Conscious of our ever-shrinking disposable incomes, most designers Fall 2009 shows focused on classics with a twist. This season there is an emphasis on clean lines and soft silhouettes that will last long past this Fall. Suits and outerwear have a sleek sophistication that harkens back to the old glamour of the 1940’s. Clearly everything that makes it down the runway is not meant to be worn in everyday life, but using these designs as a muse can give your closet a much needed boost.

Whether you actually run your own Fortune 500 Company or just want to look like you do, the Fall 2009 collections command respect. Corporate looks include tweed suits and knee length dresses in power colors like black or red. Need to add some pizzazz to your work wardrobe? Pull out your black pencil skirt paired with a belted sweater and black chain link booties for a sheik daytime look.

Remember to wear the white clothing on the part of your body that you want to accentuate and black on the part you want minimized. Top heavy girls look great in a black cashmere sweater and white wool slacks. Other colors for fall include complexion highlighting jewel tones like turquoise, gold, and burgundy.

Whether you’ve scheduled a hot movie date or you’re just hanging with the girls, you can’t go wrong pairing dark jeans or slim black pants with this season’s peplum jackets. The always fashionable little black dress gets a fresh take this Fall 2009. While the LBD should be a stable in any fashionista’s closet, this Fall it gets an updated 21st century body hugging silhouettes. The new accordion pleat tops which offer both a tantalizing hint of décolletage and full coverage are considered a Do for everyone from an A cup to a DD.

Shoe fashions for 2009 include over the knee boots, open-toed ankle boots now with chains, and ballet flats. The new “it” color is purple but exotic animal prints remain stylish and anything “exotic” made from lizard, python or crocodile is chic.

Like the dramatic sophistication of the color black, the slimming simplicity of the A-line pencil skirt and the crisp freshness of a white oxford blouse, some fashion classics never go out of style. Because of their versatility and continual popularity, such fashion essentials have been reliable staples in the wardrobes of many women. Houndstooth is among the patterns that have stood the test of time. Although it has peaked in popularity throughout the ages, houndstooth has always been considered a standard in the world of fashion. Not only used for a variety of attire, houndstooth has also made its way to fashion accessories, upholstery and even umbrellas.

Houndstooth is a most recognizable pattern with its two-tone, checked design of jagged, four-point stars. Traditionally, the pattern was created with bands of four black threads and four white threads woven in an alternating pattern. The use of both black and white threads in the base, as well as in the filling, allows for the distinctive checked pattern. Originating in Scotland, the houndstooth design grew out the Scottish tradition of weaving kilts or scarves out of wool into the tartan pattern, which is similar to plaid. While the customary pattern contains tiny, woven shapes, the design can now be found with checks in a variety of sizes. Usually made from wool, houndstooth has also been made of cotton and silk.

Since the 19th century, houndstooth has been a popular pattern for both men and women’s clothing. As wool provided the necessary warmth for outerwear, many blazers, coats, skirts and dresses carried the houndstooth pattern. In the earlier part of the 1800s, hoopskirts, scarves and vest were fashioned out of wool in the traditional black and white houndstooth. In the 1930s, it made a comeback in men’s fashion as the Great Depression was ending. With more money available for men and women to display their love of style and luxury, houndstooth denoted wealth and class, and even houndstooth polo shirts became popular casual wear. By this time, houndstooth had become a classic. Another rise in popularity came in the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, when designers used the pattern in bold, new ways. No longer just a black and white pattern, a gold-on-brown design emerged, followed designers who experimented by coordinating the pattern with stripes, polka dots and even lace. Around the same time, Chevrolet even introduced houndstooth upholstery to its Camaros.

Throughout the 20th century, houndstooth became a respected fashion classic, worn by the masses and reinvented by designers. Although there is always room for the tradition white-on-black, new brighter colors have found their way into the design. On Inauguration Day in 2009, Jill Biden wore a classic houndstooth dress under a red coat as she stood beside her husband as he took the Vice Presidential oath of office. Houndstooth dresses are hot items, admired for their mix of classic style with trendy panache. As a permanent staple of women’s fashion, houndstooth is a design that has never gone out of style.

Basically Black is very excited to share with you its new range of fashions for the autumn ’09 season. The new look can best be described in three words, crisp-modern-retro. Taking their inspiration from some of the best design ideas of fashion eras gone by, these new looks are sure to please everyone’s taste. From dresses to pants, blouses to coats, this collection is the best we’ve ever put together.

We’ve chosen four new dress designs, each with their own personality—the empire-waisted, Houndstooth Dress and an all-black High Society Knit Dress with pleated hem by Great Plains; as well as the Satin Frill Shift Dress or the Bow Back Crepe Dress by Helene Berman, reminiscent of the little black dresses worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1950’s. These dresses are appropriate for daytime or evening wear.

The crisp white shirt, a staple in any wardrobe collection, is represented this year with three beautiful designs by Luxury—the Mellanie, with blouson sleeves and a bib front; the Malinda, a classic fitted shirt with turn back cuffs; and the Mechela, a shirt top with gathered knot detail at the bust. You can pair any one of these tops with the beautifully cut new Abie Trousers by Gestuz, topping it off with the new matching Abie Suit Jacket; or match them with the ever popular pencil skirt by Basically Black, creating a traditional look that never goes out of style.

For a more casual look, Basically Black’s new range includes the black, long-sleeved City Dweller Polo and the Milkwood, a black, floral print frilly blouse by Great Plains.

The hip-hugging style of jeans is making a comeback this autumn and, paired with a wide, large buckled belt from Mac, it is the perfect look for a walk in the park or a casual evening out. The new offerings include the feminine look of either the Greenwich Jeans or Paddington Jeans styles by Soaked in Luxury; and the mid-rise Carrie Stretch Jeans or the black Stretch Cords by Mac.

To top off your monochrome wardrobe this fall, there are several new offerings of light-weight coats and jackets to suit your tastes. The Abbey Check Swing Coat offers a fun, carefree look in grey and purple plaid on a black background. This 60’s looking coat has belled sleeves and is fully lined. For a more elegant look, the stylish black cashmere Waterfall Coat by Helene Berman features a ruffled neckline and hem, and is the perfect topper for anything from a stylish little black dress and stilettos to leggings paired with the latest fashion boots.

Come check out Basically Black’s new range and see for yourself what all the buzz is about. Comfort, style and elegance at a price you can afford.