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The runway shows for fall 2009 had a little of everything. The good news is you don't have to run out and by a whole new wardrobe. You can add a few new pieces to update what you have in your closet. We are seeing more wearable clothes. Women want to purchase clothes that will last longer and make their wardrobe dollars go further.
Design Details: Draping, pleating, ruching* are very strong this fall. You will see these design elements on blouses, skirts, dresses, etc. The influence of the 80's is still hanging on. Wide shoulders, peplums and an emphasis on the waist will be more popular. Asymmetrical design features continue you to be big this season.
Big Shoulders & Big Hips
Fabrics: Fall fabrics are wools, colorful silks, leather, tweeds, metallic, velvet, knits, cashmere, and, technical fabrics (spandex, lycra, microfibers, etc.). Pin stripes, floral geometric prints and fabrics with embellishments will be evident. Some designers showed styles using matelasse' fabric.**
Velvets
Colors: There will be a wide range of colors from pale to powerful, but traditional fall colors such as camel, grays, burgundy, eggplant, copper toned, brown & black will be most popular. Magenta*** has been reported to be hot, but should be used sparingly.
Dresses: Jumpers, tunics and sheaths are the big dress styles for fall. You will see draped, beaded, ruched styles plus some with peplums, spider lace, and cutouts.
Cutouts
Skirts: Pencil skirts, which are flattering on most women provided they fit well, are favorites. Some will have high waistlines (best on small waisted women). Mini skirts especially short kilts worn with black seamed leggings or tights were shown by designers. Look for a tweed skirt if you want to add something new.
Suits: Suits are tailored and have strong lines. Watch for flappy lapels and asymmetrical closings.
Pants: Women love pants! They are both comfortable and practical. Designers are offering a wide variety of styles to choose from this season (flowing in textured fabrics, slouchy, skinny legs, etc). Stores will have pants with pleating at the hips, loose legged evening pants, high waisted trim trousers, biker shorts, and culottes.
Jackets: The two most popular styles that emerged on the runways are the blazer and cropped style jackets. Jackets will be structured, and nipped in at the waist. Watch for wide shoulder jackets. You will see sporty looking, zippered trimmed jackets like bomber and motorcycle style jackets.
Cropped Leather Jacket With Asymmetrical Zipper Closing
Capes with fur trim and leather and cashmere coats will be popular. The trench style continues to be strong.
Shoes and Legwear: Shoes are a way to make a big fashion statement. High platforms, ankle booties (wear with leg warmers) and leather boots continue to be huge. Shoes with an African influence like beads, feathers, grommets and fringe, etc. are options.
Motocycle BootAnimal Print Bootie Shoes with Grommets
Leggings in leather, patterned, lace, cut-out, metallic, denim, geometric, slashed, latex, liquid, etc. won't go away. Opaque stockings and tights are still strong.
Tops: Sweaters are short and cropped or long covering the derriere. Silk blouses are very "in." Some blouses were shown with Elizabethan or Victorian collars.
Accessories: Leather gloves are back. There is an Asian influence as seen in OBI styled belts.
Handbags: Handbags continue to be huge. You'll see leopard patterns, colorful and /or metallic, and lucite bags.
* Ruching is a sewing technique in which fabric is gathered in a repeat pattern.
*"The French word, matelassé fabric means "quilted."
