Winter 2008-2009 takes a break from the men’s wear, wide legged trousers, and lumberjack inspired plaid shirts of previous seasons.  Nearly every major designer showed off a softer and more distinctly feminine look on the catwalk.  Even John Galliano, whose ready-to-wear collection edged dangerously close to haute couture, is showing us a more reflective look and feel.

One major trend for this winter is the dramatically updated shift dress.  The classic shift is designed to fit all body types from gamine to voluptuous by leaving the waist undefined and the cut boxy.  The updated version is tailored to show off a woman’s curves.  It hugs, rather than flows over the body and heavier, structured fabrics give it a more luxurious look and feel.  Though updated, the shift is as versatile as ever.  Add a jacket for the office; chunky jewelry and heels for after hours; or as Dolce & Gabbana did for most of their collection, add a wide leather belt to show off the waist.

As designer after designer unveiled their collections, another trend prevailed.  Nostalgia.  Designers are showing a collective yearning for the good old days – specifically the beautiful fashions of 1930.  Perhaps the current recession is reminding us of the dirty 30s and is borrowing its classically cut suits, pants, and rounded toe heels.  The look is beautiful, ladylike and safe.  It does not take chances.  Even the colors – black, grey, and navy blue hearken back to yester-year. 

While dark colors and classic looks are in for the season, the younger and more daring crowd turns to designers such as Comme des Garcons and Dsquared2 for inspiration.  These designers, whose target audience is the young jet-set crowd, accentuate their dark pieces with splashes of hot pink, royal blue, and pastel purple.  Leather appliqués and ankle boots keep with the nostalgic theme but add a punk edge for those not ready to indulge their inner 1930s secretary.
The look of winter 2008-2009 would not be complete without a pair of dark hose or tights worn with open toed shoes.  For the first time we are seeing a complete departure from the no-hose-with-open-toed-shoes rule.  In fact, the darker the hose and the more contrasting the shoe, the better!  With skirts and dresses being the dominant trend, the dark tights are a practical way to keep the chill off the legs during the winter while scarifying nothing when it comes to style.

The overall look is classic and safe but it maintains the empowered look and feel women have enjoyed from previous seasons.  Is there anything, in fact, more powerful than a confident and well dressed woman?  So go ahead ladies, and enjoy the trip down memory lane where A-lined skirts, straight cut hems, graceful heels, and a touch of luxury prevailed.