by Sonja Leix
Inevitably Fall is making it’s way through the last hot days of summer. It is now time for a wardrobe update and the Women’s Mafia will introduce the hottest Fall fashion trends 2009 to you.
#1: SHOULDER STRONG
ARCHITECTURAL SILHOUETTES
Fall’s fashion draws its focus on strong, architectural shoulders. The Forties and Eighties return with accented shoulders and nipped waists. Bigger is apparently better this Fall and therefore you are allowed to pull out your vintage blazers and jackets with the old favorite from the times of excess: the shoulder pads. This trend has quite a feminine look to it, as it is often contoured down towards the waist.
ONE SHOULDER TOPS AND DRESSES
The new fashion uses geometrical forms to create new silhouettes and cuts. Asymmetrical dresses and tops were all over the runways for Fall in different cuts, colors and styles. A little bare shoulder makes for sex appeal this Fall. Shoulders apparently are the new cleavage.
#2: FUR JACKETS AND BOYFRIEND BLAZERS
Coat styles have never been more diversified and jackets get a modern makeover.
FUR AND FAUX FUR FANTASIES
Fur jackets were seen everywhere on the runways in the usual blacks and browns but also in bright pink. Sleeveless cropped jacket-meets-fur-vest style, capes and coats made for elegance and extravagance. Skinny belts were used to tie the furry pieces in shape.
THE BOYFRIEND BLAZER
Oversized and worn over delicate dresses and skinny jeans, it hides the hips and accentuates the shoulders. Male or Female? This look plays with the sex and gives women a masculine touch with the blazer’s wide cut shoulders.
#3: BIKER CHICK MEETS CATWALK
The biker look is sure to be one of the key trends for Fall and Winter 2009. Leather is definitely loved by all designers this season and pants, vests and jackets are all the rage.
THE SEASON’S MUST-HAVE: THE BIKER JACKET
The versatile leather jacket is the must-have and can be worn in any of this seasons many looks from laid back to sophisticated. Biker jackets will now be paired with skinny jeans, and pencil skirts, but can also be worn over dresses.
ALL ZIPPED UP
This season zippers are not just functional, but used for eye catching decorative effect. Both zippers and studs emphasize the tough-chic trend.
#4: TALES ABOUT POWER BELTS AND FUR STOLES
THIGHTENING YOUR BELT
Recession or not, this Fall belts will nip-in those waists and will be worn over dresses, jackets and blazers. Temper thick layers with a skinny belt worn high on the waist. Michelle Obama has already demonstrated how wearable this trend is.
FUR STOLES AND SCRAPS
The fur stole is seen as a sign of wealth, even though there are quite affordable faux fur stoles out there. Real or faux, they add a touch of glamour to every outfit and will be a must-have accessory for the cold season.
#5: COLOR TRENDS
The Pantone Fashion Color Report for Fall 2009 features the top 10 colors for women’s fashion, along with designer sketches, quotes and headshots. Pantone is the most widely recognized color standard in the world and is used as a tool for the fashion industry. Every season at New York Fashion Week it surveys designers and collects feedback on the most prominent color collections and puts them together in its seasonal report. Open report, click here.
#6: PATTERN EMERGE
Solid colors give way to playful patterns like paisleys, florals and flourishes of abstraction. The animal print and polka-dots are back and give room to express ourselves.
#7: THIS FALL’S BOOTS AIM HIGH
Thigh high leather boots in black and grey took over the international runways. Theses killer boots can be worn with oversized flowing dresses, skirts, boyfriend blazers and fur jackets. Heels or flat? They are very versatile and can be worn with almost every look. It should be avoided to combine them with too short dresses or skirts to not give the wrong impression.
Photos by Getty Images
#8: BAGS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH
There are four key bag trends for the season. And there is nothing wrong with shopping your closet first for these looks!
METALLIC – Everything that shines has a long shelf life and will not be going away anytime soon.
BIKER CHIC – Think studs, chains and zippers – the more the merrier!
CLASSIC – Anything framed, draped and pleated will satisfy!
EXOTICS – Last year’s python, croc or ostrich will work but if you crave something new there are plenty of styles to go around, even embossed versions!
Photos of bags by Bergdorf Goodman and Getty Images
I had the privilege of meeting an exciting and inspiring handbag designer Janet Louise Fitchner at AccessoriesTheShow in New York last month and now I am lucky enough to represent her brand!
WM: What inspired you to start J. Louise Handbags? 
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