The Look of 2009

I have compiled a top ten best dressed list for 2008. My criteria for this list was to include females with a great natural sense of style and individuality that continually impressed in the dress stakes. Top Ten Best Dressed 2008 - Diane Kruger, someone who clearly loves fashion and is always ahead of the crowd when it comes to new trends. Always styles an outfit perfectly. - Alexa Chung, the undisputed queen of shabby chic, this girl knows how to mix vintage and contemporary. Has a look that every young woman can identify with but is impossible to master. - Michelle Obama, gained a huge following during Barrack’s Presidential campaign for her elegant yet sharp wardrobe. Michelle managed to engage with the public by mixing high street and designer. She also had the press in near hysteria durin elections, The New York Times remarked ‘She Dresses to Win’, and she did… - Lou Doillon, follows in her mother’s footstep as a fashion icon. Lou's outfits always look so timeless yet she never looks like she’s tried too hard. If I could raid anyone's wardrobe, it would be hers. - M.I.A., the most creative and imaginative dresser on the scene, her love of fashion is obvious, and inspires us all with her bright and beautiful outfits. - Eva Mendes, always chooses exquisite numbers in bright, vivid colours, sets the red carpet alight. - Carine Roitfeld, the editor of French Vogue has influenced many a wardrobe this season with her rock chic outfits. She always looks so effortlessly chic. - Heidi Klum, always flawless, has anyone ever seen a bad outfit on this German beauty? - Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, France’s first lady made us all gasp with delight on her UK visit looking demure in Dior. Who knew dove-grey and a pillbox hat could look so good. Can’t wait to see what she has in stall for us next. - Tilda Swinton, such an individual when it comes to style. Tilda always shuns the conformist celebrity looks and always makes her bold choices her own. Such a presence! Disagree with the judging? Be sure to voice your opinion.

2009 Predictions 2009 will see us stray away from the recent trend focused years; this is primarily due to the economic situation. ‘Credit crunch chic’ will see more classic investment pieces, as opposed to trends which have little longevity and generally equate to disposable fashion. We will also see a decline in the IT bag as consumers want to buy staple items that have endurance in their wardrobes rather than items which only last the current season. We will see the emphasis on ensuring we have good quality staples such as a classic white shirt, day to night blazer, and the perfect pair of jeans. This is mirrored in the current designs from all the major fashion houses as there are no particular trends on the catwalk or high street, just individual strong pieces – will this be an end to faddish trends? – T-shirt and Tails certainly hopes so. For 2009 I am desiring these denim Miss Selfridge shorts, £35, to pair with biker boots, a t-shirt, cardigan and chunky jewelery during the day, and a vintage blouse and heels for the evening. What are your must-haves for 2009?