Trend Watch: What's Hot for 2009?

Predictions: Orange is new purple, men wear bow ties and noodles are in.

ByABC News

December 31, 2008, 2:49 PM

Jan. 1, 2009  -- Happy New Year! It's time to say goodbye to 2008 and welcome the new trends of 2009.

Jane Buckingham, the president of the market research firm the Intelligence Group, forecasts the future of cool, from food to fashion.

The economy will shape trends by forcing people to be more creative, says Buckingham. People won't buy as much, so Buckingham predicts we'll see more homemade fashion, unique accessories and bright colors to keep away the blues.

Hot Color: Orange

The hot color for 2008 was purple, a rich and regal hue. Buckingham believes orange is the new color of 2009.

"I think we're going to be seeing a lot of brights because even though people are sad, they want to put on a happy face and the big color that's working right now is orange," she said. "But I think we're also going to be seeing a lot of blues, greens and pinks."

Knit Jeans

"Last season it was all about the skinny jean, which nobody can pull off and is really a nightmare to wear," Buckingham said.

When Katie Holmes sported husband Tom Cruise's jeans, she seemed to bring back the baggy boyfriend jean look.

The more flattering knit jean is next. "It's sort of a cross between a legging and a skinny jean and it's much easier to wear. Everybody looks good in them," Buckingham said.

Men's Fashion

No more of the casual look at work for men, who will now have to dress to impress, says Buckingham. Expect to see fewer skinny ties and more bow ties, but not every man can pull off the look.

Noodles in '09

Sushi has been the craze for a long time, but noodle bars are springing up all over the country.

"What's great about it is that it's a cross between a little bit of excitement but also a little bit of a comfort food and you can get it in a lot of different varieties," Buckingham said.

Nail Polish

Black nail polish was all the rage last year, which Buckingham attributes to the neo-goth "Twilight" phenomenon. In a complete reversal, Buckingham predicts variations of white nail polish and more French manicures.