The Diva's Guide to 2009 Spring Fashions

Spring is just around the corner, I'm sure of it.

I know it's true because lately I've had an uncontrollable urge to weigh in on the spring fashion trends that are crowding the fashion pages of the latest magazines and newspapers.

I feel positivity giddy about the trends I'm seeing this spring - clothes are boasting the kind of bright, crazy colours and bold prints and patterns that haven't been seen since the mid 1980s. 

Sure, we're in the midst of a recession.But that's all the more reason to stop taking fashion so seriously. The 80s may not have yielded a lot of timeless classics, but the clothes were silly, irreverent and FUN, just like this spring's most wearable trends.

Frankie says Relax: I say let's check 'em out.

I've decided to look at a dozen of spring 2009's most wearable trends as identified by Glamour. Here's the first six:

1. Relax Fit Pants- Hooray! See you later skinny jeans - there's a new shape in town and it's comfy! Stock markets may be falling but this is good news you can take to the bank. The new silhouette is cut loose over the hips and tapers gently at the ankles - wear them all spring and summer with nary a thought of muffin top. Just one caveat: make sure you don't step over the line between relax and baggy fit - it's easy to do but there's nothing stylish about looking slumpy.

2. Pastel Suit- This one makes me a little nervous. I'm sure you can Google Pastel Suits Spring 2009 and pull up a million examples of models that look completely smashing and up-to-the-minute in their ensembles. I also think if it's not done perfectly, it's a trend will make you look like someone's dotty Great Aunt at a garden show. (Not mine of course - Hi Aunt Verna! Love ya!) I also think that a zillion people have a 15-year-old pastel suit in their closet and in a misguided effort to save money they're gonna pull it out and think they're right in style: they won't be. Mark my words - there will be styling details on the 2009 version that will instantly identify people who try to recycle and retail manufacturers who produce cheap knock-offs. Tread carefully.

3. Mix and Match Patterns - Hooray again! I love this trend even though there's no question that, like the pastel suit, it'll be tricky for a lot of people to pull off properly. There is going to be a very fine line between looking stylish and fun (like the model at right) and looking like Bozo the clown. But the difference between screwing up this trend and the pastel suit is the sense of fun involved. If you miss the mark on mix and match patterns you're likely to get some indulgent smiles and chuckles. If you wear a mint green pant suit that looks dated people are just gonna avert their eyes sympathetically. I say, wear your biggest smile and go for it!

4. Oversize Pattern Bags- This could be fun! Trend watchers are predicting bright sunny bags that you can match (or clash!) with your summer dresses and I'm all for it! There's a sense of playfulness to a cheery tote that's been sorely missing in fashion the last few years. And also, given that we're all watching our pennies these days, I'm all for any trend that people can get in on without spending a lot of cash. Look for lots of interesting and cheap bags to jazz up your look this spring and summer.

5. Big Bangles- Speaking of getting in on trends on the cheap...clunky. fun bangles (and necklaces!) are going to be everywhere this spring and summer and they're probably the cheapest way for you to look up-to-the-minute without breaking the bank. Get a few cheap pieces in bold colours and wear them with everything, whether they match or not, and you'll look like you just stepped off the runway.

6. Black-on-White Prints - Oh my Lord. Could that dress on the left be any lovelier? Classic and yet thoroughly modern, a black-on-white print dress or top should be your one indulgence this season. Pair something like the one on the right with clunky red bangles and I'm willing to bet even Audrey Hepburn would approve.

Seriously, who cares about the economic outlook when there's so much good news on the fashion front? It's been years since I've seen so many cheery, affordable and easy-to-wear trends that appeal to, and flatter, stylish ladies who are not professional fashionistas.

Check in next week when we look at six more spring styles and discuss how to avoid channeling Boy George....

Comments

[kgirl]

I definitley need a wardrobe boost this spring, as I think I am officially no longer pregnant or post-partum, but I hate shopping. Partner that w/some fear that the huz will lose his job any day now and that adds up to the kindness of my hip sister giving me her cast-offs. How glamorous.

[Oz]

Since I am pregnant, I've got to focus on accessories. An oversize pattern bag sounds fabulous.