There is a classic, Victorian, vintage element featuring prominently in fall 2010 fashion. Is it an emotional response to two years of depressed economy? Maybe people want to return to traditional, maternal looks that they know from years gone by.

And of course the “Mad Men” effect can’t be denied; we watch Don and Betty Draper, and suddenly crave a return to civility, genteelness and proper tailoring.

Either way, elegant feminine touches like lace, brocade, and pearls are big for fall—of course, with fresh new interpretations from the top labels.

These aren’t your grandmother’s pearls and lace! So sit back and relax (legs crossed at the ankle, natch) while we take you through some of our favorite elements of this ladylike look for 2010.

• First, think 1940’s, and 1960’s—not 1980’s… no one wants to dress you up like Madonna in stretchy headbands, see-through tops, and big plastic beads.

(Though you can consider updated lace gloves or hosiery, as a way to insert the trend without letting it dominate your look. We love these lace-patterned tights from Spanx. And look what a pair of lace tights does for this LBD. Savage!)

• Think sophisticated glamour, not matrons at the museum. There is a line between “classic” and “boring” and you want to stay far from it. Put a Holly Golightly spin on these feminine elements, or else you could quickly go from Betty Draper to Carol Brady.

• Look for lace appearing in feminine new ways on accessories, like handbags and shoes (how gorgeous is this D’orsay heel from Valentino?). We’ve even seen lace overlays on boots and wellies.

• No need to be See-Through Sally, though… most of the lace we are seeing is overlaid as a pretty accent (like this tailored pencil skirt, fully lined, or this aqua satin dress with black lace), so you won’t have to worry about modesty (but of course a neutral camisole will always provide an assist, JIC.)

• The secret to this season’s must-have pearls is to forget everything you know about pearls. Get creative, get messy, get deconstructed. You can pile them up, in mixed lengths, sizes and strands.

There are no rules for pearls this fall, and in fact you should avoid the Barbara Bush three-strand look… which is too fussy and might get you mistaken for a grandmother or a schoolmarm.

(Although, did Rihanna take the look a little bit too far, at this movie premiere? It looks like she needs a life preserver under all those beads.)

• Don’t be afraid of pearls mixed with other materials. Not-so-traditional girls can look for jewelry and accessories that incorporate pearls but still fit your style. Gold, silver, vintage washes, crystals, colored pearls, and gemstones can all be found in the 2010 jewelry collections.

• Plus these fun mixed pieces fit perfectly with the vintage look that is so popular right now. Retro fabrics, cuts and shapes are appearing on red carpets everywhere, and the unexpected look of antique chains, pearls, and period styling is a great complement.

As with all haute trends, the key to this new ladylike look is moderation. If you go for the vintage dress and the lace overlay and the pearl necklace, earrings, and bracelets… people are going to think you are headed to a 1960’s costume party.

Instead, look for fresh Savvy ways to incorporate these sophisticated feminine elements into an overall look that is unmistakably you.

Mama… and Grandmama… would approve!