It may be all about flirty dresses, loose tanks and bright colors uptown at Lincoln Center, which is hosting Spring 2011 Fashion Week (for the first time ever), but the East Village has both sartorial feet planted firmly in fall boots. Over on Ninth Street — the Museum Mile of boutiques — woolen knits, military coats and lace-up ankle booties are reigning supreme this season. Here’s a compilation of the best fall looks from some of the neighborhood’s most iconic boutiques, whether your style is retro, trendy or refined.

Cloak & Dagger Owner and designer Brookelynn Starnes put her Pratt degree to good use when she launched Cloak & Dagger in 2006. The flattering, feminine line which has an old-world meets modern-day feel is chockfull of potential investment pieces. A navy, double-breasted wool coat ($600) with a nipped waist and gold buttons channels the season’s military trend that dominated runways from Burberry to Ruffian, but will never truly go out of style. An impressive collection of vintage Ferragamo riding boots are a find for $298.

Price Range: High
441 East Ninth Street (between Avenue A and First Avenue)
 212-673-0500
CloakandDaggerNYC.com

Meg Canadian owner-designer Meghan Kinney, who opened her East Village store 15 years ago, generally eschews fads in favor of versatility and ease. The few trendy pieces in her collections also pass as classics with their luxurious materials and beautiful cuts. Grey harem pants ($210) can be toned down with a matching cropped jacket ($230.) Store worker Maria Gagnon explained that the functional clothing can take the wearer from “the office, to a bar, to a birthday party.” For fall Meg also has shearling-lined, Doc Marten-inspired booties ($125) that are reminiscent of ankle boots from Miu Miu and Rachel Roy.

Price Range: Mid-range
312 East Ninth Street (between First and Second Avenues)
212-260-6329
MegShops.com Read more…