Trends for Spring/Summer 2008

Spring/Summer 2008 presented a theme of simplicity--think oversized shirts with a patent belt to cinch in the waist, ¾ length coats, blazers and classic white trousers. We also saw lots of ethereal and romantic themes on the runway in various collections (i.e. John Galliano). Hippie style was also a hit in mainstream retail stores, inspired by collections like Dolce & Gabbana. Americana styles were modeled by Chanel's collection and inspired many mainstream trends. Here is our list of the important trends for Spring/Summer '08:

• volume - Short full dirndl swishing skirts - Belted volume, fluid dhoti pants cropped or long
• romance - Tiered ruffles , frills and roses on skirts, dresses, tops, blouses, necklines
• Asymmetric draped dresses, tea dresses, maxi dresses
• underwear effects - Transparent chiffons - layered sheers, see through construction dresses, jackets
• eclectic patchwork - Multi coloured mixed materials in frocks, t-shirts and footwear, jarring to exquisite
• jumpsuits - The all in one jumpsuit go anywhere outfit, cut for evening and day, deluxe or safari style
• trousers - high waist flared jeans - Coloured skinny jeans, cropped narrow jodhpurs, wide trousers
• military safari - Practical pockets, easy shirt stand summer dresses, military touches
• blue denim - Frayed and faded with white shirts or whitework Victoriana prairie blouses
• nautical tailoring - Blazers, trims, shoulders, tuxedo shawl collar white narrow/wide pantssuits.
• Americana - Traditional stripes, spots and celestial stars. Navajo and Rockabilly looks
• decoration - trims or braids - Folkloric embroidery, cutwork, laser cutting, bead embellished fringes
• African safari
• British punk
• art deco
• impressionist movement
• modified military
• deep V tops and jackets
  
• baggy jackets
• sleeveless jackets
• collarless jackets
• shrunken jackets
• white suits
• evening jumpsuits
• translucent tops
• wide notch collared blouses
• boat-neck tops & dresses
• one-shoulder dresses
• shift dresses
• belted dresses
• shirt dresses
• full mini-skirts
• straight below-knee skirts
• baggy capris
• baggy pants

Sources: Spring/Summer 2008: Trend Report, Key Fashion Looks for Spring & Summer 2008, Spring - Summer 2008 Fashion Trends, Spring and Summer Fashion Trends of 2008