7 Summer 2009 Fashion Must-Haves
I’ve been meaning to write this post for a while after many reader requests for a “summer must-haves” list! There are so many great trends going on this summer, and it so was tough to choose just a few of the hottest items. I’ve finally narrowed it down to the top 7 fashion must-haves for summer 2009.
Of course, the phrase “must have” might be a little misleading – as always, if something doesn’t fit with your personal style or body type, feel free to pass! Trends are for experimentation and not all of them are for everyone.
In no particular order, here are 7 of the hottest items you’ll want to have in your closet this summer.
A Long Dress
The maxi dress trend is a prime example of a popular look that’s still going from last summer. These dresses were hot in ’08 and they’re hot again for ’09. If you don’t own one yet, what’s stopping you?
Long dresses are the perfect thing for warm weather because they’re comfortable, flattering, and oh-so-summery. And if short-shorts are not your thing, long dresses are the perfect way to stay on-trend without revealing more than you feel comfortable with. Perfect for the beach, a casual day of shopping, or even date night.
Product Information (left to right): Ombre Dress – Pacsun.com, Cross Back Maxi Dress – Arden B., Tye Dye Tank Maxi Dress – Forever 21, Boho Print Maxi Dress – Wet Seal, Beaded Halter Maxi Dress – Charlotte Russe, Retro Striped Maxi Dress – Charlotte Russe
A Serious Pair of Platform Heels
Height is everything in fashion right now, so when it comes to summer footwear, the higher the better! Of all the summer footwear trends, platform heels are at the top of the list – such an essential for nights out.
When it comes to platform heels, there are so many ways you can go. If you want to channel your inner rocker chick, a pair of studded leather platforms should do the trick. More earthy bohemian? 70′s style wedges with a wooden heel might be right up your alley.
Product Information (clockwise from top left): (All shoes from Zappos.com) – Nine West “Rotten”, Steve Madden “Mellissa”, Jessica Simpson “Rhauma”, Nine West “Kwest”, Nine West “Yoel”, Nine West “Ira”
Anything Studded
Studs are HUGE right now, and anything you can find with studs on it is hot in my book. The addition of metal studs to everything from leather to denim adds a rocker-chick edge with a little hint of 80′s flair – definitely on-trend!
From bags and shoes to jewelry and clothing, metal stud embellishment is a huge trend for summer if you want to make your look a little more edgy. But be careful with this one! It’s easy to overdo it. To avoid looking costumey, keep the studs to one or two pieces in your outfit, and make sure the rest of your look is demure for contrast.
Product Information: Felix Rey “Jean” Bag – Bluefly, Stud Wrap Bracelet – Wet Seal, Gloves – Asos, Shorts – TopShop, Elastic Belt – TopShop, Wooden Studded Bangle – TopShop, Heels – Charlotte Russe
A Short Dress
Long dresses aren’t the only summer essential – short dresses, as always, are in as well. After all, summer just wouldn’t be summer without the summer sundress.
This year, dress styles are more figure-flattering than ever. Fashion has moved away from the billowy baby-doll dress (you know, the ones that made even the models look pregnant), and towards a cinched-in hourglass shape. These new styles of dresses work on almost every body type, creating curves where there are none and showing off natural curves. There are also so many styles to choose from this season – from strapless and floral to simple and color-blocked. The choice is yours this summer.
Product Information (left to right): Floral Cross-Back Dress – American Eagle, Strappy Sundress – TopShop, Rose Dress – H&M, Scallop Skirt Dress – TopShop, Fab Colorblock Dress – Forever 21
Gladiator Sandals
The footwear trend that keeps on going. Gladiator sandals and heels were super hot last summer and have continued on into this summer.
There are a million ways to wear gladiator sandals, which is what makes them such a summer essential. Pair them with skinny jeans and a tank for a casual day look, wear them with a breezy dress to the beach, or even with a high waisted skirt and a top tucked in. They add casual cool to any outfit and they truly are a versatile essential for summer.
Product Information (clockwise from top left): Nine West “Usman” – Zappos.com, Nine West “Radiowave” – Zappos.com, Irada Gladiator Sandals – Forever 21, MIA “Hydra” – Zappos.com, Minnetonka Warwick Ankle Strap – Zappos.com, Silver Gladiator Sandals – Payless
One-Shoulder Tops & Dresses
I talked about the one-shoulder trend on the first day of 2009, and it proved to be a hot trend for spring and one of the emerging trends for summer 2009. Asymmetrical tops and dresses are everywhere and there are so many cute and affordable options in stores right now!
One-shoulder tops work great for nights out if you keep the color dark and go easy on the bling. Too many accessories and you could look a little more “ready for the club” than fashionable & fabulous. One-shoulder dresses are also super chic right now, and there are tons of cute options in stores. I’m especially loving the cutout one from TopShop below – so sexy yet fashion-forward at the same time.
Product Information (clockwise from top left): Color Block 1 Shoulder Top – TopShop, 1 Shoulder Tee – TopShop, One-Shoulder Floral Top – Charlotte Russe, Striped One Shoulder Vest – TopShop, One-Shoulder Flutter Top – Charlotte Russe, Mesh Insert One Shoulder Tunic – TopShop
A Stylish Pair of Shorts
What summer essentials list would be complete without shorts? Forever a summer staple, this year’s hottest shorts aren’t ripped up cutoffs, but cuffed denim and twill pieces that give off a classy, polished vibe.
There are so many ways to wear this summer’s hottest shorts. You could pair a simple denim pair with a drapey top, plenty of bangles, and metallic Havaianas. Or what about with a simple tank, well-cut jacket, and heels for a night out? The options are endless. One thing’s for sure – you need a pair of shorts in your wardrobe this year!
Product Information (clockwise from top left): Hurley Lowrider Short – Pacsun.com, Dickies Stretch Women’s Shorts – Tilly’s, Hurley Lowrider Blue Shorts – Pacsun.com, Grey Cuffed Shorts – Forever 21, Tonal Plaid Short – Wet Seal, Fairtrade Hotpants – TopShop
Your thoughts?
So there you have it – the 7 fashion must haves for summer 2009! Now that you’ve seen my choices, I’d like to know what you would add to this list. What are you wearing 24/7 this summer? What pieces do you consider essentials?
Comment with your thoughts – I can’t wait to hear what you all think!
Posted on on June 4, 2009 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: 2009, Bohemian, Clothing, Dresses, Essentials, Footwear, Gladiator Sandals, Heels, Maxi Dress, Minidress, One-Shoulder, Sandals, Shopping, Shorts, Style, Summer, Summer 2009, Topshop, Trends
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Bryannah
Love the post Zephyr! :]
I’m looking forward to buying a pair of gladiators pretty soon! (:
I can’t wait!
Oh my God, I’m in love with the stud-sy stuff. (:
xooooxoxoxoxox
rwishka
I’m weird and not a fan of any of those trends. But it’s always interesting to know what’s current and what suits different people. Thanks for the post! :)
Katie
You alluded to them, but I feel like they can’t be emphasized enough: high-waisted skirts are SO the summer thing! There are a ton of too pretty floral and colorblock ones at Forever 21, a truckload of too-beautiful-for-words ones at Anthropologie, soooo many ones in fun colors at H&M — the list keeps going.
I am addicted to tucking a neutral American Apparel tank into girly skirts or frilly J Crew blouses into neutral ones. Wear it with a cardigan for work and then match it with gladiators or wedges to go out. I love love LOVE this trend!
elena
Yay! I reaaaally liked these… I also have been kinda obsessed with white jeans and shorts, I think they look classy but with that laid back summer vibe.
I’m scared of maxi dresses though, cause I’m too short and not to full at the top, so I think I would end up looking like a smashed pear, lol, I dunno if thats how I’ll describe it, but I guess you get the idea.
I’m also curious about the one-shoulder trend… how does it keep from falling off? Do you wear a regular bra, or is it okay the straps tho show off? (I´ve never worn anything one-shoulder because of this x)… )
Thanks for the post! I really love ur site :)
xx
Jahnabee
Hair accessories and chunky neckpieces are in and will be in vogue throughout 2009
myvogue
I agree for the short dress and one shoulder top. Would add also wedges, flower print dress/top; polka dot prints, jumpsuit, trendy bathing suit, lots of accessories
Meli
OMG love the hurley/pacsun shorts! and all the sandals.
Candice
I think you’re list is spot on! And there are so many items from TopShop that I like (especially the one-shoulder tops), I really need to get myself over there ASAP. Check out this dress too, i think it fits right in with your short dresses: http://www.street-spotted.com/nyu-spotted-summer-dress/
Thanks again for your giving me the final push I needed to go to TopShop :)
Tara
Great post! I love the trends you listed. Good to see some of last Summer’s hottest trends (like the maxi dress and gladiator sandals) returning this year. My favorite definitely has to be the one-shoulder trend. Some other must-haves for the Summer of 2009 will include tribal prints, crop tops, statement jewelry (especially bangle bracelets and bauble necklaces), statement headpieces, cut out details, sheer clothing, and gingham. Some hot colors for this summer will be blue, coral, and yellow. I also expect many of this Spring’s trends (such as rompers and destroyed denim) to be carried over into the Summer.
Annie Thompson
Thanks for the post. You were right on about the shorts, short dresses, and gladiator sandals I love the one shoulder look. please include more places to find one shoulder tops/dresses. I am not a fan of maxi dresses though I just think they dont really work. Also see threw blouses with jean skirts is going to be huge this summer.
Lyra
Great post! I love all of them but I don’t wear shorts because my legs don’t look good in them – but I’m working on it! I love long dresses because I can wear them for almost every occasion. I’d like to know your full summer must-have list. Must be a great :)
Thrisel
This is a great post. I would love for you to do like a summer makeover post. Like tips on a new you (fit body, new clothes/style, new attitude, etc.) to show off next school year.
Almost everybody secretly wants to have a big back to school moment. Like turn heads with their new hot/fit look.
I’m sure a lot of readers would love that.
:]
Shana
You NEED to do this more often! For some reason I love lists and I always need to know the season’s must haves!
Perfection Is Human
You can never have enough gladiotor sandals!
I’ve been thinking of maxi dresses alot lately.. whilst I’m brushing my teeth, whilst I’m grocery shopping, whilst I’m falling asleep… you get the idea.
and my worry is, will the LOOK right on a short person???!
I’m 5’2 so I’m a bit put off by the thought of drowning under swather of material, but then again, if nicole richie can…
mani
check check and check! I have my closet stacked with baby doll dresses, high waisted skirts, short shorts, and a lot in between. I definitely need to stash up on some nice accessories and a few more stylish pieces though. I even have a fashion wishlist I made for myself, being the dork I am :) and trust me I have a long way to go!
Right now I’m totally obsessing over masculine-feminine styles. I need to shake things up a bit :)
Nele
Apart from short dresses and Gladiator sandals, I wouldn’t wear anything of the list. Since I’m not really tall (1.67m), maxi dresses are a big no for me and I prefer knee-length dresses and skirts anyway – I also don’t wear mini skirts, just don’t like them.
I guess I’d wear the sandals, though I haven’t seen a cute pair yet.
I’m just not a heel type of person, I prefer flats, boots and chucks. I love wedges, though!
The platform trend reminds me of the 90s with those awful platform shoes (http://www.hgb-leipzig.de/boese/img/kuenstler/szillo.jpg, at least in Germany many wore similar shoes to them).
Well, I actually don’t really care for trends and must-haves. If I like something that’s “in” I wear it, but I won’t stop if it’s not a trend anymore.
ktb
omg! u have no idea how u just saved me! I’m going to laguna beach in like a week an I’m going shopping tommorow! all I need Is a short dress and gladiator shoes, an a long dress! I’ve already got lots of platform heels and short shorts! the one sholder thing isn’t really me but I can always skip dat! thank u so much u r a real life savor!
ashley
I was just thinking about getting a pair of gladiators! Nice post! :] But I’m really tall (5’7″ and only 17) so it sucks that I can’t wear platforms, but i hope flats are still in :3
Zakkiyya
These must haves are super hot….I’m loving the shorts they my favourite.
Madara
useful text! u are great!
Gia
Uhh, you totally forgot high-waisted skirts and statement necklaces and bracelets. But other than that it’s alright.
annie
its a great post ! thanks for sharing this. i love short dresses…
Amy
This is an awesome post, I love short dresses!
Cheap Ed Hardy
Mmmm,these 7 Must-haves ,,,,,
i got 5 of them.,
Now im searching for the others…
hoooooo
Thanks,guy~!
naomi
I love this website sooooo much.Great post!as usual.I’m at high school in the uk,so we don’t have all the shops over here that you mention and shipping and tax can be so expensive but I still love seeing the clothes on here and trying to find similiar ones over here.I also loveee when you do lists (:
Sadaf
YUM i laaaaav all these clothes && accessories espesh the short dresses and the platforms and studded stuff! i alredi hav these must haves but hey its gr8 2 know!
eva
i have alla of these but i think that maxi dresses dont suits me….
anyway….
could u please make an article about what t were on a hot summer day so we could look fresh and pretty…
thanks in advance….
The Fashionables
all these clothes and accessories are hot!!!i love Gladiator Sandals.they are simply stunning!!nice post and fabulous blog!
thefashionables
Helen
I’m looking forward to buying Ombre Dress pretty soon!
I can’t wait!