Chloe brings back the 80s.

Feeling positive about your fall ’09 buy? With dollars tight and the economy still making consumers skittish, many retailers are crossing their fingers. The good news is, even if you don’t buy into the next big thing, previous trends may still be going strong, according to Alison Freeman of Fashion Snoops. “I see that in some cases, new trends are being added into the mix with existing trends and not always replacing them. But even as some trends continue, they’re being refined.” Here’s a closer look at the next evolution in what consumers will be asking for later this year.

BEFORE: STATEMENT BAGS
AFTER: PRACTICALITY
One trend that’s sure to reflect the needs of consumers right now is a movement toward practicality. The oversized bag, a bold silhouette that’s slumped shoulders for several seasons, is getting a make-under for fall. “The focus is more on the design than the size of the item. It’s much more about practical sizing, plus bags have to have multiple uses to appeal to consumers who may not have the budget to buy several bags. For example, a bag that really works will be one which allows you to hide the handle or scrunch it into a clutch, or have a bracelet that turns the bag into a clutch. You can almost think of it as a Transformer effect.”

Missoni plays a floral note.

BEFORE: SOFT DRAPING
AFTER: GEOMETRY
While apparel has focused on softness with sculptural elements like ruffles and pleating, the next progression will be about bringing out the clean, spare lines in exceptionally well constructed clothing. We’ll see the trend reflected in a continuing interest in architectural heels as well as a movement toward squared toes and cutaway shapes for footwear. But, if your store carries accessories beyond footwear, keep this angular aesthetic in mind from head to toe. “Geometry will carry through, from jewelry to bags. Jewelry is really one of the categories people are looking to expand upon, because clothing is very basic.”

BEFORE: BIKER COOL
AFTER: ZIPPER CHIC
While shrunken motorcycle jackets and exposed zippers already popped up in stores last season, next fall look for the trend to intersect with geometry as zig-zagging zippers become a stronger design element. “There’s really a motorcycle thing happening with zippers.”

BEFORE: JEWEL TONES
AFTER: ’80S INSPIRED COLORS
Last fall’s appetite for purple and other jewel tones isn’t fading away, though in footwear an appetite for luscious versions of the basics will be evident. “I would say we’ll see a lot of cognacs and browns, and there’s a lot of grey and some midnight blue as well.” Looking forward to spring/summer ’10, bright reds, peach and minty green will pop. “These are colors with an ’80s feel, and we’ll see muted versions of them, too.”

Marc Jacobs gets practical.

BEFORE: ABSTRACT PRINTS
AFTER: FLORAL NOTES
While prints have tended toward ethnic or abstract prints, keep an eye out for shoes anda apparel with a gentler surface that belies a sexy attitude beneath. “There’s definitely a romantic thing happening that’s kind of seductive at the same time. We’re seeing lots of cutaway patterns in shoes to show a little skin, and more transparent materials in clothing.”

BEFORE: DISTRESSED BOOTS
AFTER: DISTRESSED BOOTS
They don’t call them a classic for nothing. Last season’s boots were a good investment, as they’ll still look fashion-foward in ’09. “That personalized Frye boots look will continue.”

BEFORE: TEXTURE
AFTER: QUILTING
Mixed media will hold strong into fall ’09, but expect designers to grab attention with quilting, chains and bows as well. “There’s also a lot of pop culture feeling that’s trickling into accessories, too.”

Michael Kors gets strap happy.

PAST: GLADIATOR INSPIRATION
NEXT: STRAP HAPPINESS
While gladiators continued into fall in the form of open-toe shoeties, Freeman dubs the traditional gladiator “over.” However, look for its influence in designs that use overlapping straps to create visual interest. “The gladiator of the past is now the strappy sandal.”

Alison Freeman has been creating marketing and merchandising strategies for high-end boutiques and department stores since graduating from The Art Institute of Chicago. Most recently she created the new accessories section of Fashion Snoops, an online fashion forecasting service and consulting company. Find out more at Fashionsnoops.com.

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