In Style Now
Fashion is more than the clothes you’re wearing. It’s how you put it together and finish it off. Each season, new trends are launched into the general public and 2009 was no different. When you’re in the fashion industry, you better know the trends before they hit the street, but in case you don’t, here’s what’s in style for spring and summer 2009.
- The hair is up, the toes are out, and the eyes stay behind the black glass. This Spring/Summer 2009, the neck is displayed by upswept hair and the toes play peek-a-boo with peeping pumps and boots. Yes, peep-toe boots. But while the neck and toes are on full display, the eyes remain a mystery with big sunglasses staying in the mainstream.
- Nude is the new black. While beige is hardly a “color”, it’s fundamentally sexy to be covered in the color of skin. From a nude pantsuit at Armani to an asymmetrical dress at Bottega Veneta to nude Mary Jane Stilettos, nude is subdued enough for those who are afraid of orange (see below) and sexy enough for those who still want to stand out.
- Pattern yourself perfect. This season, patterns don’t need to complement one another, the brighter and bolder the better. From mod-looking black and white prints to striped shirts with polka dot skirts, designers put patterns together in surprising ways for Spring/Summer 2009. To make this trend work for you, be sure to wear patterns that share the same color family.
- Clearly a Clutch. Handbags give the shoulder straps a rest as clutches continue to make their comeback from 2008. From larger envelope-style bags by Hermès to adorned and beaded beauties by Chanel, the clutch is the “it” bag for Spring/Summer 2009.
- The New Bohemians. Modern day prairie style clothing made its contemporary return in collections by Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs, Prada, and Bottega Veneta. Cheerful, flowing dresses of all lengths, beaded jewelry, and flat, lace-up sandals updated last year’s boho-chic to this year’s embellished neo-hippie.
- Orange you glad to see me? Orange in many of its hues showed prominently this season.Worn in everything from loose, breezy shapes to swimsuits, the runways sizzled from its warm and radiant glow.
- Modesty Shmodesty. Sheer fabrics continue to blaze the runway trail. From sheer ankle-length skirts to a completely revealing one-shoulder gown at John Galliano, this look is not for the bashful. To interpret this look without getting questioned by authorities, layer camisoles underneath sheer tops or slips beneath sheer skirts.
- Aprons aren’t only for Chefs. Apron style accessories at Marc Jacobs and Prada; dresses at Miu Miu and Junya Wantanabe added the necessary flirt to the spring and summer seasons.
The trick to being trendy is to know how to take a look that was created for the drama and grandiosity of the runway and tone it down for everyday life. Here are a few tips on how to make the looks of the season work for you:
- Take inventory of your closet. Know what is trendy currently and make these pieces the focal point of your look.
- Pair something classic with something more seasonal. For example, if you have a prairie skirt, pair it with a clean camisole, tank or fitted tee shirt, and beaded sandals.
- Know when to stop. One or two trendy items will look fashionable. Three or four will look like you are playing dress up.
- Try different shapes to see what flatters you most. Try on the one-shoulder tops and dresses. Try a suit on or a flowy dress. Experiment with how you can make the styles you see in fashion shows work for your body.
What you wear says a lot about who you are. If being fashionable is a message that you want other people to take away after meeting you, then pay attention to trends and know how to modify them to suit your personal style.
