THERE HAS BEEN a definite shift in the light since spring has arrived—not just since the clocks have gone back, but also with the amount of sunny days there have been. The clouds of winter days seem to have faded into clear and bright skies and everywhere …

For an empire that collapsed more than 1,500 years ago, ancient Rome maintains a powerful presence. About 1 billion people speak languages derived from Latin; Roman law shapes modern norms; and Roman architecture has been widely imitated. Christianity, which the empire embraced in its sunset years, remains the world’s largest religion. Yet all these enduring influences pale against Rome’s most important legacy: its fall. Had its empire not unravelled, or had it been replaced by a similarly overpowering successor, the world wouldn’t have become modern.

There are no big trends this season, with the exception of slingback pumps from Prada, everything orange, and lots cable-knit sets. For the first time in a long time, I can say that this is the season where styling comes before the trends. There is less attention on what you buy, but what you do with the pieces you buy or already have.