As the year 2008 draws to a close, I reckoned that instead of doing a trend round up, I’d rather highlight the ones we can keep an eye on come 2009. This year has been a whirlwind of trend after trend and I’ve noticed that most of the fashionistas were well aware and in tuned with them all. it has been a fun year in fashion, wouldn’t you agree?

Though some may have grown tired of keeping up with them trends, we just can’t help learning of new ones and incorporating them in our own personal style.

Anyway, here are my fashion bets — yes, Style Manila dishes out 9 Fashion Trends for 2009 — 2009 Fashion Forecast for Manila

Playsuits. They can come long, skirted or short. It’s all about the one-piece outfits. This will come in strong bursts esp with fashionistas keen on glam.

One-piece Swimsuits. After the cold months are over, everyone’ll be queuing for the beach! The beautiful shorelines of the Philippines will be littered with fashionable beach mongers clad in one-piece suits. Of course, nothing will beat bikinis but in terms of style, sexiness can be found with less skin exposure.

Boyfriend Blazers. From boyfriend shirts and dresses, we’re onto blazers next. This will be a hit for the working ladies and the lovers of avant garde. Will look awesome with work boots, Oxfords, chunky heeled platform sandals and yes, even stilettos.

Accessories Trends: Shoulder Bags and Masculine Belts. After lugging around huge totes and handbags, I’ve seen fashionistas strut the hallways and streets with shoulder bags slung loosely crossed over their stylish outfits. Small or big carry cross-over bags, they prefer keeping their shoulders and arms comfortably free. As for the belts, we’re looking at getting snug and belted with the masculine-looking belts. Gone are the wide and thin ones. I reckon it’s time to raid dad’s closet!

Asymmetrical tops and dresses + Sequins. I’m seeing a comeback. For the love of the off-shouldered look, they’ve sealed it and made it a little more permanent. Cocktails, maxi dresses and blouses have lost a sleeve and exposed more skin. Also seen on hems, too. Sequins will still be hot.

Nude-hued (Beige, matte gold, light brown) outfits. Think apparel that blends in with your skintone, making it seem like your “nude”. Colours like beige, matte gold, and light brown come into play. A way to go about the minimalist look. Outfits that spell out simplicity, comfort, sophistication, and retro-ish style. 2009 is going for fashion with a subdued canvass.

Shoe Trends: T-strap flat sandals, Platform wedges and heels. Moving away from the Gladiator trend, I can see ladies turning to flat T-straps esp for the Summer months. You can also see T-strap platforms, wedged or heeled. This comes into play for the popular looks for the coming year (see #9, the Prairie trend, and also the Boho look).

Colour Trends: Purple and Black. Apart from the Nude hue trend, a carry-over of the Purple trend of Q4, 2008 can be expected, we’ll still be seeing this colour in 2009. As for black, a timeless and classic colour, we’re looking at minimalist looks playing with all-black ensembles — from shoes, accessories to apparel and bags. Black is back with a vengeance.

50s Pin-Up Girl Look. We know that the 20s fashion became all the rage, 2009 promises a fashion era that happened a few decades later — 1950s! Though beauty plays a major role in the Pin Up Girl look (from hairstyle to the ultra red lips), we can expect wide skirts with flirty, feminine tops, checkered, ruffled or polka dot (apron-esque) design and prints, diner girl dresses, tulle or feathered head bands, high-waisted tapered pants, and everything vintage. This is actually something that I’m looking forward to. I can’t wait to capture how Manila fashionistas translate this look!

These are just some of the trends I’ve chosen to highlight. We can actually expect more on Fashion and Beauty for 2009. This brings me to free up the podium and let you folks share your own thoughts. What do you think Manila’s fashion scene will be like come 2009?