Summer is still in full force but walking the aisles of any local department store quickly reminds us that fall is just around the corner! Back-to-school shopping has begun and college students are beginning to pack up their belongings for their return to college.A new season of fashion is approaching and we’re keeping you on top of the trends.  Here are a few to watch for to kick off Fall 2009:
One shouldered tops and dresses: Asymmetric shoulder lines have made a huge return in 2009. Your favorite stores were full of single-shouldered dresses, tops and bikinis this summer and this style is sticking around for the fall.  Showing off one shoulder can be subtly sexy and interesting on the eye, and the possibilities for how to wear it are numerous.

Over-the-knee/Thigh high boots: Over-the-knee boots are the must-have item for Fall 2009, but those daring enough will find the tops of their boots creeping up even higher with thigh-high boots also making it mainstream. From elegant suedes to darkly futuristic leathers, the options are many and various. Genuine leather is your best bet, of which you’re safest investment choice is classic matte black or brown. If you want a more unique color leather, your other big choices for 2009/2010 are olive greens, greys or cream/neutral tones. Suede, the other big choice for this trend, is very popular be it in black, brown, grey, maroon or pretty much any other color variation.

Capes, Capelets and Cloaks: It’s been quite some time since the cape has been a major fashion staple. In Fall 2009/Winter 2010 the cape, in it’s various forms, will make it to major trend status as many big names of the fashion design world create their own unique revivals. Capes and cloaks have existed, in one variety or another, through much of our known human history. From early Medieval mantles, to 16th century decorative shawls; from military officers capes and 1940s fur stoles, to the fringed ponchos of the 1960s. But since the humble poncho had its hippie revival, the cape in its more sophisticated forms has seen nothing of a major comeback on the streets – that is, until now. The cape is back on the agenda as one of the major 2009/2010 fashion trends.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Fall 2009 Fashion Trends!