Styles You Will Wear Next Year

Every season friends ask me which trends are worthy investments because they'll stand the test of time and show up again next year. It's risky but I'm going to take a shot and make a few predictions. Here is my list of fall 2009 / winter 2010 trends I think are a safe (or not so safe) bet.

A form of rocker chic will always be popular. Leather jackets, motorcycle boots, stilettos, jeans and lots of funky jewelry in some form will continue to be a hit.
Booties will be back but I'm not sure how many cut-out designs we'll see.

Tall boots are always in style but I'm not counting on the over-the-knee version. I think heels will be back but perhaps a little less chunky. And you can never go wrong with a pair of ballet flats.

Animal prints and exotic skins are safe investment - especially when it comes to shoes and bags. Metallic is also likely to be back although I think we'll see shiny versions of bright colors in addition to basics like gold and silver.

Leather is ever popular and the pants, skirt or jacket you bought this year will work next fall. My bet is we'll see it mixed in with other fabrics verses the "everything leather" trend.

Statement jewelry is here to stay. We like it too much to give it up.
My prediction is bright colors will be popular next year so don't worry about that "Little Bright Dress" you picked up in this fall. This year, colors like red and electric blue were hot. Next year, turquoise will be the "it" color. You can always get the look by adding a pop of turquoise to another bright.

Plaid makes a comeback every fall so I'm sure we'll see it again in fall 2010. This year plaid was done in bright colors. I predict a return to the basics - inspired by the "schoolgirl" look. That said cardigans and argyle are good buys.

We'll see slouchy trousers over harem pants. (I never liked harem pants anyway.) And no worries - leggings and skinny jeans will be back! I'm thinking torn and worn denim look will have cooled off a bit by fall.

Okay - the question of questions - what will happen to the biggest trend of 2009, eighties influence. Elements of it will continue to inspire designers. To be honest, they've "been there, done that" two years in a row and hopefully come up with something new for me to report about!