A tough look for tough times

Are you tougher than the rest? Prove it by revving up your coolness with biker chic, a recent runway trend.

Balmain evokes '80s rockers, as Gucci draws inspiration from '50s film rebels James Dean and Marlon Brando.

Lean times fuel the biker trend, says Jessalynn Valvo, designer of ShopTheLook.net's pyramid-studded headbands: "When the economy is good, women wear brights and florals. When it's not, they go dark and edgy."

The younger you are, the more chains, grommets or studs on black you can wear. One way to instantly look edgier: Pair tough items with tender touches, such as a frilly blouse or dress.

Says designer Denise Focil, "The freedom to wear the motorcycle look, whatever your style, makes this the new little black dress!" -- Michele Meyer