Spring/Summer 2008 Trends
Spring/Summer 2008 trends are so fresh and feminine you are going to feel light and summery regardless of what the British weather decides. Floral tea dresses and tops with 70's inspired denim create a fresh look, but for those of you with a more practical lifestyles look out for the stars and stripes which are widely available and very classic. For the girls in their teens and twenties washed and blended colours from the art house trend will also give a new twist.
Safari
The safari trend for spring summer is everything you would expect it to be and a little more… military inspired, lots of shorts, belted short sleeve jackets and waist coats with silly amounts of pockets and epaulets. This trend is ageless, great for all shapes and because it comes in multitude shades of white, cream, khaki and brown it’s good for all skin tones. However, if you’re pear shaped you may have to swap the mini shorts for a pencil skirt or wide safari trousers.
Top Tip -The ‘little more’ I mentioned… add satin blouses and gentle florals in muted tones to complete this outfit. The must have accessory is the waist belt, but only if you have a waist, there’s no point highlighting what you don’t have. Chunky wedge sandals and robust heels are great for this look to finish choose a gold cuff or heavy wooden bangles.
Violet Violet Violet
Purple was big in winter and violet continues the trend in spring/summer. Think long, plain fluid garments, an extension of the Grecian theme from last season. Jersey, satin and silk make this look soft and almost exclusively evening occasion wear. Pleating, tucks and sophisticated folds add detail to these garments with very little pattern shown on the catwalks.
Who will t6his suit? Once more, this look is ageless, just interpret it for your age and occasion. It’s perfect for weddings and summer balls, from the palest of lilac to sugary mauves and violets. The accessories are just as minimal as the garments… look for delicate sandals or shoes with straps all the way up to the knee. A waist belt to finish the look and try experimenting with matching violet make up.
Top Tip - Always remember to dress for your shape, if you’re pear shaped you should be able to find empire line dresses and tops in this trend. If you’re straight up and down, look for a shift dress shape and long lean ladies should choose a drop waist silhouette.
New Denim
Wow, I love this trend. Denim is such an easy fabric to wear and this season it’s gone pale, torn and un-structured. In the past couple of seasons we’ve only worn one piece of denim at any one time, but the catwalks shown us denim waist coats with jeans as well as with florals and utility garments. We’ve also started to see the return of the snow-wash and stone-wash denim although this is more of a rock chick look.
Top Tip-Remember pale jeans are not as flattering as dark indigo jeans on the fuller figure. Wear your clothes for your shape not for fashion.
Global
For those of you with an ethnic or hippy vibe you’ll love this trend. Think Indian saris, native American embroidery and African prints made with a fun patterned look that’s easy to wear. Japanese prints and kimono’s also add to this look although not all at once. The colours are burnt and great for warm skin tones; cobalt blues, yellows, oranges, emerald greens and browns.
Top Tip -Choose your theme and run with it, regardless of your age . The high street will have something to offer for all ages in this look. The catwalks have shown this look in an array of dresses, dropped waist tops and baggy trousers with cuffed ankles. This is where you can really experiment with jewellery although keep it simple. If you’re going for bangles make it a lot of them in different colours and textures, but nothing else.
Stars, Spots & Stripes
For a light hearted trend the catwalk has given us stars, spots and stripes which will also incorporate the nautical theme you’ll see a lot of. Red, white, navy, black and a splash of yellow give a strong look with a pirate twist. This look is for the young and flighty girls, so older ladies should opt for a more subtle approach.
Top Tip - these colours don’t suit everyone. If you are cool skinned and blonde then this could easily wash you out. If you are cool skinned brunette this look will work better for you. If you have a warm skin tone then you should be getting it right! The accessories for this trend are so much fun, lot’s of star details on shoes, sunglasses and bangles.
All in one
Over the last couple of seasons we have seen the designers and the high street dabble with the “All in One”, this season the catwalk has exploded with various shapes and silhouettes. Short, long, utilitarian and sexy jersey. However, most of them are baggy and full length.
Top Tip -if you are carrying a little extra weight or are pear shaped then you’re not going to get away with this look. The long and lean, hour glass and very petite frames work well here.
Full circle skirts
Skirts this season are very, very full regardless of their length and you can make it as short or as long as like. Think 50’s nipped in waists with a waist belt and add a pair of gorgeous heels. If you want a more urban look drop the waist very slightly… think Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex in the City and you’ll get it right, but again minimum amount of jewellery. I can see ladies in their 30s loving this look.
Top Tip -This skirt is full, so you must have a good waist to carry it off.
Florals
This season we’ll be wearing florals in a whole myriad of colours, from soft delicate pastel patterns to striking bold prints in every shape and silhouette. The catwalks show this look from head to toe, but for everyday street wear I can see us teaming it with denim for a really wearable look that feels summery, or team a bright coloured cotton blouse with a floral skirt to make it more interesting. As for colour, because this trend comes in the palest pastels to most dramatic of colours all you need to worry about is working with your own colouring. Accessorise this look with flowers in your hair and don’t be scared to be dramatic, keep jewellery to a minimum if anything at all and statement shoes are the way forward.
Top Tip- If you’re in your 20s or 30s try the angular cut shapes and fuller silhouette, but if you’re a little older tone it down with classic cut pieces and fitted jackets. Pale skinned blonds and ash grey haired ladies should try the nude and pastel shades and for those of you with dark hair and warm skin try the navy based primary colours… this is a good starting point, but book in for a FREE 3 hour consultation to get a good understanding of your colours.
Sheer line
Chiffon and organza fabrics with very little underneath made up a look not for the self conscious. The designers took urban styles and asymmetric cuts to bring the 50s silhouette up to date. If you’re thinking this is not for me, team the sheer garments with the same coloured robust underwear and vests for a more achievable look. The colours are mainly white, grey, blue and pastels, make sure you pick the right colour for your skin tone.
Top Tip - if you are older and have an hour glass figure this is going to be a winner for summer functions.
Artistic Licence
This is where pattern and colour has really hit the catwalks. Think of the 80s graffiti artists, soft bleeding of colours and you’ll understand this look. The graffiti prints will lend themselves to the rock chick look we’ve seen and on little dresses too. The softer bleeding colours are used on full length gowns and fun day to evening wear dresses. Choose interesting shoes and you can mix in metallic’s here.
Top Tip -both these looks are for the younger lady and as they come in all shapes and sizes I think you’ll find the right shape for your body shape. Again the designers didn’t show jewellery with this look as the prints are to busy.
Bags
Last season celebrities were seen with oversized clutch bags and sunglasses. This season you’re going to see even more of the same. The clutch came in every size, shape and colour, but if you are going to do it, the bigger the better.
Shoes
Lots of peep toes and interesting shaped wedge heels. Sandals with straps up to the knee in a Grecian and Roman style, either with or without heels.
Belts
Thick or thin but always on the waist!
