Wardrobe Tips for Fashion Looks Summer & Spring 2008
These
days fashion trends these days come and go so fast, that we are
no longer faced with just 3 or 4 ideas to create a really inspired personal
fashion wardrobe. Even so, your body shape, height and your personal style, all affect
how you select a new fashion look from fashion trends of Spring
Summer 2008. Review how best to work the
current trends onto your body type, whilst creating a desirable image.
Spring is the classic time to pan your wardrobe replacements,
review essentials and indulge with impulsive treats.
Faced with so much fashion on offer the
question is always where to start. If you need fast entry
into image planning updating then two specific trends of the
clutch bag and the fuller skirt style will see you sail through
Summer 2008. Essentially, the main fashion trend of 2008 is still for dress
variations.
Right - We see a great design idea from Dolce and Gabbana which
has fuelled many of the mass market designs in the shops. Next
to it is a black and white outfit from Oasis and left
above, is a New Look Spring Summer 2008 white skirt. Both are takes on
the fabulous Dolce and Gabbana brocade skirt shown right.
Trends to observe from this D&G image right include:-
Focus on the high rise waistline.
Focus on more puff sleeve fullness.
The patchwork mosaic like snakeskin elements of the bag.
In fact this mosaic patchwork effect has already been repeated by high street manufacturers
such as Dune in their footwear.
Left - Spring Summer 2008 shoes by Dune - Court- £125 or 180.
Sandal - £110 or 160.
Key Fashion Trends for Instant Updated Looks -
Spring & Summer 2008
FIRSTLY - Get a modern clutch or box clutch handbag. The clutch
comes in many sizes and is a great way to work toward downsizing your bags. The
small clutch (much like a money purse wallet) could easily
be removed from a larger tote bag and is great way to ease yourself into
using smaller handbags.
Bag details - Clutch selection.
Left - Wallis Spring Summer 2008 Accessories, Chocolate
snake box clutch bag £15/23. Centre - Black leather
patent envelope clutch bag by Alexander McQueen, and available from
Matchesfashion.com at £245. Right - River Island Clothing Co. Ltd, Summer 2008
Accessories - Yellow clutch handbag £29.99.
If you need a larger handbag, especially for
work or travel, consider if your existing tote bag has the look
of the moment, if not opt for a pyramid dome bag or balloon style
bag. Read more and see these pyramid triangular dome and
balloon styles on the
Spring Summer 2008 accessories bag page.
SECONDLY - Add more skirt volume - Choose a dress or skirt which has some swing kick
fullness. This is likely to be either a short gathered dirndl
style skirt. Or, it may have soft easy pleats and could even be
of circular style.
The range of skirt styles, shown below mostly graze the knee, but
according to your style can easily be worn over the knee and mid
thigh.
Contrast Band Hemlines
Many skirts also have contrast band illusion
hemlines. This Oasis Spring Summer 2008 Collection dress right,
has a deeper band. Others have narrower, contrast hem
bands, such as the black band in the first dress left
below.
If you prefer more shape pull in that volume with lacing or a belt.
Gain control over volume in garments, so that it flatters your
body by the contrast of smaller to fuller parts. Enhance
your best bits with close fitting volume, enhance your figure
faults with carefully placed volume. An inch higher or lower
in your
placement of volume on the hips or waist, can make or break the volume
effect on most individuals.
Clear
bright
colours are not the only hallmark of Spring Summer 2008. The
navy and white dress above right is as clean cut as these black
and white outfits.
Black teamed with white is a
very strong look this spring. It
is a statement contrast to all the brighter colours, printed
fabrics and dip dye effects shown below. I have selected a good range
of monochromatic outfits to illustrate this particular
fashion silhouette for Spring 2008.
To be fashionable in 2008 think fuller skirts.
Reverse negative/positive, for example black and white spots, stripes, checks,
plus tribal abstract patterns, all add interest to monochrome
fashion looks.
Above
Far Left - Matalan Spring Summer 2008 Women's gingham check
dress £12, belt £4.
Centre left - Warehouse Spring Summer 2008 Women's white trench
coat trench £90/140, check dress £35/55, shoes £65/99
Centre left - Warehouse stripe full skirt, jacket £55/85, skirt
£50/80, shoes £65/99
Far right - Matalan zip stud crop denim jacket £15, bow front
vest £5, gingham skirt £10
See how the
negative positive black and white spots of this bustier dress and striped belt create a well thought out
design. Right - Debenhams Debut spot mini dress £100/155
from the Womenswear Spring
Summer 2008 range.
If you have a thick waist, but slim hips you may find full skirts hard to wear. The answer is to opt for a full skirt which is set on a Basque yoke, or deep wide waistband.
Alternatively, choose princess seamed fullness, A-line or circular flare. A large volume of fabric worked into fine gathers or pleats can make you look heavy and add pounds if you are
thick waisted. However, those with neat slender waists, but saddle bag thighs, will find a full skirt can highlight the positive, whilst playing down the negative body part. In
image planning terms, if you choose correctly for your shape then a full skirt can become a body enhancing tool on a par with hip and thigh liposuction!
~
Fashion Wardrobe Top Tip - Abstract Tribal
Print is a Must-Have
Tribal
prints are mostly being used on dresses and skirts. These simple
cutaway dresses set on a halter yoke, both feature striking, but
very different tribal influenced primitive prints.
This year dresses are also full length, making the maxi
dress even more popular than last year. Global
chic 2008 can be easily acquired with that old summer favourite
the Kaftan. When constructed in
abstract prints, like these, the garments almost behave like
neutrals and blend in where florals fail.
Some tribal trends rely on a simple
dress, tunic or top shape, and
let the exotic abstract fabric take praise. These dresses right are
statement making with their striking prints, yet at the same
time they are utilitarian.
Note the swing flare in theses skirts are a classic
alternative to dirndl gathers, or bulky pleats. Above near
right - Dorothy Perkins Spring Summer 2008
Brown/cream safari print sun-dress £30 45. Above far
right - Monsoon Spring/Summer 2008 Womenswear Masai dress
£50.
Left - Warehouse tribal maxi dress £70/110, bag
£38/59, sandals £20/30. This maxi dress features edges
embellished with ethnic style embroidery stitching.
In spring 2008, Monsoon have two ranges focusing on tribal looks called Zanzibar and
Tangier. The result is an understated safari and utility
them, with combined tribal print and pattern details that create a modern urban
look.
Monsoon use a rich colour palette, bold print and graphic
appliquιs to make the African urban look. Ethnic prints
are matched with luxurious fabrics to give a modern sleek feel. Key items come in an opulent colour mix
of chocolate, amber, claret red highlighted with metallics. Elegant printed dresses and separates are finished with tribal
inspired trims making for a sophisticated and glamorous take from Monsoon.
Hot Tip - Tribal prints are a must-have this
Spring 2008 and have a sun scorched hue which reminds
of Souk and Mediterranean sun soaked days. This global chic look
trawls the world for inspiration and finds it in the murky earth
tones of a Renaissance artist's palette. Browns,
ochre, burnt umber, sienna, indigo blue all have that natural
look also found in Indonesian block batiks, African, Mayan or
Aztec graphics.
This floral print bloused tunic near right
relies on the tribal colour mix of natural materials such as
stone and terracotta earth, but within the modern floral theme
of summer. Near right - NEXT DIRECTORY - Womenswear Spring/Summer 2008 - Large
floral blossom print drop waist top costing £32/48.
Team the earthy tribal look with wooden cuffs,
wood beads, onyx and ebony carved pieces of jewellery.
Left - Selection of wooden and metal bangle cuffs from Wallis
Spring Summer 2008 Jewellery range.
These prints work very well on simple slim dresses and
tunics.
Some of the global chic prints even have Japanese
influences, such as on this hand painted silk trailing blossom
cowl dress - far right. It is an Alexander McQueen designer piece at £1200, and can be purchased
online from Brownsfashion.
Left - Offered in both Petite length 34"/86.5cm or Regular
length 36"/91.5cm at £55, this 100% Silk Linear Spot Tunic Dress
is from NEXT DIRECTORY (Catalogue number 382-911-X41).
Near right - This lemon print dress is by Oasis from their Spring Summer 2008
collection. You will find plenty of other attractive summer
dresses from in 100% silk at Oasis and many start from £65.
Many
of the floral dolly prints are in sheer or semi sheer fabrics,
and of course exotic animal prints are still abundant, but more
often worked in transparent sheer fabrics for summer.
This play with fantasy sheers and transparent fabrics means
that underwear styles, will in many instances become outerwear.
Fashion history is full of examples of underwear moving into
mainstream fashion trends. Layered sheer and transparent
materials create a lightness of effect.
Ruffles are a huge feature of sheer and semi-transparent
feather-light dresses and tops. Ruffles appear everywhere
on garments, but especially on blouse necklines, shoulders,
hemlines and in skirt panels.
Above left - Matalan Spring Summer 2008 Women's - Ruffle
dress £16, headband £2.
Above right - Matalan Spring Summer 2008
Women's - Tea dress £16.
Romantic looks include tiered ruffles with fringe being used to
make the whole dress shimmy.
Frills and roses all appear on skirts, dresses,
tops, blouses. This outfit left from Oasis features 5 strong
Spring Summer 2008 fashion trends. It is one shouldered,
has fabric roses for decoration, a full gathered skirt is made
from a dip dyed fabric and it is worn with Gladiator sandals.
Spring 2008 Fashion Wardrobe Fabric Top Tip - Dip
Dyes
After the sombre black of the 1990s, this play with dye seems
mouth-wateringly new and extravagant in its vivid exuberance.
Couple the techniques with the changing undulations of crushed
pleated fabrics, jersey or sheer fabrics you can create a
whole host of rich looks. All these dye effects can be luxuriant, pretty
and mystical when worked in satins, silks and chiffons.
Blouses, skirts and scarves also get this treatment too.
The Ombre technique was quite popular in the 1970s when it was
used extensively to make interesting graduated colour effect Macs, by Dannimac.
Of course the technique also adorned T-shirts and Boho
skirts across the land. Now in 2008 Ombre is set to take the
world by storm again. This colour bleeding dye method also makes
very individual looking scarves or other accessories. It can be shockingly gorgeous
and bring
rich colour variety to an incidental item.
The fascinating variegated pattern created by random due
methods, makes the fabric perfect for use in a simply cut top
or dress. Simply cut garments rely on gorgeous fabric. In fact the simpler the cut of the garment,
and the less the material is cut, the better the end result.
Safari elements can be full-on with military
precision or softly diluted. The fabric can be utilitarian, or
rich lush, and silky crisp. The simple ecru or golden
camel colour
scheme is well suited to safari styling and almost always looks
expensive.
Look for pockets and shirt waist elements
highlighted by belts. The look can also be softened up with
a sash bow tie, like this oyster dress centre left from Wallis.
Ecru, gold and metallic footwear teamed with safari style
gives an outfit a fresh modern touch. Select from golden
gladiator sandals, wooden wedges shoes to bow trimmed shoe
boots.
Centre left - NEXT Women's Footwear Spring/Summer 2008 - Bow
detail ankle boots £35/50
Wallis SS08 Oyster wrap shirt dress £70/110
Centre right - House of Fraser Womenswear Spring Summer 2008 -
Linea range safari trouser suit.
Far right - Gold safari skirt suit from Principles Main Spring
Summer 2008 Collection.
If all this softer feminine take on spring summer 2008 fashion
is too much for you, fear not there is always a tailored
alternative. This year the blazer is back in town, and
especially watch out for striped and edge bound variations
of the blazer
basic. Nautical blazers with regatta contrast trims are
great buys that will recoup their value over the season.
Make your blazer a your working must-have of the Spring Summer 2008
season.
Volume is fickle; it offers full wide trouser leg, versus skinny
narrow leg, or extra long pants, versus cropped walking shorts. Take your pick -
much is on offer.
Choose according to your body shape and
the look that enhances your figure. I especially like the
wide flared leg jeans and the Katharine Hepburn pants suits
shown on the main Spring Summer 2008 fashion looks page. The
latter are perfect for more formal occasions or in neutral tones
ideal for the working woman.
But for everyday fun, I think these pants suit
the mood of summer.
Left River Island Clothing Co. Ltd Spring
Summer 2088 Shirt £24.99/42, Jodphurs - £34.99/58.50.
Consider walking-shorts/culottes or tapered pant styles too.
If you want a totally fresh look, opt for a jumpsuit the
latest all-in-one.
The all-in-one
jumpsuit is a go anywhere
outfit, cut for the evening or day, or as safari style. But
make sure you buy your jumpsuits in a top quality fabric, or
else you
may end up looking as if you own a retro
1980's shell suit.
If you love jeans, then your denim selection should
include high waist, flared faded blue jeans. My advice is steer clear of the coloured skinny
jeans, especially bright strawberry pink ones! The coloured skinny jean
look is strictly - 'I do love to be beside the seaside.'
Day-Glo colour requires equatorial sunshine to offset its dazzle.
But skinny is not a new look, and only looks really good on the
ultra slim. Time to move fashion forward, drop skinnies and
instead consider the jumpsuit.
Hot tip - coloured skinnies - already on the wane.
Jumpsuits - on the up. Still with us - leggings.
In any year, great accessories can update you in the time it takes to purchase a new pair of shoes, a bag
and a pair of fashionable sunglasses. High street shop Monsoon Accessories continues to expand the offering of
quality bags, jewellery and footwear for Spring Summer 2008. Key for this
season are oversized patent shoppers, small structured clutch bags,
chunky stack-heeled shoes, Gladiator sandals and statement
necklaces matched with chunky bangles.
For
true summer days, add a pair of Gladiator sandals or elasticated
flats to the clutch bag. Choose natural tan, brown or metallic tones
for ease of matching.
I especially like these brown sandals from Debenhams Spring
Summer 2008 range.
Hot shoes also have wooden cone heel peep toes, but wedge shoes, espadrilles and ankle strap style shoes will
all add
that 2008 spring summer edge. See the footwear pages
for more details on shoes.
Don't forget that head squares are making a comeback and are
best worn cowboy style.
These are some of the top trends best suited to update
your
Spring Summer 2008 wardrobe. All these trends
create the carefree
mood
found in easy summer working and holiday clothes.
Copyright of images courtesy PRSHOTS, Dune, Debenhams, Matalan,
Matches. Oasis,
Wallis, NEXT, Browns, Dorothy Perkins, New Look, Warehouse,
River Island and Principles.
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These
days fashion trends these days come and go so fast, that we are
no longer faced with just 3 or 4 ideas to create a really inspired personal
fashion wardrobe. Even so, your body shape, height and your personal style, all affect
how you select a new fashion look from fashion trends of Spring
Summer 2008. Review how best to work the
current trends onto your body type, whilst creating a desirable image.
Spring is the classic time to pan your wardrobe replacements,
review essentials and indulge with impulsive treats.
Trends to observe from this D&G image right include:-
Bag details - Clutch selection.
Black teamed with white is a
very strong look this spring. It
is a statement contrast to all the brighter colours, printed
fabrics and dip dye effects shown below. I have selected a good range
of monochromatic outfits to illustrate this particular
fashion silhouette for Spring 2008. 
Above
Some tribal trends rely on a simple
dress, tunic or top shape, and
let the exotic abstract fabric take praise. These dresses right are
statement making with their striking prints, yet at the same
time they are utilitarian. 
This floral print bloused tunic near right
relies on the tribal colour mix of natural materials such as
stone and terracotta earth, but within the modern floral theme
of summer. Near right - NEXT DIRECTORY - Womenswear Spring/Summer 2008 - Large
floral blossom print drop waist top costing £32/48. 
These prints work very well on simple slim dresses and
tunics.
Many
of the floral dolly prints are in sheer or semi sheer fabrics,
and of course exotic animal prints are still abundant, but more
often worked in transparent sheer fabrics for summer. 
Ruffles are a huge feature of sheer and semi-transparent
feather-light dresses and tops. Ruffles appear everywhere
on garments, but especially on blouse necklines, shoulders,
hemlines and in skirt panels. 
Of course the technique also adorned T-shirts and Boho
skirts across the land. Now in 2008 Ombre is set to take the
world by storm again. This colour bleeding dye method also makes
very individual looking scarves or other accessories. It can be shockingly gorgeous
and bring
rich colour variety to an incidental item. 
.
Volume is fickle; it offers full wide trouser leg, versus skinny
narrow leg, or extra long pants, versus cropped walking shorts. Take your pick -
much is on offer. 
For
true summer days, add a pair of Gladiator sandals or elasticated
flats to the clutch bag. Choose natural tan, brown or metallic tones
for ease of matching.
I especially like these brown sandals from Debenhams Spring
Summer 2008 range.
