Trend Report: Fall 2009

Although the Fall 2009 collections seem like eons ago and we are still enjoying the last dregs of summer, it’s time to start looking forward to Fall fashion; the trends, the bold statements and the classics that made their way down the runways back in February and March.

Though the Fall 2009 collections hit the runways in the midst of the recession, there was a consistent element; all the trends were totally accessible, no matter your budget. From animal prints to thigh high boots, there is definitely an option at every price level, if you know where to look.

ANIMAL PRINTS (L-R) Blumarine, Dolce & Gabbana, Diane Von Furstenburg, Miss Sixty

From leopard to tiger, the wild cats were definitely a popular print on the runways. If the snow leopard is up your alley, try this Animal Spot-Print Sheath Dress ($159.50) from Michael Kors with black tights and ankle boots. We’re also crazy about this Leopard Print Swing Coat ($69) from Newport News.

STRONG SHOULDERS (L-R) Balmain, Karl Lagerfeld, Emanuel Ungaro, Givenchy

The 80s comeback definitely got off to a good start with these sharply-defined shoulders! If you have money to burn, head straight to the Leather Peak Shoulder Jacket ($1,695) from Erin Fetherston. For an affordable alternative, try the Minus The Leather Strong Shoulder Blazer ($98) from Express.

DAYTIME METALLICS (L-R) Etro, Stella McCartney, Luella, Erin Fetherston

The quickest way to add a little glitz to the fall months? Daytime metallics. Try the Metallic Gold Foiled Leggings ($98) from BCBGMaxAzria with a simple tunic dress or the byCORPUS Faux Leather Back-Zip Skirt ($68) from Urban Outfitters with a patterned top, à la Etro.

ONE SHOULDER DRESSES (L-R) Thakoon, Twenty8Twelve, Emilio Pucci, Charlotte Ronson

If the strong shoulder trend isn’t for you, fear not. You can still get in on some shoulder action with the one-shouldered dress. This One-Shoulder Stretch Dress ($95) by T by Alexander Wang is a simple yet classic buy. For something with a little more za za zou try Topshop’s One Shoulder Ruched Dress ($250).

LEATHER PANTS (L-R) Phi, Topshop Unique, Jenni Kayne, Derek Lam

While leather on your lower half can be hard to pull off, the assortment of shapes that hit the Fall runways will make it easy to find the right pair. For the real thing (third from left), try these Jenni Kayne Leather Trousers ($895). We also love the Zippered Faux Leather Pant ($22.80) from Forever21. You won’t even notice the dent in your wallet.

SHEER/MESH (L-R) Alexander Wang, Givenchy, Roberto Cavalli, Preen

A sheer/mesh layer gives you an unfussy yet sexy look and was a huge player on the runways. We love Alexander Wang’s Slim Grommet Dress ($550) but Topshop’s Flame Mesh Halter Dress ($125) is more likely to make its way into our closet.

THIGH HIGH BOOTS (L-R) Rodarte, Louis Vuitton, Isabel Marant, Hussein Chalayan

Though we have waxed lyrical about the magic of thigh high boots already for the coming seasons (see Trend Report: Thigh High Boots), we can’t get enough! Bebe have just introduced the Daniela Thigh High Boot ($159) which will definitely start you off on the right foot.

THE COLOR PINK (L-R) Dolce & Gabbana, Tibi, Marc Jacobs, House Of Holland

We love the color pink here at Mama Was A Rolling Stone so we were more than happy to see this hit the Fall runways. Obviously, hot pink comes on strong so it is best mixed with black. The Pleasure Doing Business Five Banded Skirt ($88) is an Ashley Olsen-favorite. If you want to start out simple, try this Hand Knotted Scarf ($88) from Love Quotes.

CAPE COATS (L-R) Matthew Williamson, Vivienne Westwood, Tuleh, Fendi

If you want to make a statement this Fall, definitely go with a cape coat. Whether you go for buttoned, like this Wool Button-Thru Cape ($245) from DKNY, or zippered, like this LNA Zipper Cape ($198), you are definitely going to stand out in the crowd.

STATEMENT JEWELRY (L-R) Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Zac Posen, Anna Sui

The Fall runways were littered with serious statement jewelry; the bigger, the better, it seems. Rachel Zoe’s new collection for QVC is promising to have some red-carpet ready jewels, but if you can’t wait, try this Diamante She Wolf Ring ($75) by Fred Flare or this Twisted Chain Necklace($365) from Lee Angel.

YOU MIGHT LIKE:

1. Trend Report: Thigh High Boots
2. Trend Report: Leopard Print
3. Trend Report: Fall 2010