Has Christmas come early?  It certainly feels like because fall 2009 is just chock full of yummy surprises! 

The first gift from the runway is over-the-knee boots.  While this is a very daring and bold look, do not let it intimidate you.  These boots can be worn with everything from fitted jeans to shirt dresses.  In fact, thigh high boots easily double as leather leggings…which brings us to the next trendy leg coverings – metallic, leather, latex, mesh, and striped hose.  If over-the-knee-boots are beyond your budget (and they are an investment piece) gift yourself one of those alternative options. 

Another seasonal goodie is the androgynous suit.  The pretty, ladylike, trend is still going strong, which is why I was surprised to see so many manly suits on the runways of Paris and New York.  A trouser suit is a great way for women to look empowered during the colder months and since boyfriend blazers are in right now, the jacket can be worn with jeans, dresses, and skirts as well.

Polar opposite to the suit is the romantic look.  Puffed sleeves, fur collars, and tulle swish down the catwalk on dresses and skirts that fall gracefully in wide circles and hit below the knees.  That’s right, good-bye 30s A-line, hello 50’s silhouette.  Skirts may flare, but trousers remain slim and longer than summer’s cropped styles. 

How does a fashionista cover up her twirling circle skirt and ruffled, satin blouse?  With a chic coat, of course!  Coats this season are positively heavenly with a heady mix of classic trench and military.  Outerwear is fitted but un-cinched at the waist.  Buttons, snaps, and panels on the front hint at military styling, but the military aspect is much less obvious than previous years.  It appears the late great Michael Jackson had a hand in influencing the jackets of the season.  The shiny rows of buttons certainly seem like something he would have enjoyed. 

Colors remain very muted although brighter hues are sneaking back in.  Some nice oranges, purples and blues are seen but even tones that are not brown, silver, grey, or black are not attention grabbing. They tended to be mixed in with more somber colors.  For example orange under black or blue with silver; the contrast is very nice. 

Topping off this romantic/androgynous trend is hair that is swept back from the face and simple makeup with smoky eyes.  Hair is pulled back in simple up-dos or twists.  The forehead is exposed, not covered with bangs.  The face is flawless with eyes that pop.  Smoky eyes are soft and achieved by using a gold metallic shimmer (not glitter) or dark shadow softly lined with black shadow instead of eyeliner.  The mouth is matte with a hint of coral or red. 

So merry early Christmas!  Enjoy your treats before the winter months descend and our fashionable frocks are covered up with hats, scarves, boots, and coats.