Fall 2009's Key Trends in Women's Clothing

Thanks to the financial meltdown, New York's fashion world has been iced. Recently fashion powerhouses in eight countries joined together in Fashion's Night Out to combat the recent malaise that has threatened to strike down New York's second largest industry.

Add to the four horsemen, the fifth sign of the apocalypse-Anna Wintour, Vogue editor and fashion doyenne dropping by Macy's Queens Center Mall for a chat with the girls in fashion-forward Elmhurst. Macy's, Elmhurst, GASP! Now is the time for all six of us who still have jobs to strap on our stilettos and CHARGE!!!.

Defying unemployment accompanied by sales tax increases, transit fare hikes and plain old funkiness, we will sally forth once more to the defense of our stores, just as we did after 9/11. But when we go, will there be anything worth buying?

Dark times call for classic fashions. No time for trends that will look ridiculous in the dawning light of Spring. The great houses of fashion are ringing in the changes in minor, not major keys. Subtle change, not drama. Wearability, not novelty is the motif of this season.

Look for the return of grandma's cardigan, albeit in a longer style than she would recognize. White cardigans are flying off the shelves. This elementary look should have legs. Certainly it fits the bill: wearable, adaptable and mutable. Pick your poison. Cheap acrylic for the young and clueless, silk or cashmere for the upper crust. Merino or lambswool for the rest of us.

Leather is also making a big comeback this year. Studded jackets, bombers, we haven't seen this much animal skin since Fonzie rode his motorcycle to the Cunningham's during Happy Days.

Speaking of boots, no cowboy boots stepping out of cabs on 57th street this Fall. Instead, the boots will make their appearance in a whole array of colors: black, black and more black. This makes sense in New York. For a little spice, work the heels. You have a choice of classic flat heeled riding boots (for riding in cabs, natch) high shaft boots with buckle and the ever-popular stiletto for that cruel dominatrix look.

According to Macy's leggings are everywhere-not on my fat thighs thank you, but if you are a mere waif, go for it.

Berry and plum are the designated hitters for Fall and big patterns reminiscent of India or our misspent hippie youth abound. Paisley, tie-dye and prints inspired by the Raj are all popular. Hit a home-run: wear a berry-colored paisley print, if you dare. This may work even for those whose acid trip days are long behind them or for whom that boat never left the dock. Just add a quilted blazer in, what else? Plum or an unbuttoned white cardigan to tone down the look for the office.

Strangely enough, cozy flannel shirts are also big this year-yes. in plum too, dammit. But I think I'll leave that one to Paul Bunyan. So here it is. This season's must haves. If you don't like them, don't complain to me, I've taken to my bed from the shock of seeing Anna Wintour in a mall.

Sources:
Macys.com
Fashion Alert (online@email.nymagazine.com)