Spring and Summer 2008 Women's Fashion Trends

Great news ladies!  This spring and summer, we can look like GIRLS!  Feminine is IN, but in a subdued way...you can be pretty, but get work done too.  Look for pastels - rose, lavender, green - spiced with the new neutral, SILVER.  Flaunt your curves, or show just a touch of skin to keep from being TOO girly - you want to be sexy, sweet, AND comfortable at once.

Here's 13 great trends for the upcoming seasons - pick your favorites!

1.  Lingerie Inspired - that's right, the camisole top is back!  Layer it under a cardigan to be sexy, not drunk-college-chick sleezy.  Lace-trim items, from sweaters to handbags, can go from work to party...just remember, you want feminine, not boudoir.

2.  Ombre` - this gorgeous print is very flattering, particularly in blues and purples.  Ombre is a shading technique with one end (usually the bottom) of the garment a very dark shade that lightens to nearly white as you get to the other end (top) of the garment.  Ombre is best as either a top or dress.

3.  Crisp White - go all the way with a tailored pantsuit, or simple with a white vest or a starched white shirt.  If someone thinks you've joined the Navy, you've gone too far!  Add color with crystal or gemstone jewelry.

4.  One-strap Dresses - the single-shoulder silhouette is back, and looks best with an asymmetrical hemline.  Keep to a single color with simple lines, and add some big, colorful jewelry.  A little sparkle makes this a great party dress.

5.  Simple Tie-die - but don't raid mom's closet so soon!  Use a small, controlled burst of color - just one or two shades.  Keep tie-die to a single piece of your attire, and remember - this is a casual-day look only.  Hemp jewelry and broomstick skirts need  not apply.

6.  Abstract Prints - If it would look good on the walls of MoMA, wear it!  Keep the shape feminine, and stick to bright colors.  This look is NOT for the faint of heart - you WILL get noticed, and you WILL get comments.

7.  70's Safari - look for animal prints, khaki shirtdresses, panama hats, even pantsuits, all with the wider legs, slimmer fits, and detailing of the 70's.  Keep it modern with clean lines and feminine touches - light fabrics (no polyester!), longer shapes, and great fit.  Can't commit?  Pick up some funky 'native' jewelry in animal-print-acrylics or carved wood, and pair with a simple neutral outfit.

8.  Nude Gowns - buff, beige, or tan shades (similar to your skin tone) will elongate your silhouette, especially when paired with draped fabrics and tied waists.  Not my favorite trend - this requires some serious makeup.

9.  Ruffles and Flounces - a wispy, floaty feeling done in florals, pastels, or chiffon fabrics.  These pieces are ULTRA girly, so keep it subdued.  Pair a ruffled blouse with a simple pencil skirt in a neutral - remember, one piece at a time.  Pearls would be a cliche` here - stick to substantial silver necklaces, with or without a simple pendant.

10.  "Victor-Victoria" - this trend pairs menswear blazers (big and boxy) with a girly, long, swingy skirt.  If you're thin with no hips, this might look nice.  Women with curves, stay away!  A better variation is a princess-cut blazer or vest over a long A-line skirt.

11.  Neons with Neutrals - hot pink with tan...perfect for your Caribbean cruise, but get a second opinion before wearing to work.  This works best by adding a single SMALL piece in neon - say, a small purse or shoes - to an otherwise tonal outfit.

12.  Pastels with Pastels - Designers paired cotton-candy pink with orange-sherbet and lime.  Audiences went into sugar shock.  For the rest of us, keep from looking like Easter exploded on you by picking no more than two pastels and adding plenty of neutrals.  A white and cotton-candy-pink print shirt over a tan pencil skirt, and accented with lime shoes, will actually be flattering!

13.  50's Inspired - Dresses with cinched waists, wide bell or A-line skirts.  Keep to subdued colors, simple patterns, and forgo the clutch or kitten-heeled shoes.  This is a great shape for many women, just keep your hair and accessories modern - you don't live in Smallville!

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