Friday, May 2, 2008

Big Trends for Spring '08

Tribal: This look is most sharply defined by bold (and often) bright prints that have a hand-crafted appearance, including batik, woven and strong geometric patterns. Accessories include painted wood beads, faux bone, animal prints and woven pieces.

Neo-hippie: This doesn't stray too far from the boho trend that's been popular for a while, but expect to see more vibrant colors and more prints, like tie- and dip-dying and paisley.

Transparency: If tribal is this spring's wild side, transparency is its softer side. Look for sheer fabrics over or under others, dresses with peek-a-boo insets and bits of lace. Layer the look. A sheer blouse needs to be worn over a tank top or under a blazer. Or, simply find a piece that incorporates layering for you.

Saturated color: Look for bright blues, yellows, purples, greens, pinks -- shelves and racks look like Skittles-bag explosions. If this season has a single overriding theme, color is it. Choose your hue. If you look horrible in yellow, wear pink or purple instead. Any color goes, as long as it's bold.

Florals: No matter how you like your flowers -- small and dainty or candy-colored and large -- you can find them this season. Temper florals in eye-catching colors with a dose of a neutral, such as black or white.

Contemporary art-inspired: Think stained-glass and beautifully blocked geometric patterns. Or look for fabrics that look like they've been painted with brushstrokes. Art-inspired looks range from soft impressionist-inspired pieces to contemporary abstract patterns. Again, color rules.