Spring 2008 Fashion Forecast

SPRING 2008 FASHION REPORT
WHAT TO ADD, TOSS AND KEEP

With the temperature rising, it's the perfect time to give your wardrobe a much-needed once-over,
shelving last-season’s now dated looks, donating pieces you’re certain you’ll never wear again, storing
wears that you think might make a comeback one day and then adding a few fashion-forward items. For
hints on how you should overhaul your closet this season, check out our tips—taken from the spring
2008 runway shows—below:

THREE KEY TRENDS TO KEEP ON ROCKIN'

1. Bright Colors
Bold colors were huge last season, so maintain the trend by adding some floaty tops, bright tank-style dresses or comfy skirts in bright hues to your wardrobe. If you want to try the trend, but are a little hesitant, begin by toting a bright bag or slipping on a hot-hued pair of shoes. If you’re ready to jump right in and take the plunge, add an item in a neon shade, which, believe it or not, you’ll begin seeing much more of this spring. In order to avoid a full-on '80s look, pair neons and bright pieces with subtle neutrals like khaki, gray or navy and accessorize with simple gold or silver jewelry. Our picks: L.A.M.B. Los Feliz Beverly Tote, $395, Dolce Vita Aegean Patent Buckle Slide Sandals, $80 and Alexander Wang Pebbled Knit Tank, $207, all at www.shopbop.com.

2. Embellished Pieces
	Last fall, tops, dresses and accessories adorned with jewels ruled the runways—and retail racks. This trend is still going strong for spring, albeit in a slightly more subtle manner. Your best bet: tops and dresses with necklines decorated with delicate jewels, metallic studs or graphic, metallic sequins. Our pick: Studded Knit Dress, $32.80, and Sequined Knit Tunic, $24.80, both available at www.forever21.com.

3. Gladiator Sandals
	This Greek-inspired footwear was popular last spring and continues to dominate the spring and summer fashion trends of 2008. For comfort, wear a flat variety, and try kicking your nighttime looks up a notch with a high-heeled or wedge version. For the most flattering, leg-lengthening look, choose a pair with a thin ankle-strap. Our picks: Nine West’s Sulliban Sandal, $89, and Jobilyn Sandal, $79, both available at www.ninewest.com.

THREE KEY PIECES TO ADD

1. A Neutral Bag
	Last season, snow white bags were seen on the arms of every celebrity lunching at The Ivy. This season, however, neutral bags in bone, gray and beige are the white-hot way to finish your outfit. Our picks: Elliot Luca Genevieve Patent Hobo, $238, Kooba Lola Tote, $645, and Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Teri Tote, $428, all available at www.bloomingdales.com.

2. Light Denim
	Dark denim is still chic (and slimming!), but trade on your trusty darks for a lighter-hued versions this spring. Avoid going super-light and instead opt for a cool chambray shade. Wider-leg styles are in, as are boot-cut and skinny-leg varieties, so choose the style you find most flattering for your body type. Our picks: J Brand Love Story Jeans in Summer, $179, www.jbrandjeans.com.

3. Ethnic Prints
	Ikat, batik and tie-dye, most commonly associated with the '70s love child look, are suddenly fresh and fun. Introduce this style into your wardrobe without looking like a Deadhead by pairing a top with tailored, trouser-style jeans. Our picks: Nieves Lavi V-Neck Poncho, $132 and Yaya Aflalo Solar Tunic, $294, both available at www.shopbop.com.

THREE LOOKS TO LOSE (AT LEAST FOR NOW):

1. Mod-inspired	2. Bermuda-length Shorts	3. Corset Belts

The '60s pop art look has come and gone, so shelve your graphic prints for now and instead opt for an ethnic print or an acid-hued bright.	Time to hit that Stairmaster, because shorts hemlines are rising faster than Google stock. Knee-length Bermuda shorts are out, and have been replaced by mid-thigh and shorter varieties.	Shelve your thick and chunky corset belts for now and instead cinch your favorite dress or tunic with a skinny belt, preferably in a bright shade of patent leather.

—Chelsea Kaplan

Catch a peak into the hysterical life of TFG Deputy Editor and Beauty Director Chelsea Kaplan in her hugely popular blog, “I'm Somebody's Mother?”