In the midst of a recession style overcomes and 2009 Fall Fashion Week went on as scheduled. A few obvious trends overwhelmed the runways: muted dark colors, season-less basics, and minimalism throughout. We can give the recession definite credit for those. We heard that designers this season took the country’s financial state into consideration when designing their collections; they wanted to create pieces that will last the test of time and trends. While some may see this as a set back in the fashion world, I feel it could not have come at a better time. What the runways may have lacked in flamboyance they made up for in quality. Much needed luxurious/durable fabrics, impeccable tailoring, and classic yet beautifully constructed silhouettes to over shadow the cheap imitations running amuck. Above and below are a few stand out collections from the Fall runways.

On the high end of the spectrum, Lanvin did not skimp on details and layering. While even outside of a recession most of us cannot afford these fabulous pieces, we can take away inspiration and ideas for our own budgets. What really stood out to me in this collection was the way they mixed the darker colors, by layering your dark fall pieces in almost a mis-match fashion you can turn a drab outfit into something extremely chic. Lanvin also shows how quality construction can go a long way, the structure of the shoulder on the black dress above turns this simple piece into wearable art.

One of my favorite brands of ours did not disappoint with their Fall runway. This Shipley & Halmos collection showed us that simple clean silhouettes can speak wonders. These pieces just scream New York chic, yet they all look wearable on a day to day basis. Shipley & Halmos’ use of quality fabrics really stands out in this charcoal tank dress, layered over a turtleneck for day or lose the layers for a night out. The versatile jacket can be worn for warmth as shown above or lose the bottom (attached by exposed zipper) for a fashion forward shrug.

I knew we couldn’t go the whole week without some color. Rebecca Taylor showed us some beautiful colors in abstract florals and rich silks, and her neutrals displayed one of the better animal prints I’ve seen in awhile. The collection was very piecey allowing us to mix and match with existing items in our own closets and not be afraid to mix prints with patterns. Taylor’s collection gave new life to some classic silhouettes, whether it was her choice of print in a tailored trouser or the addition of girly details to a winter coat. The Rebecca Taylor runway also sported a trend I can’t wait to wear next fall, bobby socks with heels. It doesn’t get much more recessionista than that!