With the year of 2008 rapidly coming to a close, several hot women’s fashion trends caught our bedazzled eyes. Some of them flattered every woman, while other style trends in 2008 have not been so all inclusive. Now that you’ve seen and worn the fab fashions of 2008, it’s time for the year in review. Let’s look at just a few of the many hot fashion trends in women’s clothing in 2008.
First introduced back in the ’70’s, by the late Yves St. Laurent, clothing made in sheer fabrics made a return in 2008 to mixed reviews. Marc Jacobs sent braless, nipple ring adorned, models done the runway in sheer blouses, and not an eye batted. Channel, Dior and Chloe also had sheer fabrics done in pants, dresses, blouses and skirts, featured in their Spring/Summer 2008 collections.
Many women who were around in the 1970’s have felt this trend to be a “seen it and done it” redo. Other women loved the more liberal take on women’s fashion that the many sheer styles provided. Mandy Moore look gorgeous in a sheer Preen dress at a Vanity Fair event, while Mischa Barton shined in a long, sheer, boho dress at a September charity event.
If you don’t have the courage, or assets, to flat out flaunt the sheer styles, try a little here and there. Perhaps, a sheer blouse topped with a jacket or vest. Maybe a little dress with a lined body and sheer sleeves would suit. Topping a pair of sheer pants with a slim coat might be wild, yet safe enough to try, as well. Most woman seem to agree that a little sheer goes a long way, so please nip the nipple in the bud.
The newly redone Gwenyth Paltow covered her sheer, lace dress with another of the years hottest fashion must haves…the tuxedo jacket. She pulled the look off beautifully at the UK Premiere of Iron Man. Kate Moss was spotted tuxedo jacket topping a tee and pair of skinny jeans on one occasion, and then again over legging and with a pair of pumps at another location. The Olsen twin’s and Natalie Portman also have been seen sporting a tuxedo style jacket.
The sleek styling of the tuxedo jacket is a look that any woman can put to work for her. Not too boxy, nor too fitted, it flatters. Over jeans, trousers, a skirt, or a dress, the tuxedo jacket fills a need for many women. Tuxedo jackets can be found in all types of glorious fabrics and rich colors. This is one hot trend that no woman should be afraid to try. Cummerbund and bow tie are optional.
Another 2008 women’s fashion trend that has met with mixed reviews is the 30’s inspired wide legged pants. Prada, Badgley Mischa and Gianfranco Ferre each released their versions of the wide legged pant to the world this year. This style of pant can be found in a wide range of fabrics from denim to silk georgette, wool to twill, drapey or tailored. Eva Mendes and Katherine Heigl are two celebs who made wide legged pants work for them, but can every woman?
If you’ve been hesitant to try on a pair of these wide legged wonders, give it a go! Do keep a few things in mind, though, before you decide whether these pants are a go for you. Wide legged pants look great on tall women and demand high heels on every woman. If you’re of average height, try on various styles of wide legs with a good, four inch heel before you make your final decision. Those who are short in stature should follow the same advice, while looking for wide legged pants that aren’t really all that wide. Many critics seem to be in agreement that no woman over 40 should be seen in wide legs, so if you’re among the over 40’s, keep your bootcuts on and just walk on by the wide legged pant.
This year has also seen the return of the dress in a big way. Gucci and DKNY provided us with boho style lovelies, while Prada had us in romantic, lace dresses. Marc Jacob fresh floral dresses have made the rounds, both Spring and Fall of 2008. The waist in back in, so styles are nipped in and feminine. Belts are everywhere. The sweater dress is back. Anne Hathaway in a sparkling mini dress rocked, while Gwenyth Paltrow glowed in a lace mini. Many dress styles can be found in a far more all encompassing knee length.
If you haven’t been caught in a dress in over a decade and not certain what type of dress to try, take a look at the wrap dress. This trend fitting dress can be found in a style to flatter any figure. Whether you choose a dreamy floral dress in a fluid fabric, or a cozy wrap style sweater dress, you’ll be comfortable, fashionable and chic. Don’t forget to accessorize to your heart and personality’s content…add a belt, or cardigan, a great little pastel coat or a leather motocross jacket and boots, bangles and beads. Don’t be afraid to show a little leg.
With ruffles abounding and large bows that tie at the neck, the ultra-feminine, romantic blouse is a look that has been seen on celebrities from Natalie Portman to Iman. Eva Longoria-Parker and Victoria Beckham have loved the romantic trend, as well. Designers such as Ralph Lauren, Prada, John Galliano and Marc Jacobs have been at the forefront of this very welcome 2008 fashion trend. Soft, flowing fabrics in luxe colors and texture easily go from the office to evening in a flash and easily.
A well chosen, fanciful blouse can flatter women of all shapes. sizes and moods. Whether you choose to go for the “naughty secretary look”, or something more prim and proper, you simply cannot go wrong with a lovely, romantic blouse. Pair it with a sleek pencil skirt or plaid skirt, trousers, jeans or belted over a pair of leggings, if there is only one item that you choose to invest in form all that women’s’ fashion 2008 has had to offer, this is the one to pick. But, you’d better grab one quickly. Spring 2009 is right around the corner.
