As clothing stores begin stockpiling their newest spring arrivals, it may seem almost impossible to figure out what to buy, and what to not buy. This season’s trends give you a lot of room to mix and match, so be creative. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the confusing world of retail fashion and make your own fashion statement for spring 2008.
Color
Ditch your lackluster winter clothing in favor of this season’s sorbet-toned colors. Deep jewel tones go great with winter pallor, but for spring try an upgrade to brighter tangerines, pinks and yellows. Bright oranges and hot pinks took center stage at the Gianni Versace show. However, to avoid looking like an 80s music video, wear your most colorful tops with dark denim.
If this season’s bright colors are too daring for your style, try the sweetheart approach and go with purple. As one of this season’s favorite colors, purple — specifically lavender — is a great way to add a feminine touch to your wardrobe.
Black and white will never go out of fashion. Update this classic look for spring by mixing with bold or floral patterns.
Patterns
No more block prints! Spring 2008 is all about splashy colors and bold prints. The crazier, noisier and clashier the pattern, the better.
Floral patterns are no longer limited to your grandma’s closet. What better way to celebrate the end of winter than with flowers on your shirts, blouses, pants, skirts, dresses, belts, purses or shoes (whew!)? Dolce and Gabbana and Nanette Lepore definitely went after this look for spring.
Curvy girls beware: Stripes are back. This often-dreaded pattern, infamous for making things appear larger than they really are, has returned with a vengeance. Vertical and horizontal, wide and skinny, stripes are everywhere. If you decide to brave this trend, know that the fatter the stripe, the fatter you will appear.
Other popular styles
Even if you’re not planning a trip to the African Sahara, you still might want to invest in some safari gear. Don’t go crazy with the khaki, but a few safari-inspired pieces (like a khaki skirt or shirt dress) will keep you looking trendy. Alexander Wang rocks this trend in his spring collection.
The hippies are making a comeback. Their peasant- and bohemian-themed clothing falls right into line with the bold print and floral trends of the season. But we still don’t know for certain whether or not this means that hippies plan to take over the world.
Another beautiful but deadly trend this season is shiny fabric. Satin appears to be the designers’ preferred material for pulling this look off. Satin, however, is very unforgiving, especially on the curvy and large-busted, and can show every bump and line of your bra. Try this look with a proper fit and some control-top undies.
Pants
Ladies, rejoice! Start retiring your unflattering skinny jeans: This season, designers have declared that wide-leg and high-waisted pants will rule. No stilettos, though; pair these pants with a stacked heel.
Skirts
Always a classy choice, pencil skirts get the nod from fashion designers for spring. To properly show off your feminine curves, make sure your skirt hits just above your knee.
Pair your floral and peasant tops with a full skirt this season. If your top has a bold pattern, try to keep your skirt a bit more neutral. This works in reverse too. Accentuate a solid-color top with a bold-patterned skirt.
Dresses
Babydoll dresses are out. Trapeze dresses are in. Straight from the runway, trapeze dresses are an elegant option for an evening out. Wear a statement bracelet to really make this outfit stand out.
Sheath dresses can either look really good, or really, really bad. To ensure your spot in the first category, make sure the sheath (or shift) dress fits you properly. Otherwise you’ll look like you’re wearing a, probably expensive, potato sack. Definitely make sure the hem hits above your knees. Consider cinching your waist with a belt to give yourself a more feminine silhouette.
In response to the wrap dress’s huge success, designers favored the shirt dress this spring. There are a ton of variations on this trend: safari shirt dresses, army shirt dresses and bold-color, sleeveless shirt dresses. Just make sure your shirt dress has a belt to highlight your waist.
Shoes
Sculptural heels bring the runway’s haute couture fashion to us common folk this spring. Throw your black pumps in the back of your closet and make room for this season’s modern, artistic heels. In particular, Sergio Rossi introduced some inspired designs for platforms this season. Though some of these shoes look perilous for the everyday trek around town, they make a high-fashion statement.
Off Russell Crowe’s feet and onto ours, gladiator sandals are in this season. Comfortable and versatile, these shoes come in a variety of colors, and they work well with floral-print clothing.
Platform heels are a must to balance out this season’s wide-legged trousers. Keep your eye out for the hot wooden heels that will start stepping out this spring.
Outerwear
As the weather gets a little warmer and you begin to abandon your full-length down coats, try a
cropped jacket for this spring. For the brave, buy a jacket in a bold color, like pink or green.
Accessories
Large statement pieces are showing up in jewelry boxes everywhere. Statement bracelets, necklaces or earrings are great — just not all at once. Bulgari has some beautiful statement necklaces that you can dream about.
Any handmade jewelry, especially in bright colors, will be very fashionable this season. Unfortunately, the macaroni necklace you made for your mom in third grade should probably still stay at home.
Ethnic jewelry, particularly stacked bangles, will look great with this season’s other trends where Asian, African and South American-inspired jewelry is coming into vogue. The more ethnic-looking, the better. Etro took this theory to heart with their new collection.
Turn in your tiny, drab-looking clutches. Spring 2008 is all about textured, oversized clutches. Again, go for bold colors and funky styles like Salvatore Ferragamo did in his spring collection.
Happy shopping!