Winter 2009′s Top 5 Hottest Fashion Trends
Product Information: Roxy Infinity Scarf, Nordstrom. Knitted Loopy Sequin Jacket, TopShop. Black Sequin Jacket, Dorothy Perkins. Faux Fur Vest, Fred Flare. Over-the-knee Boots, TopShop.
Every season has its defining styles and trends. From a certain genre (bohemian or menswear, anyone?) to specific pieces like the ones highlighted in this post, there are always certain looks that can immediately take us back to seasons past. Depending upon where you live, however, some seasonal trends may be obsolete or simply unwearable due to weather conditions.
Lucky for all you cold-weather fashionistas, Winter 2009 is a great season for you–it’s filled to the brim with fashions that are both totally adorable and warm! Here are a few of the hottest trends for Winter 2009 that we’ll surely remember in future years.
Infinity Scarves
Infinity scarves, single circles of continuous knit fabric, are popping up everywhere this season, and with good reason: not only are they a great option for layering and adding extra warmth, they’re also totally fun and cute.
An infinity scarf is more than just an accessory: it can truly be the cornerstone of your look. A bright scarf, for example, paired with a white tee and jeans is a low-maintenance look that still packs a serious style punch. Another great feature of the infinity scarf is its versatility. You can bunch your scarf up and completely cover your neck, pull its sides over your shoulders to create a faux jacket, leave it hanging loose, or pull one section over your head and leave the rest draping on your neck.
These scarves provide so many looks in one and mix fashion with function. That’s why they’re a true winter 2009 must have.
Hot Options
Product Information: Small Infinity Scarf, Spiegel. Mysterious Scarf, Roxy. Brazen Fringed Infinity Scarf, Nordstrom. Black Partial Lace Knit Infinity Scarf, Oak.
Thigh High Boots
Over-the-knee and thigh high boots are likely the defining trend of winter 2009. We’ve seen them on Serena in Gossip Girl, featured in all of our favorite fashion glossies, and on the legs of some of our favorite celebrities. But are thigh high boots wearable in real life? Especially for college girls? I think YES. When worn correctly, thigh-high boots can make a huge impact, but still leave you looking chic. To keep these sexy shoes from looking trashy, consider these tips:
- Go for flats. Flat boots much easier to wear than their stiletto counterparts, but they also take some of the grittiness out of your look. The cut of these boots is hot enough–you don’t need a high heel!
- Avoid shiny styles. Unless you’re trying to channel Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, patent leather thigh-highs are to be avoided at all costs. Instead, try boots that have a natural leather or suede finish – they’ll work better as part of a more classy, fashion-forward outfit.
- Never wear with bare legs. This is probably the most important tip to keeping your look classy. If you’re going to wear thigh-highs, always wear them with skinny pants, tights, or leggings. Anything less (unless it’s Halloween and part of your costume) is overexposure!
Hot Options
Product Information: Report Harper Boot in Black Suede, Zappos. Gabriella Rocha Olivianne Boots in Olive, Zappos. Steve Madden Blondee Boots in Grey Suede, Zappos. Chinese Laundry Tripin Thigh High Boot in Toast, Zappos.
Faux Fur Vests
Thanks in part to Rachel Zoe, faux fur vests are a definite winter 2009 trend.
Cozy, warm, and animal-friendly, a faux fur vest is a great piece to try if you want to instantly update your wardrobe with something extra trendy and chic. Since faux fur is currently so ubiquitous, you should have no problem finding vests of all colors and lengths at every price point. No matter how you wear it, whether it’s with skinny jeans and a black top, leggings and a tunic, a flowy dress, or simply belted at the waist, a faux fur vest will add luxury to any look.
Hot Options
Product Information: Faux Fur Rachel Vest, Fred Flare. Silver Faux Fur Gillet, Debenhams.com. Black Faux Fur Vest, Charlotte Russe. Rachel Zoe Faux Fur Vest in Red Fox, QVC.
Military Jackets
Military-inspired fashion was big this fall, and by the looks of things, it seems as if it’s here to stay. Think of a sharp military jacket as your go-to alternative of everyone’s favorite boyfriend blazer. These structured, sophisticated jackets definitely have rock star edge and should be the focal point of your outfit.
Since the cut of a military jacket is sharp and somewhat masculine, it can be helpful to wear one with body-conscious clothing for a more feminine look. For classic style, military jackets look great with skinny jeans. If you’re going for something unexpected and extremely fashion-forward, try wearing your jacket with a dress, shorts with tights underneath, or a high-waisted skirt. It’s not likely that this trend will be around next year, so if you’re into it, go for it now!
Hot Options
Product Information: BB Dakota Battalion Jacket, Chickdowntown.com. Grey Jersey Military Jacket, Dorothy Perkins. Military Uniform Jacket, Forever 21. AE Sergeant Jacket, American Eagle.
Sequins
Perfect for adding some shimmer to your holiday outfits, sequins, on everything and anything, are a key element of this season’s ideal winter wardrobe.
For nighttime looks, metallic sequin-covered dresses and skirts are trendy, eye-catching picks. Traditional shift dresses look amazing when bedazzled with sequins of all colors, but the trendiest of this season, and possibly the most wearable, are deep jewel tones and black.
Dresses aren’t the only way to wear sequins this season, however! Sequined tops and leggings are also great ways to try this look. Of course, if you’re feeling less than daring, there are always adorable sequin-covered shoes or accessories to give you a little taste of this trend!
Hot Options
Product Information: Bianca Chiffon & Sequin Dress, Missguided. Sparkly Sequin Beret, Forever 21. Purple Sequin Waistcoat, Miss Selfridge. Studio 54 Sequin Skirt, Nasty Gal.
What do you think?
What’s your favorite fashion trend this season? Are loving or hating any of these? Which do you wear most often? Let me know with your comments!
Posted on on December 10, 2009 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Faux Fur Vests, Infinity Scarves, Military Jackets, Sequins, Thigh High Boots, Trends, Winter 2009
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
Michelle Jeannine
Just wanted to point out that sequins and military jackets are signature Michael Jackson. I love that man.
Carol
So sad.. I prefer the neon style :)
ame
gotta say, not a huge fan of the faux fur vest trend. I think it makes everyone look absolutely rediculous. I can’t imagine that it’ll be around for long. I love the long boots look though, and some of the more versitile military jackets like that dorothy perkins one. great look =)
Reneé
I loove most of this year’s trends! I love the leopard print things, the high boots and the faux fur vest ! I will buy one as soon as I find a good one :D
S.
Great post. I love thigh high boots, theyre just hard to wear unless your wearing nylons! nonetheless, theyre adorable.
I don’t mind the faux fur trend. It’s a bit difficult to wear, but for a night out on the town I think they’re chic and warm. I also like the faux-fur trend, I can’t say I entirely support real fur.
I also think some military jackets don’t really go out of style, ie. aren’t as trendy as faux fur vests. I’ve got a military jacket I bought 3 years ago that I still wear!
wendy
I love faux fur vest and finally bought one from WCGA. It was pricey but I finally found one that doesn’t make me like an egg. Does any1 else find it hard to find a fur vest that doesn’t bulk you up esp for girls like me who have big boobs, lol.
Over the knee boots are hot. What about platform bootie? HOT
I think lots of the trends this year are inspired by MJ like Michelle said.
Madeleine Fahlbusch
My favorite fashion trend this season is sequins. I’m loving the sequins look and hating infinity scarves. I don’t wear any of these looks….yet. I haven’t gotten any of these trends yet, I haven’t been shopping in awhile.
alyssa
Good article…BUT I don’t think you should say NOT to wear certain things. Who says you can’t wear thigh high boots without leggings/pants? It depends on the outfit. I didn’t like how you came across as authoritative, fashion has no rules!
Tamara
Of course there’s no rule against looking like a prostitute; but just in case you don’t want you, not to wear thigh high boots bare legged is good advice.
Zephyr - CF Editor
In general, I think wearing over-the-knee boots with something underneath is good advice. Over-the-knee boots can go very wrong very fast (which Tamara was referring to). That said, they CAN sometimes look cute with bare legs. (See Serena on Gossip Girl here.) But not wearing them with bare legs is good general advice, since most people probably wouldn’t pull them off as well as Serena does!
Liza - University of Minnesota
Alyssa–I was just providing personal tips on how I think the boots should be worn in the classiest possible way. Just advice. Of course there aren’t any rules! People can wear what they want!
Callie
Love the boots and the sequins! I have to say I’m not going to be trying any faux fur vests soon, though.
muck boots
Good post, these boots are very hard to wear, in night in cold condition they are like fire to your feet,keep them completely warm.
Stacy
Thanks Michelle! They never acknowledge that on this site! smh…
Brianna
Just wanted to say the other night I wore a Navy Military Jacket with gold button I got from Ross last year with a cream and peach printed dress from Forever 21 with these tan boots from dsw that go up to my knee, it was a knock out outfit. I’m so excited about the Military jackets, yay!