It's 2008, When Old Fashion Is New Again

Like history, fashion seems to be repeating itself. This time creativity is making old fashions even more beautiful and glamorous. Present trends in dresses are based on bold, bright gem colors as well as the tried and true black and white. At the same time, as new fashions evoke memories of the best from the past, they do so with a twist.

Color seems to be the center piece upon which all fashions and accessories are focused. Purple in any shade is THE color to wear. Jeweled tones of any gem you can think of are presently in vogue and are being used in clothing, jewelry and footwear. Dress designs range from the slim pencil skirt, to the medieval drape and to the "global nomad" which is a clashing of styles and patterns that won't go away according to Pauline Weston Thomas at www.fashion-era.com. Ms. Thomas has compiled a descriptive list of the top twenty current fashion trends.

Lengths of dresses are varied from the 1940's dresses with short fishtail trains to floor length and perky knee lengths. The waists are tight and many necklines plunge. Some have obi-like waist lines. You will see lots of sequins and encrustations. Shimmer is a popular word used to describe many fashion items this season. Skirts can be full or fitted and seem to match well with jackets based on those from the 50s and 60s. Suits with matching skirts are popular. Jackets may be fitted or boxy, hip-length or cropped. Some have a distinct military flair and color. Watch for leather jackets reminiscent of biker girls. Some styles of these jackets are made to drape softly. The pants tend to have a higher waist and can be full length or cropped.

Bulky knits in a waist or hip length created in a lacy, cable or rib motif are being made in patterns not seen in about 20 years. They are being made with new materials that are some times an inch in diameter. Many current yarns are feathery or funky and fun. According to Ms. Thomas, gray is the color of choice for bulky knits this year and can be worn with dresses, skirts or pants. The quilted, puffy and padded outerwear in animal prints or shimmery fabrics become more opulent when combined with the proper embellishments. With the newest styles including such a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials, there isn't any reason why a big girl cannot play dress-up, an old-fashioned thing to do, and do it with style.