by Raine Morie

Created on: March 16, 2009   Last Updated: April 03, 2009

The hottest new trends for spring and summer fashions of 2009 are out, and it's a glamorous affair of an attraction of opposites. One the one side, bondage clothing is vogue - on the opposite side, soft and relaxed fits rule the catwalk. Natural and comfortable debuts this spring, but Glam is holding tight entwining the two into a dreamier glamour with a touch of airiness defining the summer of 2009.

Loose dressing resurrects itself from the 80s with ethereal flowing evening wear, harem pants and the return of the classic jumpsuit. Times are tough, so the jumpsuit proves a suitable economical piece of attire this spring. Soft and feminine materials return, like luxurious shiny silk that lends to the sense of fantasy that is permeating fashion these days. Light sheer materials are on the rise, along with sultry transparent wear for all occasions.

Strappy shoes with wide and durable straps, also called bandage shoes, are in. Sequins and all that bling are no longer reserved for night time. Silvery faux eyelashes continue to rule, instilling a sense of the ethereal in everyday life. Larger than life lashes are still a main accessory evoking a fantasy image with feathers, sequins and all the bling you could ever wish for. Metallic's shimmer in the sun this summer in bronze, gold and silvers.

Bold prints are taking the runways by storm. The twist is it's quite fashionable this summer to mix and match an array of prints and textured fabrics together - the more the better. Vintage fashion is still hot, particularly emphasizing the 60s and 80s. Rocker jackets are back on the racks, and so are white tuxedos a flash back to the 70s. Fashion trends are trading in the chic shades of the 90s for a step back in time to the softer wide round sunglasses.

The 60s and the 80s continue to play a key role in the imaginations of designers, but the 70s, 50s and earlier are also sparking the best of vintage femininity. What resonates to us in our global circumstances is a connection to the economic struggles that have spanned each decade. Retro fashion reaches back as civilization moves forward. It's a direct reflection of where we've been, and where we're going.

Whether it's Glam or laid back this spring and summer, it's all coolly chic and softly feminine. From barely there nude makeup to bold colors of the rainbow in purples, blues, fiery reds and gold's, it's a time of invention and reinvention while returning to the best of retro with postmodern flair.

The return of the softer feminine brings in soft, airy fragrances like rose, airy floral and musky scents. Hair styles with natural wavy long curls are hot. Loose, wispy versions of classic up-dos such as the classic French twist and chignons with side buns are in. Alternatively, chin-length bobs such as trendsetter Kate Moss is wearing are hot. Applying highlights and going blonde this summer is out, at last. Sport some new dark locks this summer like Fergie did recently, and see why so many women are going naturally dark with low lights this summer.

Learn more about this author, Raine Morie.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.