Summer 2009 Fashion Trends for the Real Woman

Spring 2009 New York Fashion Week, which due to the vagaries of the industry was back in September 2008, showed a lot of out of season trends like dark clothes and smoky eyes, but for the real world, how does this translate? Following is a discussion of the top Summer 2009 fashion trends and how you can make them work for you in the real world.

Summer 2009 Trend #1: Color (Black and White, Nude and Brights)

The color trends for Summer 2009 include black and white, nude and bright, 80's style colors. Black and white has been in for a while, but you can update it by selecting a pattern where black is the primary background color and white is the accent. Alternately, buy solid separates so when the trend is over you can wear them with other items and they'll still look best. A white shirt never goes out of style, and neither does a black pencil skirt. However, designer Michael Kors recommends mixing it up and putting white on the bottom and black on the top to be truly elegant. If your figure can handle that, go for it!

Nude is also a big trend for Summer 2009, and it's a refreshing way to slim and elongate the body. Keep in mind that "nude" does not mean the color of supermarket nylons; any shade that matches your skin tone will give you a sexy yet elegant look. That can range from eggshell to deep chocolate. If you're not bold enough to wear nude head to toe (it can look like you're, well, nude), wear nude shoes with bare legs to make yourself look taller.

Bold bright colors are also in among Summer 2009 trends. Cobalt blue, hot pink and yellow were all seen on the runways, but this look can be a bit much in real life. One great wearable way to incorporate it is in your accessories. Pair a bright purse or bangles with one of those black and white or nude outfits and you'll look very in.

Summer 2009 Trend 2: Strappy Sandals with Studs

Yes, the gladiator sandal is still in. Yes, that probably has more to do with stores' inability to move a lot of merchandise during this economy than actual fashion. If you're as sick of this trend as I am, rest assured that there's another option for Summer 2009: the strappy sandal with studs. This look is extremely versatile because it combines ladylike with tough. Wear it with a pretty dress and you'll gain a little street cred, or wear it with baggy jeans and a tee shirt and you'll feminize your outfit a little bit.

Summer 2009 Trend 3: Artistic Jewelry

The biggest accessory trend for Summer 2009 is statement-making jewelry. The best way to wear this is with a simple outfit and no other jewelry. A little black dress can look stunning with an art piece necklace that shows off its neckline. Alternately, you can wear a bold cuff bracelet or really big earrings. Just don't wear them all at the same time or you'll look like a little kid playing dress-up!

Summer 2009 Trend 4: Makeup

As mentioned before, the Summer 2009 makeup trend on the runway was smoky eyes. To make this work in the real world, buy a felt-tipped eyeliner and do subtle black lines. Wear this with mascara, some natural looking rosy blush and an eye-catching lip gloss, and you'll have the real world equivalent of the look that Betsey Johnson featured on her models who were dressed like Raggedy Ann at Fashion Week.

Summer 2009 Trend 5: Hair

Hair for Summer 2009 is following two extremes: either an extremely short pixie cut or long tousled waves. Both of these looks are relatively low maintenance, which is perfect for summer, so choose depending on your face shape and the patience you have for growing out hair.