrielle. And always, this look will never be looked over or overlooked.

Here are the investment pieces, the big trends, the items you have been searching for to become best-dressed, in a subtle yet sure-fire way. The long journey ends with these runway looks.