Knitch Magazine

Fall 2009 Fashion Week held in the major fashion capitals of the world -- New York, Milan, Paris and London – showcased a multitude of trends as usual, but what is most interesting this year is how many common themes echoed throughout the world.

Perhaps because of the economic challenges of recent months or a heightened sensitivity to providing what is best for the consumer, haute couture and ready-to-wear designers alike have trimmed back their presentations to feature the truly outstanding pieces of the season so that they can show what makes each of them most distinctive. So too are we trimming back our trends list and featuring the eight styles that will most effectively suit a variety of women.

Seek Out Your Inner Diva. First up, we see a strong return to the styles of the 1980s with several trends in the spotlight. When viewing the dramatic styling and bold colors of the Marc Jacobs collection, we feel as if we have time warped back to the heyday of Disco Fever and the times when Studio 54 was the hot spot for the In Crowd. From the slinky metallics of Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana to the highlighter neon pinks of Michael Kors, the 1980s are reigning supreme with lots of drapey, interesting features in a variety of wardrobe pieces.

Shoulder Your Responsibilities With Enhanced Width & Volume. Then also from the 1980s comes an incredible revival of the “big shoulder” look but this time without so much artificial padding and exaggeration. The volume here is achieved through extra seaming and detailing as with the sensational suits and coats of Phillip Lim. This trend is one that will favor many body types because a little added volume at the shoulders can make your posture seem more perfect and also draw the eye upwards to slim your waistline and hips.

Wear It Like a Lady with Tailored Chic. The classic lady-like styling made famous by Coco Chanel and worn so beautifully by fashion icon Jackie Kennedy is back with a vengeance for the fall. The cropped jacket in all its manifestations, the boxy Chanel style and the peplum approach for a more feminine look are all the rage. The must-have garment for the season is definitely the jacket or “short coat” as some designers call it. With so many lady-like, feminine styles in the spotlight from such noted designers as Giorgio Armani and Prada, you’re sure to find the best look for you.

Consider Your Fall Purchases as Investment Dressing. Another strong emphasis for this fall is to choose your signature pieces wisely and go with classic items made of superior fibers for the longest wear and longevity. Many designers have returned to their roots with camel coats, cashmere & angora sweaters, and silk accents for elegant, sophisticated styles. From Donna Karan to Gucci and from Diane Von Furstenberg to Matthew Williamson, the emphasis is on timeless and even in some cases seasonless dressing.

Return to the Aran Isles for the British Look. Also oh-so popular with the knitwear designers is a return to the Aran styling and British looks for the fall. With the incredible detailing of Aran sweaters and the menswear focus of many British designers such as John Smedley, the hot trends for the cold-weather months are cables, argyles, tweeds, chunky knits and subtle stripes. Whether you feature these trends in your sweater wardrobe or in your accessories such as hats, scarves and even socks, you will enjoy strutting your stuff in a variety of options with this trend.

Dress Like You're Attending the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Focus on your headwear, that is, and add the funky, the fun, the creative touches here. From the classic, demure looks of Donna Karan to the outré styles of Alexander Wang, headwear is one of the best finishing touches for that special jacket, coat or outfit. Also one of the most often seen styles on the runways has been the cowl or as some have termed it – the “tube scarf.” With no doubts about how to wear or how to tie it, the cowl headpiece can double as a neck scarf too and so is one of the most versatile items for your fall wardrobe.

Shine the Spotlight on Your Accessories & Bring On the Hardware. From handbags to footwear, added hardware is a definite trend for your accessories. Belting, buckles, chains and more are used to enhance the lines of the basic bags, boots and “booties” (ankle-length boots) being featured for fall. From the bag trims and accents by Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta to the chain-covered footwear of Rodarte, Marc Jacobs and even Laura Poretzky for Payless, accessories are definitely some of the best ways to add the funkiest trends to your wardrobe.

Balance Strong Neutrals with Fantastic Brights. And last but not least, the color forecast for the autumn season is a study in contrasts for the American market. The fundamental hues are neutrals with gray undertones – Iron, a combo of gray & brown; Crème Brulee, a grayish beige; and Nomad, which mixes beige and light gray for a new shade of tan. Then accent these grayish neutrals with a series of brights, and you have the complete palette: true red in American Beauty; Honey Yellow with its warm, subdued tones often paired with its complete opposite Purple Heart; Burnt Sienna, a deep orange shade with a brown undertone; Rapture Rose with its mix of fuchsia and pink; and rounding out the Top 10, Warm Olive with its elegant yellow-greens and Majolica Blue, a deep teal with an exotic feel.