80's influence:

In New York, it was all about the neon color and glitz-over-glamour attitude of the 80's, and as the European show unfolded, it wasn't so much the colors that brought the 80's back, but the silhouettes, ruffled and gathered satins, the shoulder – the waist – and the feminine, but still over the top, power suits.

Brights and neon colors:

While New York Fashion Week featured plenty of neon colors, things seemed to simmer down a bit by the time the European shows finished. With no lack of colorful options for Fall 2009, from reds, oranges, greens, cobalt blue and yellow, there's a shade for everyone.

Super shoulders:

Not just strong shoulders, Fall 2009 brings only what Girlawhirl can refer to as Super Shoulders. Perhaps it's a sign of the times, when everyone could use a little bit of extra strength, but honestly, Girlawhirl hasn't seen shoulders this strong since Dynasty!

Sleek tailored silhouettes:

Belts that emphasized the waist, volume that's been controlled via pleats, darts or tucks and skinny pants are all part of a bigger trend: the sleek silhouette. Girlawhirl loves the idea of this, it's so Mad-Men-meets-June-Cleaver but with a modern sensibility. Whether it's a plaid coat, a pencil skirt topped with a belt or a slim pant topped with a flowing printed tunic (which she still can't stop thinking about after seeing at Tibi), Girlawhirl feels like she's made an effort when she dresses like this.

The new tailored sheath:

Part of the runway protocol season after season, the sheath dress for Fall 09 has an updated tailored look. Sometimes it's belted, like Prada's pretty cranberry one, or a bit more voluminous, like Miu Miu, but it's always perfect. Girlawhirl's favorite? YSL's grey number.

Black and white prints and patterns:

Girlawhirl repeats this every time she reaches for her favorite black pants or sheath dress: “it's not a fashion cop out.” Black tends to make up the majority of a working woman's wardrobe, and designers have given Girlawhirl and her co-workers the world over plenty of options for Fall 2009. From Balenciaga to Dior, Dries van Noten, Gucci and Diane von Furstenberg Girlawhirl sees a few graphic patterns and pretty prints in her fall wardrobe.

Luxe and bohemian layers:

From the boho cardigans at Diane von Furstenberg to Missoni's lux layers, Girlawhirl happy to see that for another season, a long cardigan can be part of her fashion-mix.

Plaid, houndstooth and checks:

It wouldn't be fall without plaid. But for some reason, to Girlawhirl at least, plaid feels a bit more tailored and refined for Fall 09. She's dying for one of DKNY's perfectly proportioned suits – grey and green or grey and red check. Burberry's plaid pea coat as far more refined, and Giambattista Valli's oversized lumberjack ombre checks managed to look more English Countryside than Urban Outfitter.

Shimmer and shine:

Perhaps it is the need for a glimmer of hope on the financial horizon, but there was a lot of shimmer and glimmer on the runways for Fall 2009. Whether it was the all out glamour of Nicolas Ghesquière's pleated satin skirts or the full on gleam of the golden cocoon at Ports 1961, Girlawhirl sees some shine in her future.

Fur:

Truth be told, Girlawhirl prefers to ignore fur when it's on the runways. Partly in silent protest, and partly because for her wardrobe and her life, fur's irrelevant – she has plenty of more politically correct options to keep her warm even on the coldest days in her city. But for Fall 09, fur must be mentioned. Whether it's the pouf on the end of a scarf – at Miu Miu, the wrap at Lanvin, or the coats at Valentino and Jean Paul Gaultier. If Girlawhirl indulges in something fuzzy this fall, it will definitely be faux.

Click on the image to enlarge.

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