Just in time for the summer heat, here's an early preview of Fall 2009 runway trends.

Black and grey are the big colors of the season. Designers are sprinkling a few other colors in there, including lots of neutrals and some bright oranges and fuscias reminiscent of the 80's. The 80's is still hot, and oversized knits still dominate the runway, this time with cowl necks and lots and lots of layering. But it's not all loosely draped. The waist is in this season. Designers are using shaping or adding belts over chunky knits to emphasize the female form under all that yarn. As for details in knitwear, dropped stitches dominate. Here's a brief look at a few of these trends:

Dropped stitches from Mara Hoffman:

A belted chunky knit from Malandrino:

Bright, oversized, cowl neck from Michael Kors:

Loose and layered from Missoni:

What are your ideas for fall? We welcome your patterns, articles, and blog items. Submission guidelines are here. Feel free to email with ideas before you get started if you'd like: robindodge@metapostmodernknitting.com.