Are spring 2008 fashion trends simply hideous, or is it just me? I can’t recall a season that compares to this year’s unflattering clothes and accessories for women; in my opinion, they are not really attractive or wearable.
Here’s a rundown of the worst spring 2008 fashion trends to avoid, a look at some smart choices for all shapes and sizes, and where to buy spring’s trendiest fashion on the cheap.
From Bad to Worse
This season’s fashion magazines feature page after page of some really awful trends. One of the worst offenders for spring 2008 is the gladiator sandal (unfortunately, this look has been hanging around for a few seasons.) The gladiator sandal is not only unfeminine, but also a very heavy look on the foot. Depending on the thickness and placement of the straps, the effect is not always a flattering one for a woman’s leg.
Another disturbing spring 2008 fashion trend is shocking bright color. Skirts, dresses, tops and accessories are popping up in unusual hues like shocking yellow, apple green and fuchsia. These hues often show up on shift dresses and oversize purses, and in my opinion, they add bulk to the body and may not be flattering for all skin tones. Yes you will get attention wearing shocking tones; however, it may not be the kind of attention you want.
The same can be said for the unfortunate graphic print trend. Geometric, graphic, tribal, abstract and art prints are hot spring 2008 fashion trends, but they are often incredibly “busy,” distracting and overwhelming on the body. Snakeskin patchwork shoes and bags are another over-the-top look I’ve seen for spring. It is possible to look like a fashion victim if you overdo one of these trends, or even worse, if you mix them together (don’t do a shocking bright, with an art print, and the snakeskin patchwork accessories all at the same time!)
Doing the Time Warp
It seems to me that the fashion of the ’70s and ’80s wasn’t that great the first time, but designers seem determined to bring back the oldies. I remember the 80s, and I’m grateful that I don’t have to wear leg warmers and culottes again. Much to my dismay, these looks are back in a big way. Leggings, in particular, are a trend that won’t go away. Why fashion is determined to channel these earlier decades is beyond me. Perhaps it is an attempt to bring some campiness and whimsy to our often depressing times?
Whatever the reason, we are seeing culottes, retro prints and styles, headbands, bohemian tops and dresses as hot spring 2008 fashion trends. Hopefully our love affair with these decades will be short-lived (I won’t wear leg warmers again, and you can’t make me!)
Best of the Best
Fortunately, there are some wearable spring 2008 fashion trends. Black and white clothing is hot these days and it’s a modern classic. Black and white is easy to wear, timeless and chic, and flattering for most women (combine a black and white print top with tailored black pants for a very slimming effect.)
Muted, neutral accessories are spring 2008 fashion trends, and complement the various bolder looks that are out there right now. Bold, graphic jewelry made of materials like wood, copper, metal, and beads can add interest to an outfit without looking overdone.
The ombre look (gradient colored clothes) has a softer edge than other spring 2008 fashion trends, and is very flattering with the lighter colors near the face blending into darker colors placed lower on the body. An ombre dress or top is a fashionable way to look great and stay on trend without overdoing it.
The military and safari looks are sleek spring 2008 fashion trends that personify urban chic. You can’t go wrong this season with a cute little safari or military jacket and a fun bag, and neutral shoes accented with bold jewelry.
Spring Looks for Less
Not only are some of the new spring 2008 fashion trends horrible to look at, they are also horribly expensive. I spotted a snakeskin patchwork bag recently for $5,000 and a shocking bright dress for $4,000. It is possible to spend a month’s rent on one outfit! This season, clothes are becoming more expensive than ever.
Fight back against fashion inflation by shopping for chic little trendy pieces at discount retailers like Target, Old Navy, Wal-Mart and Forever 21. You can find spring 2008 fashion trends for under $20 at these stores. This way, if you just have to have a tribal print top or a shocking bright shoe and find out it’s just not for you, your credit card bill won’t take a big hit.
This is low commitment fashion, so definitely shop around at retailers who discount fashions. Look at the Metro 7 line at Wal-Mart, designers like Jovovich Hawk at Target, and for everyday basics, like cute tops, consider Old Navy and Forever 21.
Have fun experimenting with spring 2008 fashion trends. With some thought and planning and careful shopping, it is possible to put together a terrific look that’s right for you.
