by Shawnte Pierce

Created on: February 05, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

The fall 2009 Couture and Ready-to-Wear collections are currently hitting the runways through the end of February. These fall trends are continuing looks from fall 2008 and spring 2009. Now let's take a look at three of the dominant fashion trends and the dominant beauty trend of the fall 2009 season.

This year's inspiration for both the spring and fall seasons stems from the global economic crisis that is plaguing society today. The dominant light grey and neutral color palette of spring has transitioned to a subdued, smoky palette for the fall. Rich jewel tones and detailed embellishments are added sparingly as accents.

Men's tailoring and the Brit appeal of last fall have not changed for fall 2009. The fine craftsmanship that goes into men's tailoring adds power to the softer feminine silhouette. Rich wools and velvets are the dominating fabrics of the season lending themselves beautifully to tailored jackets and trousers. Brit appeal has returned mixing the dominant smoky palette with jewel tones to give added style to fall fashion.

One of the standout pieces from the emerging fall collections comes from Prada. A charcoal grey single-breasted suit with welt flap pockets, a thin matching belt encircling the waist and slim, fitted trousers is easily translatable for the average female. Another standout look that is sure to be a hot style with the back to school set is the neo- preppy feel from Rena Lange's collection. Soft tweed jackets and cardigans in smoky rose and neutral tones, paired with pleated trousers and topped with knitted beret style caps are chic looks for campus fall style.

The beauty trends for fall 2009 do not depart from the subdued tones of the fall fashions. Fresh demi-matte faces dominated the season. Color is neutral with soft taupes, tans, and sheer heather pinks. The smoky palette played secondary in make-up as an accent for the eyes. Charcoals along with smoky hued browns, plums, and blues frame the eyes this fall 2009. Hair is simple for fall. Classic chignons, loose ponytails, or loose and free, fall hair is without pretension.

Putting these trends together for a great career look or back to school look is simple. For casual office wear the basic uniform consists of:

- A simple black or smoky hued shell

- Single-breasted jacket in a light wool blend

- Fitted trousers with a slim leg

- Sensible low heeled shoes

Back to campus styles for the fall season include:

- Soft wool blend knitted cardigans

- Soft tweed or plain weave wool trenches in subtle plaids

- Turtlenecks in soft, smoky hues of rose, grey, browns, purples, and blues

- Slim trousers or capris with wide cuffs

- Low heeled sensible shoes and leather boots

- Beret or beret-like caps

The economic hardships of the world are seen throughout the fall season with fashions that still are luxuriant, yet convey a somber mood with use of subdued, smoky colors. Beauty has also taken a turn towards the economical with a less is more look prevailing, implying the weekly trip to the salon as being unnecessary. Anyway you look at it, fall fashion for 2009 has turned from the audaciously trendy to the subdued classical that may prove easier on the pocketbook.

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