Summer 2009 Style Guide

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and you've put your winter sweaters up in the attic for the season: no question about it, summer is on its way! It's time for sundresses  and flip-flops,  T-shirts  and swimsuits  ...and don't forget all the barbecues and pool parties! We here at ShopWiki know that it can sometimes feel like an uphill battle trying to update your style with the changing seasons, and that's why we've created this guide to summer fashion and hot (literally!) must-have items.

This season it was all about making a splash with bright colors, dramatic fabrics, unexpected touches, and a feeling of optimism.  Though the economy may be gray and glum, this summer's trends are all about having fun and making ourselves feel good. Designers encouraged us not to take ourselves too seriously--it's completely all right to be garish and over the top, so long as it makes you happy!  Feel free to experiment with color and pile on the accessories: anything from tribal necklaces to beaded shoes are fair game.

Read on to learn more about what was seen on the Spring/Summer 2009 runways all around the world.
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Women's Trends

Sheer Bliss

This season, it's all about light, airy fabrics that evoke a summer breeze.  2009's sheer  craze can be anything from soft and ethereal to rock 'n' roll.  Find a piece in nude, white, or black and add your own touches.

Perfect Asymmetry

Looking to show a little skin but in an unusual way?  Show off those toned arms and shoulders with a one-shouldered top,  dress,  or swimsuit.   Watch out for weird tan lines though and wear that sunscreen.

Steal His Look

Pants this season are getting away from the skinny  look of years past: now it's all about boyfriend jeans.   However, be sure to keep proportion in mind so you don't look like you're drowning in denim.

Fringe Benefit

Channel the 1920s with some flapper fashion.  Fringe  is huge this season, but it's important to keep it tailored so you don't look costumey. Try pairing a flapper dress  with a boxy jacket   for an updated look.

Head of the Class

Accessorize, ladies!  Buy a hat  to keep the sun out of your eyes, or use a chic head scarf  or hair band  to tie back your locks before going joyriding in your vintage convertible (convertible optional, but quite nice).

Men's Trends

When I Dip, You Dip, We Dip

 Gradient colors, also known as dip dye,  were seen at Givenchy  and Alexander McQueen.   Gradients from dark to light draw the eye upward and give you a leaner appearance.

Fall in Love

While autumn colors in the summer may not seem intuitive, tans  and beiges  reflect the hot summer sun and keep you cooler--both literally and figuratively.

V for Victory

While a plunging neckline  may be a tad dramatic for everyday wear, layering a V-neck tee  with a cardigan  or adding a scarf  can keep you in your comfort zone.

Oxford Blues

Dress to impress: a well-polished Oxford shoe  was the height of style at Burberry.   A linen trouser keeps the look from being too traditional so you look fresh and hip.

Bond...James Bond

 Dinner jackets  are all the rage this season, whether they're double - or single-breasted,  solid or print, black  or white,  and so on.  Pair with jeans for an unexpected touch.

Summer Makeup

Get Your Glow On

Skin is fresh and natural this summer, so makeup is barely there.  Pair a sheer coverage foundation  with a cream blush  for a healthy, dewy complexion.

Brow Beating

Keeping with the natural theme, overly tweezed  brows are now a thing of the past.  Embrace a thick, powerful arch with a light brow pencil  or mascara. 

Color Your World

The color palette for summer is bold and exciting, but it's best to focus on one feature at a time.  Think pink lipstick  or electric blue eye shadow --but not both!

Disco Diva

Sparkly shades of eye shadows are big this year--the look is an updated version of 70s glam.  Try metallic golds,  chocolate browns  or silvers  to add some flair.

Lady is a Vamp

With fresh skin, soft cheeks and delicate eyes, there is definitely room to play with a strong lip.  Get a little vampy with a lip stain  like Benefit's Benetint. 

Related Summer Style Guides

Women

Men

Health and Beauty

Kids

Summer Fun

External Links

Links for Women

Links for Men

  • MensFlair.com: The favorite links from Spring/Summer 2009.
  • NYTimes.com: An extensive pictorial look at the different runway collections this year.
  • Fashionising.com: A message board thread detailing the Spring/Summer 2009 highlights.