Diva's guide to 2008 trends, part deux

We made it past Groundhog Day people!

In my neck of the woods the little critter popped up and declared I would grow ever more gorgeous and stylish in 2008. And while I wouldn't normally put much stock in a rodent's opinion, I think he might be right on the money this year.

The good news is you're all gonna grow more gorgeous and stylish along with me. To wit, I present my take on the last five of the Top 10 fashion-must-haves for 2008 according to Elle Canada magazine.

1. Deck shoes - This trend doesn't excite me only because I'm a heels girl and always have been, even though flats have been super trendy for a few years now. But I do know there are lots of women who will cheer the news that once again they can wear stylish shoes without sacrificing comfort. To you I say - ENJOY! There will probably be a lot of cute variations on the preppy, boat shoes we all remember from high school. And who knows? If this trend looks like it's here to stay, I might even cave, embrace it and relive my brief high school flirtation with preppy style. Minus the torrid love affair with Duckie though - it's taken me way too long to quit him.

2. Structured men's jackets - What-to-the-ever. I just can't see this catching on, especially over summer dresses as Elle suggests. The magazine editors described the one on Gwen in the photo to the right as an unexpected twist on a classic spring look. I think it looks like she was cold and borrowed her date's suit jacket. I just don't think men's suit jackets look good on women and I don't think this trend will have legs. I wouldn't spend money on a jacket like this unless you know exactly how you can wear it and make it look fabulous. Full disclosure: more than two years ago I snapped up a gorgeous, structured men's jacket because I couldn't resist the yummy, chocolate-coloured, velvet fabric of which it was made. I have tried it on with a million different outfits but have not worn it One. Single. Time.

 

3. Ombre dresses - Described as tye-dye's sophisticated older sister and pictured at left, this is a trend I'm actually pretty excited about. The hues are gorgeous, and I'm sure we'll see a multitude of colours and cuts to flatter pretty much every figure. I spend half the summer prancing around in cheap, cotton sun dresses and it's nice to know that this season there will be an option that's a bit more dressy, but just as breezy and comfortable. Just don't cover up one of these sweet dresses with your date's suit jacket - we've already been over that.

4. Jeweled cuffs - Great. I love jeweled cuffs and I'm sure to scoop up a few of the chunky, geometric versions Elle says are the must-have item of the year. I think jeweled cuffs are fun and funky and I hope they take off in a big way. But is it just me or has this trend popped up on every must-have fashion list for the past four years? It seems like jeweled cuffs are something fashion editors have desperately been trying to bring into vogue forever, but they never really take off: let's hope this year their efforts bear fruit.

5. Sheer layers - I'm hoping, for the sake of female dignity the world over, that the Marc Jacobs creation pictured at right isn't from the ready-to-wear collection, but I'm showing it anyway just to illustrate that no one can bring the crazy like fashion designers. Elle described this dress of sheer layers as darling and provocative: I'm thinking that even if I saw this worn as a beach cover-up, I would probably still make fun of it. Apparently we're going to see hints of transparency in dresses,  blouses and even pants this year! Wow! Great! How about you guys go and buy all these darling new styles: me and the rodent will be over here giggling and bemoaning the sorry lot of the fashion victim.

So, there you have it - my take on the last five of the Top 10 trends for 2008 as predicted by Elle Canada magazine.

All snark aside, as much as I enjoy fashion magazines and get a kick out of fashion, I really think trying to keep up with the trends can be a bit of a fool's gambit. The fashion business is a business and it's built on the notion that women (and men) must continually update their wardrobe in order to stay current. The truth is  - if that outfit you bought a decade ago still feels good, it probably still looks good too. Pair it with a few up-to-the-minute accessories and you're good to go.

Comments

[Hetha]

I hate the transparent look in a big way. You've got a knack for writing like this, do you by any chance get inot Project Runway? I watched the Canadian version on youtube, Iman kicked a**! I liked it better than our version in the states.

[Dawn]

I love the ombre dress- and that's a new word for me. I didn't know that blue/green coloring was called that. Your commentary is fantastic- I think you need your own show (ever see What Not to Wear?)

[GoMommy]

That transparent dress looks like it came straight from the Britney Spears collection! You just can't beat the comfort of jeans that fit and a kick-ass tee...classic! I LOVE sundresses, and will be buying a few to work into the rotation this summer, since I don't have to bend over to tend to babies anymore!

[Emily]

I have a three-year-old boy who might like that sheer look...

[caramama]

I love the Ombre dresses! I can't wait to seem them in the stores.

The suit jacket over summery dresses reminds of that grunge-inspired fashion in the 90s of wearing jeans (especially the ripped and ragged kind) under babydoll dresses. Do you remember that? People actually wore them, too. I hate to admit it, but I did too.

[mama drama]

Yeah...I ain't wearin' nuthin transparent. Can we say, Muffin Top?

[sky girl]

LOVE that ombre dress. I want 10 of 'em all in different colours. That's right up my alley.

[kittenpie]

I think it's all in interpretation. A floaty little sheerish coverup over a swinsuit - maybe even in ombre - works, as does a sheer sweater with a cami under it. It's that whole "runway to real world" transition that is tough to achieve with some styles. And I would definitely include sheer stripes in that! Maybe those and the boyfriend jackets and the deck shoes are all yet another half-hearted attempt to bring the 80s back.

[Mac and Cheese]

The deck shoe is back? Seriously??? I'm not sure if I'm excited or not - I'll have to check out the variations of it.

[Damselfly]

Um. That last picture is downright scary.