Mirror, Mirror: 2010 will go to extremes, of sleekness and choice

Fashion took a hit the size of a Neiman Marcus bill in 2009, but despite the crushing blows to all things style, shopping, and especially surplus, it looks like 2010 will be an exciting year on the runways, on the streets, and in our closets.

Just look at how the year started: Jennifer Lopez's black catsuit dropped jaws on Dick Clark's New Year's Eve show. The glittering, mock-necked one-piece designed by Paula Bradley was sexy and body-hugging and proved the 41-year-old mother of twins still had it.

And it's a perfect example of what I anticipate will be fashion's biggest trend this year: an invitation to wear extremes. After all, it's not just J-Lo rocking the catsuit.

Beyoncé performed on St. Barts at a private New Year's Eve party in a black catsuit-style suit. And singer Alicia Keys is superhero-esque in a purple, one-shouldered catsuit in the latest music video for her song "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart." Thank 2009 fashion icon Lady Gaga for starting the trend, as she has mastered the art of overdoing everything, including wearing makeup that often errs on the side of clownish.

Of course, this kind of dressing is reserved for celebrities. But excess for the rest of us will come in the form of choices: big floral bags or teeny-tiny jeweled clutches; necklaces big enough to cover the yokes of our dresses or thin chains with a hint of diamonds. Heels may stand super-high and chunky, but I'm betting an increasing number of us will turn to peep-toe ballet flats. (Aren't we over being in pain?) And while we continue to wear muted shades, iridescent purples and kelly greens will be equally strong - at least through the winter.

So with the middle ground gone (except when it comes to skirt lengths: Go for midcalf pencil skirts of the ruched Nicole Miller variety), celebrate the radical. Move over, sexy secretary. Your smoky-eyed, superhero alter ego is in town. Of course, shopping our closets is still an option. But that won't stop fashion from evolving.

Here are some other 2010 fashion predictions:

Leggings. Since most of us can't or shouldn't wear catsuits, I predict the legging fascination will continue. Both liquid leather and studs will be popular right through April and will make a comeback in the fall. Jeggings (jeans + leggings) will also be popular through summer - I'm thinking they will be liked in white. (Now that's a fashion whoa.) Pair your liquid leggings with a sheer blouse over a cute cami and with a men's-style blazer.

Details. In addition to being sleek, the details will continue to be exciting. By spring, most of us will have a knee-length tiered skirt in our closet in soft pink, baby blue, or gray - perfect for shimmying. We've already spotted the skirts in Urban Outfitters, and Club Monaco has a mini with perfect-sized tiers - one in solid black and one cloud-colored - with an exposed zipper. Other details to look for: tulip sleeves, ruched seams, and bubble hems.

Pastels. Shiny jewel-toned mustards, purples, and greens will make way for lemon yellows, lavenders, and mints this spring. These pastels won't be of the barely there nude variety, but instead will resemble shades of rainbow-flavored ices. You can't go wrong with a slew of cardigans, but I think you'll be most fashionable in a scarf.

Belts. Belts will continue to tie everything together. I do think, however, that belts will move from thick and studded to smaller and plain. As details get more edgy, belts will become simpler.

Small labels. With the emergence of smaller-city Fashion Weeks (look for two different Fashion Week events in Philadelphia this year), smaller labels are getting a chance to showcase their individuality and creativity without the bright lights and big bills of New York's Bryant Park tents. Local designers Marina Makaron, known for her bright-print scarves, and Cyan Jeffries, a darling in the etsy.com community for her wrap shirts and vintage twist dresses, are building solid reputations and products that are unique and affordable.

Fewer sales. And finally, as price points drop on luxury items, we will see fewer sales. Gone are the days when that coveted pair of Burberry wellies would go on sale three weeks after hitting the shelves. Stores will continue to keep only what is needed in stock. And the sales will be at the end of the season, just as in the old days. Prices will be slashed deeply, but chances are your size won't be there.