From sophisticated and tailored looks to easy-to wear fashion, from vivid electric colors to muted tones, here comes all you need to know to adapt your wardrobe to the next “it” trends.

By: Sandrine Goncalvès

Functional seems to be one of the spring keywords as harem pants continued to reign over the catwalks. More significantly, designers found in jumpsuits an alternative to one-step dressing. Far from the 80s stretch and sporty outfit, the new jumpsuits are loose, utilitarian and sometimes industrial looking. They are to be worn very long, short or tapered above the ankle. Being that easy going do not prevent them from staying glamorous with belts emphasizing the waist, nice low-cuts or even embroidered sequins as could be seen on Alexander Mc Queen.
Lamé, glitters and crystals were actually no longer reserved for evening gowns. The flashiness of metallic shorts, trousers and fluid dresses gave way to a more playful fashion to be worn day and night. Designers even worked trench-coats out of shiny materials. More than simple rainy-day jackets, they will also be a big piece for the next season to wear over jumpsuits or as simple dresses with nothing under!

If 2008 had witnessed a return of the goddess-like one-shoulder dress, in 2008 designers made a step further by spreading the concept of asymmetric to the other pieces of the wardrobe from jumpsuits to swimsuits. The idea was even reworked in the one-sleeve ultra-feminine looks reminiscent of the 70’s.

For designers going further back in time, belts are essential this spring and give a glamorous retro appeal to high waists. Often large, designed and even adorned with sequins, they accessorize every piece from blazers to wide-leg pants. At Fendi, belts are bright when used as a finishing touch for a more subtle colored outfit. Anna Sui even used simple scarves fastened around the waist for a more bohemian feeling.
 

As far as color is concerned, the last fashion shows were marked by a confrontation between vivid shades and the expression of a more subtle palette of muted tones. Vibrant colors were already present in many collections last year and they continue their reign with an emphasis on electric orange and cobalt blue. Deeper neutral tones came to temper those fresh and lively colors and offered unprecedented purity and simplicity. Fabrics are sheer, fluid and sometimes translucent, subtly revealing the body. For those who prefer to stick to the usual yet effective combination, black and white stood very popular on the runways and designers have fancied multiple graphic patterns for a sophisticated modern look.

The recurrent trends seen on the runways were not to be overly sexy but subtly retro, lively, easy-going and yet very feminine. Frills and flounces provided the perfect volumes and movement to summer skirts or dresses. Moschino even adorned trench sleeves with ruffles for a cute girly touch. The Spring 2009 collections were a breath of fresh air in these uncertain times, designers have updated a certain number of essentials that are undoubtedly made to last.