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2009

Top 10 Fashion Trends of 2009

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2009

Fashion trends for 2009 include a rainbow of delicious colors, exotic prints, interesting fabrics and bold accessories. With most buyers scaling down their clothing budgets due to a tightened economy, fashion is becoming very focused. Make the most of your wardrobe dollars by choosing a few quality garments and accessories that capture the essence of 2009 fashion.

1.    Vibrant colors. In an effort to cheer a somewhat gloomy outlook, vibrant, electric, delicious colors are pulsing through the fashion scene. Fuchsia, electric blue, bright lemon yellow, vivid citrus greens, and deep purples top the list of popular colors. Soft pastels are also making a showing, so if you aren’t quite ready for the neons, try a garment in lavender or dusty rose. Slate Grey is one of the few neutrals currently seen on the runways, and is elegant for daytime or evening wear.

2.    The dress. Dresses are everywhere, especially those with asymmetric looks. Designs tend to be more modest and offer greater coverage than the previous strapless trends. The one-shoulder dress is a top pick for evening wear, as worn by First Lady Michelle Obadiah at the Inaugural Ball. Other dress styles include those with draped Grecian designs, full-length maxi dresses and 60’s inspired A-lines.

3.    Exotic patterns and materials. This year exotic prints, animal prints and tribal-inspired designs are everywhere, giving fashion fans lots of variety to choose from. The tribal motif continues on shoes and accessories with accents such as bead work, lots of fringe, and Southwest color palettes.

4.    Sheer fabrics. Sheer fabrics have quickly risen to become a leading trend. Fortunately for the average wearer, this style isn’t about baring it all, but more about adding interest and elegance to a look. Sheers are draped, flowing and layered.

5.    Jumpsuits. Believe it or not, the Dynasty-era women’s jumpsuit is back in a big way. Current styles include both fitted and drape cuts in a huge variety of fabrics and prints. Add a wide belt for instant chic.

6.    Harem pants. MC Hammer would fit right in with the current harem pant craze. This super comfortable look features a very loose cut through the thigh and crotch area, then gradually tapers to the knee, ankle or leg. It can be paired with just about any shoe, from sandals to boots.

7.    Statement jewelry. Jewelry is big and bold, and includes everything you could find at a vintage shop: chunky necklaces, exotic bangles and bracelets, massive rings and costume brooches.

8.    Accents such as flowers and bows. Feminine touches include pretty 3D floral accents at the shoulder, waistline and hem. Ruffles and bows are another recurring theme, particularly along hemlines. These girl accents also adorn accessories.

9.    An emphasis on the shoulder and sleeve. Eye-catching accents are everywhere on clothing these days, especially at the shoulder. Shoulders are receiving a lot of attention from the fashion world as the one-shoulder design peaks in popularity. Puffed, leg of mutton, bating, cap and kimono … regardless of what they’re called, sleeves are also hot.

10.    Daring shoes. Mile-high heels in interesting colors and textures, along with the bold gladiator sandal, are back this season.

2009 fashion

2009: What Not to Wear

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2009 fashion

Being on TLC’s reality show, “What Not to Wear,” is not something most people aspire to. Family members and friends nominate a sucker with bad fashion sense, and the show’s hosts (Stacy London and Clinton Kelly) swoop in to clean the victim’s closet. Armed with a $5,000 budget, they offer fashion tips, go shopping in swanky boutiques and produce a well-heeled man or woman with infinitely more pizzazz and polish. If only we could do a makeover for the entire world, life would be good. It seems that with so many fashion directions to go in, there’s always someone taking a wrong turn!

With a new decade just around the corner, it’s time to start cleaning out the closets and getting rid of those no-no’s of the past few years. For 2009, here are are a few over-and-done-with trends to avoid.

1.    Sagging, oversized pants. The gangsta look is dead and gone, so get rid of those pants that oh-so-subtly display your undergarments to the world. Time to get some trousers that do what they’re supposed to: fit.

2.    Too many accessories. Forget the bulky chains and gaudy bling-bling. Beautiful Bohemian prints are showing up in many designers’ collections, but go easy on the accessories. Wearing too much jewelry can send the wrong message about what you do in your off-hours. Keep accessories simple and clean, without a hint of bling. That means one (small) necklace at a time, one ring per hand, and one earring per ear.

3.    Too much color. While pale pastels and acid neons from the 90’s are making their way back onto the runways, be cautious when incorporating these colors into your wardrobe. Try using just one bold item at a time to spice up a look. Don’t mix a lot of these colors together, or you’ll glow—and not in a good way.

4.    Casual attire at the office. Leave the flirty sundresses and novelty t-shirts at home if it’s time to head to work. Tailored is in for office attire, so keep fun and formal separate. Anything that will do for an outdoor cocktail hour is an office “don’t”.

5.    Flip flops. Flap, flap, flap, flap. You hear them coming before you can see them. Flip flop wearers of the world take note: these noisy sandals are not cool unless you’re going to the beach. They’re especially not cool at the office, or anywhere where you want to make a positive impression. Flip flops don’t look good with any outfit that’s not made of Lycra, and they definitely don’t sound good, so leave them in the beach bag.

6.    Bluetooth headsets. These handy little gadgets were never meant to be a fashion accessory, so don’t act like they are. Wearing a bluetooth headset in your ear doesn’t make you look cool; it makes you look like a fool. Everyone knows you’re not as important as you think you are.

With a bit of “what not to wear” advice, 2009 will be the year you make a positive fashion impact, even without the extra $5,000 to work with! Find a few pieces you love, and work them with class.