Spring is just around the corner, and with it are the fashion trends we've been looking forward to breaking out. This season, wearing bright colors and mixing patterns and textures are going to play a huge part in the newest 2008 fashion trends.
Keep it retro
Usually it's not okay to want to dress like a pin-up girl, but this spring it is encouraged - a '40s pin-up girl, that is. Keep it retro with high-waisted jeans and dolman sleeve blouses. Don't be afraid to wear high-waisted jeans. Although they may seem like a daring fashion choice, they look great on everyone. Forever 21 is a great place to find them. This way, in case it's just not for you, you can try out the new trend without spending too much money.
Keep it neutral or go all out
The runways have featured two very distinct trends for spring '08: monochromatic colors and mix-and-match. Head-to-toe neutrals - for example, white or black - are very in this season, with bright accessories such as gold bangles, a pink clutch or emerald green heels. On the other end of the style spectrum, mixing prints has also been seen in runway collections, especially Dior and Marc Jacobs. Diamonds and stripes, checkers and dots - anything goes with this trend. Mismatching is in; matching your shoes to your shirt is out. Even though fearless fashion is being encouraged this season, be careful not to go overboard. If you're mixing and matching two different patterns, wear simple accessories. If you're keeping it simple with one color head to toe, don't be afraid to add multicolored charm bracelets and lots of layered jewelry.
Color-blocked dresses
The color-blocked dress consists of two or three bold colors that make a statement. Don't over-accessorize with this type of dress - it can speak for itself. The best color block dresses feature one neutral shade - usually black - and two bright colors. H&M and Ella Moss are our personal favorite color-block dress suppliers this season; their cute minidresses bring a retro-inspired runway style to everyday wear.
The cold shoulder
This season, two sleeves are not better than one. Whether your sleeve is long or short, leave one shoulder bare this season to stay in style. One shoulder dresses are featured in the spring 2008 collections of Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Proenza Schouler, J. Mendel and Zac Posen.
Flower prints
Flowered prints are always a big favorite during the spring, but this season, flowers come in fun shapes and colors. Pass on the little flower-patterned dresses that you wore as a child and go for the big, bright and bold patterns. Some great ideas are hot pinks and blues with large flowers all over the garment rather than lots of little ones. For those who aren't into bright colors, look for a graphic black and white floral print to look retro and spring-like all at the same time. The new twist on this classic spring fashion looks great and puts everyone in the mood for spring.
As the weather is getting warmer, just remember class is a great place to show off your new spring fashion trends. We hope to see everyone looking fabulous when they are lounging on the quad during the gorgeous upcoming spring days.
Stay Stylish, Lara and Virginia
