new trends for fall and winter fashion 2009

Fall fashion is here!

About a month ago I made my quick picks for fall 2009. Right before those big fat September issues of fashion magazines come out, I would like to share my ideas about trends that I see coming this fall. There are only a few changes from my initial observations last month...

The looks this season will be very 80's rocker- and menswear-inspired. I think there will be lots of dark leather and metal details, which should be balanced with saturated hues, feminine accessories, and soft materials. Some of the menswear-inspired looks seem to be inspired by the late King of Pop, with flat lace-up oxford shoes and ankle-length cigarette pants. Here are the pieces that I will be watching for this season:

clothes...
{Haute Hippie Wool Boyfriend Jacket}
(7 For All Mankind Motorcycle Ponte Pants}

• long blazers - These will be an update on the 80's version with a slouchy feel, open front, and rolled-up sleeves. The blazers will be menswear-inspired, but will have a long skinny fit and tight shoulders. No shoulder pads please.
  
• ankle pegleg pants - Skinny stretchy trousers that push the line between leggings and pants will pair wonderfully with your slouchy blazer. Think skinny on bottom and voluminous on top! Pants with a hem that hits right at the ankle bone are a perfect length.
  
• vests - The thin slouchy vests worn this summer will transform into thick puffy vests for the fall. Vests will be in materials like leather and fur (fake I hope!). Layer a plush vest with soft cotton underlayers.
  
• gray - I love finding beauty in gray. I am interested in gray suede, gray boots, fluffy gray sweaters, gray leather, gray wool hats, gray distressed handbags.

shoes...
{Kelsi Dagger Rosabella Bootie}
{d.co. brazil flat}

• detailed booties - Take the idea of the open-toed rocker bootie and gladiator sandals into Fall and you get an intense heeled bootie with unique details. There will be lots of variations, but I like the styles with flashy embellishments or open toes.
• open toe pumps - You can wear your open toe and thick strap pumps in materials like suede and patent leather with thick opaque tights when the weather cools down. If you wear super warm tights then you should be able to wear them through the season.
• flat lace-ups - Oxfords and jazzy flats will be worn with short pants and no socks until it's just too cold to bare the ankles.

accessories...
{Fiona Paxton Sylvia Necklace}
{J.Crew Pointelle Ribbed Tights}

• bowler hats - Think of it as this year's cloche...cute and vintage-inspired. There will be even more cloche styles this year, but if you want to try something new then the Samantha Ronson bowler is it.
  
• layered statement jewelry - New and flashy accessories paired with basics will be a good way to create new outfits during a recession. Wear pieces with multiple strands that hang down below the chest.
  
• velvet - I want to see the softness and romanticism of velvet explored in new ways. It should be used minimally to bring a feminine balance to the harsher looks this season.
• patterned tights - Again, a great way to spice up your outfits without investing in a clothing piece is to try unique accessories like patterned or colored opaque tights.

outerwear...

• leather jackets - The rock 'n roll vibe will continue through the winter, so look for fitted leather jackets with unique designs and colors. Balance a leather jacket with softer materials like silk and layered cotton..