Spring 2009 trends

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Spring 2009 trends

— by Angie

on January 5, 2009

Retailers in the northern hemisphere will be full of Spring merchandise in less than six weeks. It’s hard to get our minds around that fact when there’s still snow on the ground, but that’s the way the crazy retail cycle works. Here are the trends that I expect to see in stores over the next 6 months:

Strong 80’s flair: I’m all for it.
Prints: Butterflies and pastel florals.
Maxi dresses: You know how I feel about this trend.
Suits: Makes for a nice change. This is the year of the pastel suit.
Cropped military jackets: Fabulous. I love military inspired items. Does anyone remember the Sergeant Pepper jacket?
Floppy pants and baggy bottoms: I doubt harem pants will take off, but we’ve seen wide-legged pants make a comeback. I’m curious as to how this trend will be received.
Zipper accents: The “tough girl” rock-chic vibe is hanging around. Another trend that I adore.
Rompers and jumpsuits: They were fringe fashion last year and I hope they stay that way.
Single shouldered tops: Interesting.
The exposed midriff: I’m staying covered up.
More fringing: A little bohemian flavour is fine.
Daytime sparkle: We’ve already seen this trend come through. I wear my metallic poloneck during the day, dressed down with faded jeans and casual boots and it makes for a fun look.
Bikinis: I’m sticking to a one-piece.
More gladiators: Both flat and stacked. Love the trend but can’t wear the shoe. Oh well. I’ve come to expect footwear seasons with a limited assortment of wearable possibilities.
Accessories: Oversized necklaces, pastel handbags and footwear, stacked bracelets and cocktail rings.
Hair: Center partings.

The colors will be ice-cream tones:

Brights: Turquoise, yellow, apple green and fuchsia
Pastels: Blush, peach, light blue, aqua and lilac
Neutrals: head-to-toe black and nude, nude, nude

Each new season brings with it a sense of excitement. As always, I’m chomping at the bit to share our feelings about what’s out there. So far, it’s the military influences, the zipper accents and colours like apple green and turquoise that excite me the most. Trends like maxi dresses, jumpsuits and bare mid riffs excite me the least. What’s your take on these trends?

The mood of Spring 2009’s colour palette. Yummy.

Colour · Spring 2009

38 comments · Add a comment

dee2do

Thank you so much, Angie.

January 5, 2009 at 9:10 am

Ana

I think you and I are looking forward to the same things, Angie. I can’t really do pastels, since they wash me out. I think I’m going to try gladiator sandals this year, and I’d love to add some nude accessories to my wardrobe, too.

January 5, 2009 at 9:20 am

Joy

Thank you, Angie, I’ve been looking forward to this topic. I share your feelings about maxidresses, jumpsuits. and bare midriffs and will also pass on single shoulders and wide-legged and floppy pants…too much fabric on a smaller person. I’m not a big fan of fringe, but the military look might do if my eye adjusts. Not sure about butterflies and pastel florals unless Sweet Pea comes out with a yummy deep-pastel print.
I’m excited about turquoise, apple green, and peach and love, love, love that pairing of black and nude! But I’d avoid nude-colored pants. I tried some on last summer that fit like a glove and looked like I was bottomless from a distance!
I have a lilac heavy silk cardi with some sparkle down the front that’s a closet orphan. Now maybe it will be put to use.

January 5, 2009 at 9:31 am

Tanya

Thank you so much for this article Angie! This is very helpful.

What I like is ( very similar to you and Ana): Cropped military jackets, zipper accents, prints and gladiators ( will try a wedge pair).

I strongly dislike and will be staying away from maxi dresses, baggy bottoms, jumpsuits, exposed midriffs and fringe.

I am curious about daytime sparkle and single shouldered tops.

I am extremely excited about the colors, they sound right up my alley. I like: turquoise, yellow, fuchsia, blush, light blue, aqua, lilac and black. I am even tempted about all the nudes, if I find something interesting with a clear pink undertone ( well I guess that would make it blush).

Here are two pieces I love:

1. Yellow blouse – the color might be too strong for me, but I hope the blue accents might make it work:
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com.....8;ev19=1:7

2. Black gladiators – will be stalking them, hopefully they’ll go on some decent sale:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/st.....16101431-2

January 5, 2009 at 9:32 am

Joey

I always look forward to this post. Wish I could say I was looking forward to these trends. There are 3 things that sound o.k.: wide leg pants, daytime sparkle and apple green. There are 2 things I don’t know what they are: single shoulder tops and what a strong 80’s flair looks like. The rest I will likely take a pass on. As usual the trends speak to small frames. I am so longing for longer length blazers and tops and shoe heels 2″ and under. Under these fashion circumstances, I can save my time and money for something more palletable…and that’s o.k.

January 5, 2009 at 9:39 am

Sarah

Thanks for this post Angie. I’ve been looking forward to this one, even though I’ve been mostly just lurking here lately. We haven’t had money for clothes for several months, and that shows no signs of changing soon, so I’m trying not to tempt myself with all of the must-have trends that I fall in love with on this site.

As for the spring trends, I’ve been loving the 80’s revival so far. I finally got skinny jeans with my Christmas money! And I’m excited to wear them. I’ll try to post some picture on the forum soon. I’m curious about this prints trend, but don’t know what to think of it. When I get a good job, I’ll be looking for the right maxi dress. I’m happy to hear the pastel suits are showing up; this should encourage me to finally get mine altered so it will be wearable. I’m also excited about the military jackets, but not so thrilled about floppy pants. I’ll stick to my skinnies. I might do a single shouldered top, but not the bare midriff. I hated that look in the 90s and I’m still not fond of it. I’ve seen enormous necklaces in a few stores lately. Being petite I think I’ll stick to delicate chunky, but I could love this trend on the right person. My hair naturally parts in the center, so it should be in style with no trouble. I’m happy about the pastels, because most pastels are great with my completion. I also love turquoise and the right yellow, but I’ll leave apple green, fuchsia, and nude to others.

January 5, 2009 at 9:47 am

Meredith

Ooooh I Love, love, love that Lemon Tahari skirt suit. Makes me wish I had a very corporate job to justify the purchase at Neiman’s.

love,
m!

January 5, 2009 at 10:27 am

Lena

I’ve been drooling and saving in anticipation of spring colors. And I really like military inspired jackets. Can’t wait to see what this new cycle brings us.

January 5, 2009 at 11:02 am

redhead

hmmmm…I’m not so excited about the spring season. I wonder if the 80’s revival means we can wear our “Frankie Say Relax” shirts again…

January 5, 2009 at 11:11 am

Marianne

Thank you for the preview, Angie. I love military jackets and zippers and I am really looking forward to that. I am not that excited about pastels, they just remind me of little girl things and easter eggs, but lime and lilac might work. Not pastel bags though.

January 5, 2009 at 11:37 am

Violet

Hm, I’m not sure if I’ll be incorporating a lot of these trends into my wardrobe. I will definitely be avoiding maxi dresses, floppy bottoms and exposed midriffs. One thing I do like are the bright colors. I already have two apple green tops, so it’s nice to know I’m ahead of the game.

January 5, 2009 at 12:01 pm

BLB

(website)

Interesting. I’m excited about butterfly prints; turquoise, yellow, nude, black, and fuschia (not sure about apple green–I currently prefer citron); wide-legged pants; military-inspired jackets; zipper accents; daytime sparkle; big necklaces (saw some at H&M); centre parts; and having another chance to try flat gladiators, since I didn’t get any last summer but wanted some. The idea of bare midriffs sounds just horrible (that’s what I call “klassy with a ‘k'”), and rompers, pastels, uber-80s looks, single shoulders, and fringe do little to nothing for me. But we’ll see. It all depends on how these things are interpreted and worn.

January 5, 2009 at 12:01 pm

bella

I have a light blue skirt suit but I’m afraid the skirt is a tad bit short!:( I will have to post a picture on the forum and see what others think.
I am mostly excited about the colors, fuchsia, turquoise, apple green all look good on me. I also really liked the military inspired jackets the last time they were around. Pastels and bare midriff don’t sound too good.
Also can you explain a bit more what you expect to see as 80s flair. I am surprised that you are all for it, it doesn’t sound too promising but perhaps I can’t exactly visualize the new take on 80s.

January 5, 2009 at 12:24 pm

Sal

(website)

Hmm, a real mixed bag for someone with my tastes. Most excited by widelegs, zipper accents, daytime sparkle, and statement necklaces. The rest make me cringe a little, as do pastels. I can do most colors, but pastels make me look positively ill.

And I agree with BLB: Bare midriffs are simply never a good idea.

January 5, 2009 at 12:47 pm

Tuffer

(website)

Its posts like this that make me really really want a men’s You Look Fab. ahhhhhh. stupid american no-interest-in-style guys. (as evidenced by the likely demise of Men’s Vogue)

January 5, 2009 at 1:16 pm

Eva

Hmm. Don’t know if I love any of it to make new purchases, yet. But I’m sure I will find something I love when it hits the stores. I like the bright colors. I’m not sure nude works well for me, it has never been a color I liked. I just donated my wide leg pants. I worry about styles/colors lasting only one year, such as the pastel suit. Then what do you do with the expensive beautiful pale yellow suit that you wore 6 times?

January 5, 2009 at 1:44 pm

Antje

Oh fun! Great post, I always love to read these little sneak previews. As you know I’m happy to see the 80s trend continue – I’m such a 80s girl.

Cropped military style jacket sounds great, as do zippers and daytime sparkle.

I love the sound of the brights (especially fuchsia and turquoise) but am NOT excited about pastels at all and can’t see those in my wardrobe; however, I might look for ways to incorporate some in funky ways to accessorize and/or as shoes. I do have a little butterfly print scarf that I love to sport on days where I need that extra little kick of something light and spring-like, so I’m happy to see it’ll even be on trend this coming season.

I’ve never warmed up to the gladiator shoe and sandal style, and will continue to pass on it.

Now the jumpsuit actually sounds intriguing (I realize I’ll be the lone exception here). While you probably won’t see me sporting one (too hard to disguise issues in the midsection in a jump suit ;-)), I think it can look so cute and funky in a crazy way on the right woman and I would not rule out liking the look. I’ll stay tuned!

Looking forward to more previews! I’m ready to be inspired; the winter wardrobe is getting old…

January 5, 2009 at 1:55 pm

Inge

LOL Angie, the matter-of-fact way in which you commented on every trend cracked me up;-)
Hm, not the best colours for me so far, but I like turquoise and apple green on other people.

I’d buy a military jacket in a heartbeat, love the idea of a suit that fits me to a tee, I’m not giving up my wide-legged jeans anytime soon, zipper accents and single shouldered tops are no objection, and daytime sparkle can be lovely too. I can’t picture myself with a pastel handbag, but I love stacked bracelets and some oversized necklaces. It sounds like there will be something for everybody…

Personally, I hope to be able to wear my Winter clothes for a little while longer, I’ll be sad to say goodbye to boots and turtlenecks/cosy sweaters season.

By the way: while I was at the Sales today, I had a look around an H&M, and there were navy stripes everywhere (definitely a ‘marine theme’ going on there). Another trend, you think?

January 5, 2009 at 2:09 pm

shiny

This is good – and budget-friendly news – because it means that many of my purchases last year will still be in style this year.

I already stocked up on fuschia, turquoise, and apple green last spring/summer, and I love these colors. Yellow – not so much. And, I do not care all that much for pastels, but admittedly, I still have a fair amount of pastel spring items in storage. (Some years, it seems that’s all you can find in the stores).

I will take a pass on the exposed midriff trend: eesh! But I don’t mind wider leg jeans for a change of pace…. however “floppy” and “baggy” doesn’t sound appealing!

I would go in for a new suit, but not if it’s pastel… too grandmotherly for my tastes! The fuschia suit shown above is quite pretty though.

Military and zippers… I can do in the right doses. Daytime sparkle… I’m on the fence and will have to see about that one!

I am most intrigued by the nude trend. I would love to read a blog post about how to pick the right shade of nude for your complexion, as I know from experience this can be tricky. Also I would like to know what the difference is between nude and khaki or stone.

Curious about grey? BR is showing a lot of soft pretty greys for spring. Or is that just early spring?

January 5, 2009 at 3:25 pm

Sara

(website)

Hmm, interesting…I don’t do pastels or super-bright colors, but I’m thinking I’ll find something that piques my style curiosity. And if not, I’ll just continue to dress the way I usually do, according to the season and weather.

January 5, 2009 at 6:11 pm

Julia

It’s always tricky for me to wear ‘spring colors’ like pastel so I’ll skip them. I just bought a cropped military jacket from BR. I’d like to know how to wear it if possible.

January 5, 2009 at 6:24 pm

Kyle

(website)

Angie: Please point us in the direction of some fab military jackets — that’s been on my list for quite some time. Rompers? No way. Yikes.

I share Shiny’s desire to learn more about the use of nudes. It’s tricky for blondes. I usually feel like I become “all one color” and washed out when I wear nudes or beige tones. What’s the secret?

January 5, 2009 at 7:20 pm

Laura

Another positive vote for jumpsuits here. (Yay, Antje!) They aren’t for everyone, and they probably aren’t for me anymore, but they are a cute look on the right person.

I am not a fan of butterflies and pastels, sorry to say, and the same goes for fringe, one-shouldered tops, maxidresses, floppy or baggy pants, bikinis … sigh … I hope there’s something I can wear this spring.

January 5, 2009 at 7:42 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It’s a pleasure, dee. Which trends appeal to you?

It’s interesting to hear the resistance to pastels. I too look awful in baby colours, but hubby quite likes me in light blue. I can wear light blue if it’s rich enough. But it’s by no means my best colour. (J Crew is full of pastels right now btw).

Ana, in the spirit of “never saying never”, I too will re-try flat gladiators this Spring. I love the look but had given up on all sandal styles open and strappy. I hope to get a pair that I can walk around in for a few hours. I’m going to hot weather places this year and they’ll come in handy.

Beautiful blouse and gladiators, Tanya. So you’re after a heeled gladiator look I see

I’m surprised that you’re puzzled by “the 80’s flair” trend. We’ve been surrounded by it for close on 5 seasons. Think skinnies, cobalt blue, fuchsia, turquoise, slouchy ankle boots, waist-cinching belts and voluminous trends to name but a few. These 80’s trends have been re-interpreted with such sass I can barely stand it. I’m thoroughly impressed with the fashion industry on this one.

Sarah, I can’t wait to see you in your new skinnies. I know you’ll ROCK them.

Antje and Laura, as much as I loved my jumpsuits 25-30 years ago, I cannot imagine going through the practical hardships of wearing one now that I’m 38, especially if I’ve layered on top of it. I would never go to the loo which after a while, would not be a pretty sight.

Inge, I’m with you on boots and turtle necks. I’m looking forward to another three months of Winter dressing precisely for that reason. Coats too! Each Spring season usually includes some form of nautical theme. It’s a great look if it’s interpreted in a newish way.

Not sure about the grey, Shiny. It might be part of a late Winter store input. Grey has not been featured as a Spring 2009 trend so far.

Kyle, nude is very hard to wear. Yet, lasses like Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman wear it successfully all the time. I personally think it has to do with the quality of your skin, the strength of your features and the texture of the fabric. You can pull off nude when you’re fair if you have flawless skin. That way, your skin and the textured nude garment mesh into one and somehow it works. A nude shade complements perfect skintone. Add a set of piercing eyes and distinctive eyebrows and you’re in business. I know I sound obtuse but I have actually thought about this.

So no one remembers the sergeant pepper jacket? Come on ladies! This was military 80’s chic at its best. Wow. That surprises me. Perhaps it was a British thing.

I say we wait to see what grabs our attention this season before we pass on iffy trends. I’m often pleasantly surprised and I’m sure that the next s six months will be no different. For the mean time, I’ll dream about a cream military jacket and gladiators that like my feet.

January 5, 2009 at 7:54 pm

Mai

I’ve actually been looking for a military/band jacket that fits me and is in my price range for a few months, so ha, this is pleasing. I’m not really sure what makes a sergeant pepper jacket a sergeant pepper jacket specifically – as opposed to any other kind of military jacket, I mean.

I think I’m generally interested to see what’ll show up: I like the spring palette, I like the suits, I like zippers and military, I like the concept of maxi dresses but realize they don’t actually work in real life – other than that, I’ll just wait and see.

January 6, 2009 at 1:44 am

Lisa

An 80’s revival? I was raising a toddler then…I don’t remember the styles or the music (you moms know what it’s like to be so wrapped up in child rearing/wife stuff that life breezes by!).

Pastels…some are sweet, but I always think of my mom wearing minty tones.

Ah, but black and nude! I’m a classics woman and know that there are basics that anchor your wardrobe for years. All you need is an occasional spash of color or surprise. Trends are great for “fillers”. This is your mother talking. Some day you’ll understand, but for now you’re going to have to work it out and develop your own style.

Don’t get me wrong. As one of your more “mature” readers (still hip and feel a need to say it vs. someone thinking I’m some schlumpadinka in mommy jeans), I’ve seen a lot of fashion trends. I’ve worn platform cork shoes, maxis and minis, bellbottoms, tie die…okay, you get and picture and I have the pictures (I cringe!). These were all real life for me and I now pass them along to a younger generation who will look so much more interesting in them than I did (or would now…cringe again). But I do have to wonder where the creativity is in minds that have to keep reinventing the past…

It’s early, I need another cup of coffee. Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoy your blog and your reader’s comments. Perhaps if we’d had the internet to communicate with “back then”, many of us would have avoided a lot of mistakes (not exclusive of fashion either!). Enjoy!

January 6, 2009 at 5:32 am

Fran

Love love LOVE that pink suit. Now, if I only had $4k to purchase it…

January 6, 2009 at 7:15 am

Joelle

Angie, I really appreciate these season preview posts. Like everyone else, I think I would love some of these trends and pass up on others. I like the idea of military jackets, suits, daytime sparkle, and accessories. My hair tends to part in the center anyway, so it’s great that I won’t be having to fight with it as I have in the past. Pastel colors look good on me, so as long as the style of the item isn’t childish (no butterflies or rompers, please!), it should be fine. As for one shouldered styles–I think they can look lovely in an evening dress, but might look cheap in a top or worn in the daytime. I’ll probably pass on everything else. Especially the black head to toe look–I used to wear that way too much!

January 6, 2009 at 11:24 am

Spring 2009 Fashion Trends « Trophy Life

(website)

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January 6, 2009 at 11:30 am

kellee

Hi Angie,

Wasn’t the Sargent Pepper military jacket- red with white trim?
Gold Buttons and a Nehru collar?
Just reaching back into some murky memory..

I LOVE THE 80’s…but does that mean big shoulder pads?!
Madonna head bands?

I will be wearing a black leather quilted Kenna-T biker jacket, (Chanel nod)which I just bought on sale at Nordstrom’s( I’m so excited) with lots of pearls and a white shirt(or t-shirt).
We have a long cold Spring here in Boston, I will add a colorful scarf. See I am working on adding color!

I watched a Chanel video recently and there was lots of lace on the hands.
Are we going to be channeling Desperately Seeking Susan again

January 6, 2009 at 6:24 pm

Style Eyes Fashion Blog

(website)

A great summary of the trends – thanks. I love the biker chic trend

January 7, 2009 at 9:26 am

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[…] Two days ago, Angie, from YLF, posted a preview of fashion trends for Spring 2009. It is a really nice post which summarizes the upcoming trends. However, the trends themselves have […]

January 8, 2009 at 5:29 am

The double-wrap skinny belt | youlookfab

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[…] guessed it. Another bit of 80’s flair that’s made a comeback. The double-wrap skinny belt brings back fond memories of having plastic […]

January 13, 2009 at 8:16 am

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[…] in all, the ensemble struck a super balance between looking conservative and taking a fashion risk. Daytime sparkle is a 2009 trend, which makes Michelle spot on. I also enjoyed the touch of the teal shoes and […]

January 21, 2009 at 8:49 am

Fashion for Spring 2009 - After5

(website)

[…] days ago, Angie, from YLF, posted a preview of fashion trends for Spring 2009. It is a really nice post which summarizes the upcoming trends. However, the trends themselves have […]

January 28, 2009 at 9:08 pm

Cathy

I’m excited about the new season having started my life over in Albuquerque. I just got wide legged jeans which need to be hemmed and am amazed at how good they look. I’ve started going to Buffalo Exchange to pick things up… lots of things actually and it just blows me away all the cool stuff that people discard. I’m all for the new trends… most of them really. My feeling even at my age is that’s it’s all good. I have butterfly earrings on right now as a matter of fact.

January 31, 2009 at 6:52 pm

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(website)

[…] see this trend waft in and out of fashion and this season it’s back for tops and frocks. Grecian, breezy, cool, asymmetrical and alluring are words that […]

April 20, 2009 at 12:08 am

Kelly

This is very helpful. I agree with the butterfly print. I see it everywhere Meghan by Meghan Fabulous has great dresses and tops with a fun butterfly pattern. Meghanshop.com is the website to check out.

June 29, 2009 at 5:03 pm

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