TREnds...

A—Z of Fashion Trends for Spring 2009 by: Gill Hart

Asymmetric necklines — one-shoulder is better than two this season; just make sure those shoulders are toned. Single-shoulder dresses come in short sharp shapes for 2009.

Bandage Dressing — Fast-track your style with the bandage dress; figure-hugging and sexy, designers Thakoon, Hervé Léger and Preen lead the way.

Cropped Pants — the new 7/8th length ankle crops are draped at the hips and softly tapered to the hemline. Show off statement shoes with this great new length.

Denim rules — whether it’s acid wash or shredded, trouser legs are rolled up for an on-trend look. Distressed denim is hot right now.

Easy Chic — wear what makes you feel most comfortable, loose fit blazers, slouchy tops with bat wings or kimono sleeves, fitted tees and shorts or softly tapered ankle-cropped pants.

Flapper Dresses and Fringing — embrace the fringe trend with a bag or a modernized flapper dress. You’ll find fringing everywhere this season from swimsuits to shoes.

Geometric Prints — chic monochromes or eye-popping brights, geometry rules on the runways with Diane Von Furstenberg geometric dresses and spring totes in stunning prints.

Harem pants — for those who dare, fashionistas unite with this dropped-crotch look. Ali Baba-inspired trousers are one of quickest ways to update your wardrobe, this season's styles are less billowy and easier–to-wear, tapered at the leg.

Inky tones — are some of this season’s top colors. Inky blues, blacks and grays give a hint of sophistication to any outfit.

Jumpsuits — this season’s key piece is the all in one. Forget utility boiler suits, these are sexy, sophisticated and pretty. Wear them with embellished flats and bold accessories or don on a pair of ultra-high heels for extra height.

Kaleidoscopic prints — bright and breezy, hazy prints and electrifying colors hit the runways of Michael Kors, Anna Sui, Jonathan Saunders and Derek Lam.

Low slouchy tailoring — comfortable and chic, tuck fluid tops into shorts and wear slouchy tees over this season’s hot leather or PVC leggings.

Miami Vice Sleeves — take your favorite blazer and ruche up the sleeves for an up-to-the-minute look. The same goes from mannish boxy style jackets. Sleeves are ruched and casual jeans are worn rolled up this season.

Nude tones — spring’s neutrals are soft and sexy in blush and honeydew, spring runways were awash with soft, sexy hues. Flesh tones give subtle simplicity to an outfit, find them in sexy chiffon with plenty of ruffles.

Orange — this season’s juicy color adds impact and gives subtle looks a directional edge. This vitamin C bold tone is actually easier on the skin than many reds.

Purses — big and bold enough to take you from boardroom to bar. Oversized clutches and totes can carry far more than just lipstick and keys. Also love the season’s classy Chanel-style chain strap purses, feminine and chic.

Quilting — bags in luxury leather and visible stitching, its all about textures this spring. A classic quilted purse is a timeless investment. Check out Marc Jacobs’ quilted totes.

Recession Dressing — simple styling with relaxed oversized loose-fit blazers, pull-on dresses and relaxed 7/8th ankle cropped pants.

Sporty Chic —Sportswear becomes daywear with the sports luxe trend with this modern take on ‘80s street style. Hoodies, running pants, bicycle shorts and drawstring jumpsuits that are far too chic and pretty to wear to the gym.

Transparency — this spring and summer’s sheer dress styles work best with a short, simple slip underneath. Showing your underwear is oh-so-last-season.

Underwear — no self respecting women would be without her body shaper, figure fixers that streamline the tummy and hips for those body-clinging dresses.

Vertiginous heels — this season’s ankle-breakers come higher than ever. Totter around in 5-7 inch heels. Whether it's platforms or wedges, sky-high stilettos add height to this season’s slouchy outfits.

Wide belts — part of the extreme accessories trend, cinch in the waist with a big, bold belt. Embrace this season’s belted silhouette with an elastic-back belt.

Xccessories — big and bold, with decadent cocktail rinks, huge necklaces and stacked-high bangles. This spring’s jumbo jewels are real statement pieces, adding an edge to a simple outfit.

Yacht club — classic spring nautical stripes are a wardrobe staple but this season it's sharp navy stripes in bold widths.

Zebra Prints — a new take on the safari print, zebra stripes in black, gray or blue replace leopard prints in dresses, tees, bags and shoes.