Fall 2009 Fashion Trends: the Season of Confidence
The famous night of fashion just took place and the "September Issue" is out in theaters. Fall is here, so let's get to it and take a look at the exciting new trends for the fall/winter season. Some striking looks have debuted already, including the off-the-shoulder style a few movie stars presented, or a sweater dress, or baggy pants that have appeared on a few by now. While many trends continue or return from spring, it definitely feels like a new page in fashion. There is a certain timeless quality to this fall's style trends, sort of a vintage appeal. Time to brush on new palettes and bring out new fabrics and structure. Here are our top 8 trends for fall 2009.
Soft comfortable fabrics
Knits are in. They are chunky, comfortable, with alluring texture and Nordic designs. You are probably already seeing a lot of cable knit capes and button-free cardigans in a chunky pattern. Wool is also incredibly strong. With a touch of femininity, yet a look you can take to the office or to the park.
Probably one of the top looks in fall 2009 fashion is the sweater tunic dress, such as this beautiful example from New York & Company - a versatile trend for the season. You can wear it with leggings or skinny jeans. It looks perfect with tall over the knee boot, a platform heal, a ballet flat or a bootie.
If you are looking for another key piece this fall, try a cardigan - ultimate in comfort and super cute this season, cropped or extra long, belted, buttoned or draped.
Seeing Red
We are seeing red everywhere and not just in the economy. It's a striking color that is flattering on blondes, brunettes and redheads. It's confident and regal. And it makes a statement. Purple still reigns, especially in department stores. And gray is edging in, as a popular color for tweeds and suits which are another trend this fall. Gray often brings out a neighboring color so it's an easy pairing with pretty much anything.
On a secondary front are super bright neons - pinks, greens, jewel tones - they bring out a happy vibe in otherwise heavy fabrics. They appear this season particularly in outerwear.
All suited up
Each season there are trends that echo the designs of previous decades. This fall it happens to be the 40s - a glam but restrained look. It is quite logical considering many are tightening their belts like they did in the 40s but women still want to look great even when things are drab around them. Suits with broad shoulders, pencil skirts, flowing pants, even hats are the biggest 40s look that is in style this fall. It's reminiscent of menswear; it's beautifully structured and tailored to a tee. It's a downtown tone with an uptown attitude.
In terms of fabrics for the suits of fall 2009, they are beautiful cold-weather textures: tweeds, boucle and mohair are your best choice. If you are not comfortable with the suit, take your look from summer into fall with a vest - a huge hit this season. It's versatile and can dress an outfit up or down.
Argyle & Plaid
Prints are bolder this fall and have a more futuristic feel, sort of a cyber dizzyfying quality and modern appeal. Argyle will be huge this fall/winter - I would consider buying it in various outfits; don't restrict it to sweaters or vests. It's a fun print on dresses, skirts and cardigans; just we wary of what you pair it with (minimal is the keyword).
Plaid not surprisingly stays in fashion since fall of last year. As with argyle, experiment with different pieces and also with fabrics. There are quite a few plaid silk shirts.
Animal print is still very popular, even more so than earlier in the year. Add a solid color cardigan in a different hue to soften the look.
Dark Denim
Skinny jeans or slim leg chinos is what you are looking for this fall. They go beautifully with another popular item - a white shirt, as well as a blazer or a small faux vest or jacket. Dark blue wash and vintage look are the winners. Pair with chunky accessories to complete the bohemian look. Boyfriend jeans are still a hit but you need to really dress it up (ruffled shirt, blazer, heals is one idea) to make it look glam vs. sloppy.
Denim jackets are also a big hit, especially with embellishments.
Racer Leather Jacket
Part racer part hipster, leather jacket is a great look for a night out. You can make it more feminine and balance the tough look with ruffled or plain white shirt, a silk top, a floral dress or a plain t-shirt with jeans. I love the punk-looking leather jacket from topshop.com, but you will surely see simpler jackets in this style. This fall's leather is cropped and tight.
Stand-out Trench
Trench is perfect for fall weather and it's a big hit. Try it in the colors of the season - red, purple, pink, or keep it simple gray or black. Burberry is really the inventor of trench, and this season you will see a gold trench from them.
White ruffled shirt
It's a romantic look that will soften the structured suits you'll want to wear this season. It's demure and goes easily with a day at the office or a night time look. White is a clean slate to use more dramatic hairstyle or make-up.
