Yes, Dear Readers, this is what you have been waiting for: my top trends for 2009. Follow these and you are sure to be the sophisticate of your social circle.

Be sure to watch for next week’s list of least sophisticated trends of 2009.

Lucinda’s List: Sophisticated Trends to Welcome in 2009

1. Luxurious Lounging – Recessionistas may be staying in, but by no means should style suffer. You should channel Joan Crawford during her homemaker phase and be the “dearest” host when throwing your recession-themed parties. You can punch up forties fabulosity with modern twists such as nude lipstick and clear mascara. Try haute hoodies, palazzo pants in high-tech fabric, and long flowing dresses in digital prints. Just do not hang them on wire hangers.
2. Dandy Dressing – With movies such as “Sherlock Holmes” planned, Victorian is in and what better way to flaunt your style than with a statement coat? If you must only purchase one item per season, it simply must be an exquisite dress coat.
3. Decadent Draping –Cowl curves were on all the runways, so they will be on the streets and not just on necks. Bold draping will be statements seen on sleeves and hems.
4. Fine Frocks – The award season only just started and these elegant styles are dominating the red carpets, heralding a return to old-school glamour.
5. Barbie Bonanza – Fashion icon Barbara Millicent Roberts - commonly known as Barbie - turns fifty this year. Apart from a few fashion mishaps in the seventies, she has always been a model of style and sophistication and is sure to inspire many ensembles this year.
6. Fashionable Films – From “Confessions of a Shopaholic” to “The September Issue”, fashionistas will be dressing up for the theatre this year.
7. Smart Separates – Dresses have been hot for two seasons, but separates will heat up the runways, reflecting consumer desire to mix and match. This trend can either go very well or horribly wrong. We shall wait and see how it is interpreted on the street before making judgements.
8. Cupcake Colours – To fit into the latest trends, you cannot eat that cupcake, but you can certainly wear it in 2009. Or wear the scrumptious frosting colours. They will suit Summer and Winter, providing the fabric is right.
9. Muted Metallics – Shine is fine, especially when it takes an elegant twist into subtle territory. We may see more metallics, but with less glare, more will be less.
10. Black is the Same Black – It is a serious economy, so don’t ditch the black from your wardrobe just yet.