Fashion Trends for Spring/Summer 2008

It may only be January, but it’s already time to start prepping your wardrobe for Spring/Summer 2008.

I’ve had my eyes peeled for hints to the upcoming fashion trends and after several weeks of research we have all the information you need, right here!

One of our stops was at Pantone where we got their fashion color report for spring 2008.

Designers Dive into Color for Spring

Refreshing splashes of invigorating brights punctuate classic, versatile neutrals as designers offer a playful spring palette for endless exploration and creative combinations. Variations on popular colors such as energizing red, cool, waterborne blue and eco-friendly greens also play a key role this season.

“The spring ‘08 color palette perfectly reflects the cheerfulness of the season,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Stabilizing neutrals combined with pops of brighter colors to create unique, distinctive looks are the basis for a great spring and summer wardrobe.”

Preview colors for Spring 2008.

Read more about the colors >>

We put together a quick color guide for you that you can print out and take shopping with you.

Here’s the rundown of the top trends we will see in the coming months…

Wide Leg Pants
A flattering style on all, this trend can be enjoyed for many months to come. Wide leg pants are everywhere. We predict that skinny jeans will be leaving the style scene shortly and be gone completely by summer.

We love the elongating look of a wide leg jeans especially. If you’re tall, wide leg pants will make your legs look super long. If you are short, like me, you’re in luck too because wide legs pants create a long, lean look for you as well. Really, this trend can be had by everyone.

It looks like Old Navy has a great selection of wide-leg pants, most for under $30. Check them out >>

Pink Lips
The number one makeup trend we will see starting in spring will be pink lips. Whether glossy or matte, healthy pink lips will be the rage.

Subtle, sheer pinks make lips look fresh and sexy. Most skin colors look good in pink lipstick, you just have to choose the right shade of pink.

Cool pinks like cotton candy, Eloise, and Petal Pink for blondes and brunettes. And we’ll see warm pinks like Kissing Scene, Guava, and Sheer Putty Pink for redheads and women with pale skin.

Orange and Navy Blue
Orange and navy blue are THE colors of the season. The upcoming season, that is. We are going to see everything in these two colors. They look great together and apart, paired with neutrals like beige and brown, or go bold by wearing it with white and black.

Not just solids, orange and navy blue will come together in prints on tops, skirts, and handbags. We’ll even see them on scarfs, which are making a comeback too. Think old-school hollywood glamour. It’s like a mix between Marilyn Monroe and Audry Hepburn.

Some examples of this upcoming trend is already being seen on many stores. Banana Republic has a beautiful Silk Chainlink skirt that combines these two hot colors. They also have some pretty fabulous scarfs, including this very artful one. I also found a really great navy blue elbow-sleeved terry pullover from Gap.

Light Weight Cottons
Loose-fitting light weight cottons are the key to looking fresh this summer. Check out our color chart for guidance in the color department and start keeping your eyes peeled for feminine tops like this bib-front shirt from Gap and this flutter sleeve top from Old Navy.

We also saw a perfect blousey tunic in a mustard color at Charlotte Russe. Cotton tops are going to be fun to search for. Start looking in thrift stores and on eBay as well!

Enamel Accessories
Featured in Us Weekly’s Buzzzz-O-Meter, enamel bracelets are going to be the accessory of choice come spring. This hot trend lends for a very polished look that’s great for work and for weekends.

We found several affordable pieces for you to choose from. Banana Republic has some beautiful enamel bracelets, but they are a little pricey in my opinion. They have the best selection though. Something more affordable are these colored enamel bracelets from Wink. And these celebrity styled stackable enamel bracelets from AKOStyle are only $17.

Neutral Handbags
Since we are seeing such bold, eye-catching colors in clothing, neutral handbags are going to be the key to pulling it all together and looking stylish.

Choose from canvas, cotton, and leather bags. Look for plain bags without gody-looking tassels, grommets, or jewels. Simple and solid is good.

This Lina Julep Lacy Malboro Bag is a great neutral bag that will look fantastic with orange or navy blue outfits. Even this “I am Not a Plastic Bag” Canvas Tote Handbag is a great choice for spring.

Stay tuned for more! We will post about the Spring/Summer 2008 trends as we get more information.