Who doesn't love trendy fashion? New colors, new cuts, and new looks are what gets us up in the morning and what lulls us to sleep at night. The only thing is, sometimes trends are so brief that they're here today, gone tomorrow. These trends eat our fashion budget whole and leave us with only a few memories and a wardrobe full of clothes that just aren't trendy apparel any more.



The real key to trends is to try to pick the ones that are lasting, rather than just a trendy apparel flash in the pan. That way your hard-earned fashion dollars are being spent on something that will be wearable, and even trendy, for seasons to come. Sure, these trends may not stay cutting-edge forever, but such is their influence, the trendy apparel that embraces them will be at least wearable for a long, long time to come.

So, as a starting point, what are the key fashion trends for 2009 that will endure into 2010? Here we present the four key looks that will be driving fashion for the next 12 months and more:

#1 Trendy fashion trends: Rationalistic

This one is probably a reflection of the harsh economic landscape, because this is a cool, sharp modern look. Neutrals are a key part of the color palette of this trend, as are metallics, from silver to bronze and gold. As far as fabrics are concerned, the key is fine-grained and sleek, never fluffy or chunky. Silk and silk-look is a signature fabric for trendy fashion clothes in this particular trend. Where patterns appear, they are large-scale and muted, never overstated. Metallic jewelry can be added to heighten the look of the trendy apparel, as can any accessories that shimmer and shine.

#2 Trendy fashion trends: Soft and sensitive

If trend #1 is harsh to reflect the times we live in, the soft and sensitive trend is the mirror image. Maybe in hard times we're also looking for a little comfort. This trend is all about fabrics and cuts with volume. Faux-fur is right on-trend, as are chunky knits, oversize tops, flannel, and fabrics that are shaggy or hairy (think camel). Velvet can also work. For color, shades that suggest warmth and have a rich tonality express what this trend is all about. A layered trendy apparel effect with variations in tone around one color is another feature.

#3 Trendy fashion trends: Colorful and fun

This trend blends a lot of influences to create a look that's just pure fun. Think hippy and folk-y, with lots of flannel, tweeds, and multicolored looks. Contrasting tones are also a big part of this look ? consider stripes and checks that clash for effect. If you love trendy apparel vintage, this trend will make you happy, because it's eclectic look works perfectly with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that you thought would never go with anything.

#4 Trendy fashion trends: Child of the forest

This trend gets all of its inspiration from nature, and particularly from the deepest, darkest forest. The color palette is all browns and greens, with splashes of other colors (often reds) in the mix from plaids and tartans. For trendy apparel accessories, this trend is all about wood and leather, and beads and scarfs are a must. Where prints appear, this trend is all about animal motifs, usually with a twist.