Though we’re in the heat of Summer, many stores are beginning to release their Fall Collections and we’re starting to look forward to what’s in store for us fashion-wise. After watching quite a few fashion shows and writing weekly ‘Fashion Distraction’ articles, here’s my list of the Top 10 Trends for Fall 2009.

Shown: Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Herve Leger, BCBG Max Azria

Yep, believe it…built-out shoulders were present in many shows. Some designs were cut or draped in a way that brought attention to the shoulders. Others actually featured padding and stiff, strong shoulders reminiscent of the 80’s.

Shown: Alexander Wang, Donna Karan, Emilio Pucci, Gucci

Designs with interestingly placed cut-outs were a big hit with many designers. Donna Karan’s ‘cold-shoulder’ dress features cutouts that appear to just be draping. But, most made the cutouts more distinctive. Alexander Wang even designed cutout leggings for the season.

Shown: Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Zac Posen, Yigal Azrouel

If the built-out shoulders weren’t indication enough that the 80’s are back, check out these dresses. I like to call this Cyndi Lauper style. Láme in bright colors, tiered ruffles and pouffy sleeves paired with black lace were all on the runway ‘time after time’.

Shown: Carolina Herrera, Diane Von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren, Cynthia Steffe

Sequins, sparkles and shine shimmered on many runways in full dresses, tops, skirts, pants and accents. Silver and gold were obviously used quite a bit, but the most surprising and striking were the copper tones.

Shown: Balmain, Matthew Williamson, Philip Lim, Alexander Wang

You may have noticed by now that most of the designs featured edgy designs with the strong, independent woman in mind. Leather worked towards this end and not just as an accent. All over leather was prominent in dresses, short and blazer combos and pants with leather corsets. Leather was also featured as the key piece in many outfits.

Shown: Narciso Rodriguez, Marc Jacobs, Matthew Williamson, Michael Kors

In keeping with the 80’s redux, neon and bright colors were prevalent in most shows. In fact, most shows consisted of black or grey designs mixed in with neon designs–there were no other colors that stood out above the rest. Yellow and pink are definitely the top picks for bright, colorful pieces this Fall. These will be great pieces to brighten things up in the middle of the cold months!

Shown: Balenciaga, Nicole Miller, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera

Emphasis on the natural waist was created with both design and accessories. In fact, very few designs cut below the natural waist. Waists were belted, buttoned and cinched to create an hourglass shape (and, I can imagine that’s hard to do on most models!). Most of the designs were also form-fitting with tapering pants and hugging skirts.

Shown: Lanvin, Carlos Miele, Alexander Wang, Michael Kors

Origami dresses were a style that started appearing in the Spring of 2009. For Fall and Winter, we’ll see origami pleating become more of a trend for dresses, jackets, tops and skirts.

Shown: Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Ralph Lauren, Rebecca Taylor

I mentioned before that slim-fitting pants and skirts that accentuated (or created) an hourglass figure were prominent on the runways. Carrot pants were a major player in this recurring theme. Higher-waisted, full-hipped and tapered to the ankles, carrot pants do, indeed, look like their namesake. Definitely an option for slacks at the office, I don’t see this trend being done in denim AT ALL.

Shown: Brian Reyes, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Rebecca Taylor

Though these collections are for Fall and Winter, there were an awful lot of short skirts, shorts and a plethora of cocktail dresses. Perhaps it’s the economy and the need to purchase something that can be worn independent of season.

Other Notables

In addition to these Top 10 Trends, other notables were gloves, over the knee boots, socks with heels, tights, hats and fair-isle knits.

Final Thoughts

As we near Fall, I’ll post on each of these trends as well as many others. To get ssasychic updates in your inbox, make sure to subscribe (if you haven’t already).


What do you think of these trends? Do you have a favorite? Let’s discuss in the comments.