Top 10 fashion trends of 2009 (2024)

Standing Tall
HEELS WITH AN EDGE

Push your dainty stilettos to the back of your wardrobe. Heels have become edgy with gladiators and ankle booties topping the charts. From metallics to neutrals, the glads aren't walking away. And your booties can be opentoed, studded and zippered.

Tight Call
LEGGINGS

Pants are things of last year. Even the staunchest non-believers have started warming up to leggings and tights. Though the plain black ones are almost a classic now, the newest babies are patterned--a new spin on fishnets. From leather to denim to leopard-printed and neon-coloured, if you're up to them, slip them on.

The Bling Factor
SEQUINS AND STUDS

The studs will make you channel your inner rocker. Men and women can wear these on their vest, T-shirt or boots. Sequins are for the ladies. Designer Monisha Jaising's sequinned numbers have been the most coveted with Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif strutting in these.

All in One
JUMPSUITS

Call it what you will--playsuit, jumpsuit or onesie--this '80s favourite only gets better. Dress it up in satin like Gauri and Nainika or dress it down. It's a tricky piece of clothing. So know which one looks best on you.

All Tied Up
SCARVES

Give your look a botox shot with scarves. But they've always been around, you say? They have. But it's only now that they come in all possible sizes, shapes and colours. Try the extra long ones to keep you warm, knot the shorter ones to add some fun. Shah Rukh Khan's taken quite a liking to the skull patterned and kefiyah inspired ones by Alexander McQueen. There's no reason you shouldn't.

Man-nerism
BOYFRIEND BLAZER

You don't really have to steal your boy's blazer. Get one that looks like his. The shoulders on the oversized blazer aren't as exaggerated as in the '80s. The sleeves are long but look best when rolled. Throw this over anything--a sheath dress, jeans, shorts and even a tulip skirt.

Raw Appeal
DENIM

The blue jean gets an overhaul. It remains a closet staple but this year, it's ripped, studded and extreme acid washed. The boyfriend jean, pegged at the ankle, also hovers around. Kareena Kapoor and Shruti Hassan have already been channelling the ripped jean look.

Michelle Effect
BELTS

Skinny, broad or corseted, belts were biding their time on the sidelines till Michelle Obama made them a wardrobe staple. You can make a statement with an embellished wrap.

High and Mighty
BOOTS

There's nothing subtle about these towering boots. Though winter won't last long, indulge in these dangerously high boots that extend to your knees and sometimes all the way up to your thighs

Bold and Beautiful
ACCESSORIES

This year will all be about making the right fashion statement. But that doesn't mean bling abuse. Keep your clothes well cut and clean but go bold with one piece of eye-catching jewellery. A statement necklace in metallic and enamel or an encrusted bib necklace adds instant glamour.You can also slip your arm into a jewelled cuff.