Your Best Image Tips

What's In Fashion For Spring And Summer 2008?

Soft and serene, spring and summer 2008 bring a new, gentler definition of style. Cloths are cut close to the body in silhouette revealing fabrics. Flowing dresses and skirts with multi-length hemlines are made for summer. Slacks are cropped at the ankle, shin, and just below the knee. The gaucho pants are back in a variety of leg widths from slim to flair to full. Slim-leg walking shorts are showing up in every color and pattern. Feminine styles reign supreme in ladies tops. Look for unusual sleeves, empire waists and flirty textures to add a subtle dash of charm and grace. Wedge heel shoes are hot again this season. Arts and crafts, bohemian chic, Indian influence, country romance; there is something for everyone’s individual style.

Career Look

Office attire ranges from mix and match separates to the Diane Von Furstenberg signature wrap dresses. Working wardrobes are looking very casual this season. Full-yoked A-line skirts and dresses are making the scene. Unstructured jackets and blouses are worn over cotton knit tops.

Colors

If you like color you are going to love what’s in the stores for spring and summer. There is more color this season than any season prior! According to Pantone Fashion Color Report, "This springs colors are classic, versatile neutrals punctuated by splashes of invigorating brights, empowering consumers to explore new and creative ways to combine colors. As the summer heats up gentle neutrals of blonde, ivory, cream, off white, butterscotch, and camel will keep us cool."
Click here to preview colors for spring 2008

Accessories

Oversized accessories are taking center stage. Sunglasses, belts, necklaces, bracelets, rings and handbags are bigger than ever.  Volume is key, one bracelet is good, three or more is better. Mix and match bangles, link-style and rigid cuff bracelets.  Create interest with multiple style necklaces in staggered lengths.

Styles are handcrafted with embroidery, crochet, macramé, painted and perforated.  These features can be found in everything from handbags and belts to shoes.

Major changes are occurring in eyewear design as frames get significantly larger and plastics replace metals.

Fabrics Top

fabric choices according to Elle Magazine, "cotton and linen in shiny or matte - bleached, washed, embossed, crinkled or embroidered". Romantic crochet is available from the tiniest tank top to the new head-to-toe dresses. Bold print tops can be found in stretch fabrics, cotton, and washable silk. Metallics are hot in silver and gold.

Denim is big with appliqué, fringe, embroidery, dirty wash, antique black and well-worn embellishments. Look for the new thinner denim. This popular fabric is being utilized in every garment imaginable in very innovative ways

Makeup

From the runway to your makeup bag, this season, makeup fashion is all about bold colors and lightness, combining nature’s rich color palette with soft, simple textures.  Create a dramatic eyes with most daring shades of plum and gold, or go barely there with neutrals.  Lips are glossy with minimal color.  Mineral foundations are very popular with their sheer coverage.
See our product website for details on the latest colors and application techniques. 

Footwear

Flip-flops, slides, open-toe pumps, and strappy sandals; shoes are barely there this spring and summer. Heels range from one-inch kitten to three-inch stiletto. The ever-comfortable flat heel is big for spring and summer’s casual styles. The wedge heel is big in many shoe styles. Gems, chains and beads, and heels made from wood, raffia and colorful plastics; shoes are living up to their accessory status.

Hairstyles

According to top hairstylists, the new look is natural, wavy hairstyles and many loose curls. Don’t even think about using chemicals to achieve the curls. Perms are a no-no. Instead, invest in a big-barrel curling iron.

Do's And Don'ts For Your Spring and Summer Wardrobe

What is in fashion and what’s flattering to your body shape, wardrobe personality, skin tone and hair color are often not the same. Our recommendation is always to make choices based on what looks good and feels good on you. Don’t get too caught up in the trendy fashion scene. If a current style or color works for you, fantastic, go for it! If not, leave it behind. Keep in mind a trendy wardrobe needs to be replaced often, resulting in added expense. Invest your money on timeless basics then you can add trendy accessories each season for a lot less money.

Do –

Try the new wash and go fabrics. Silk, crepe, linen and more are all showing up in washable fabrics! These new technology refined fabrics make life easier and save money on dry-cleaning bills.

Don't –

Loose crochet knits are not for the office in most cases. If you do wear it, be sure to wear a camisole tank top or slip under it.  A suggestion for the office is crochet top with a jacket over it.  Take the jacket off and you are ready for evening fun.

Do –

If you love flats but feel you need a little heel, the kitten heel will give you just enough lift to add a bit of class and shape the leg.

Don't –

Flip flops are not appropriate for a professional environment.  The temptation will be there in the heat of summer.  Our advice is don’t do it.

Do –

With most of the foot showing in the minimal shoe styles, attention to your feet will be more important than ever.  A good pedicure should be part of your summer routine.

Don't –

If you are a petite or size 6 or smaller, oversized layers of jewelry will be too overwhelming for your size.  Your jewelry should be the size of a quarter or smaller.  You can still wear multiple layers but keep the scale smaller.

Do –

If you are a size 14 and up the trends in large chunky jewelry is a great idea for you.  The multiple layers and large size accessories will create the illusion of a smaller body.

Don't –

Dress too casual for work.  It is so easy to slip into casual mode during the hot summer months.  Resist the temptation if you are looking for respect in the office.

Don't -

Denim is a very casual fabric.  Even though it may be a tailored jacket, it is probably not appropriate for the office if the fabric looks like denim in any way.

Do –

Add the hot new colors to your wardrobe.  When updating your wardrobe colors for the season begin with the neutrals like bone, sand or white then add color, color, color for the latest season’s updates. 

Don't –

This season’s bright color combinations and prints are not always suitable for a conservative business environment.  They make a strong statement and add volume to your figure.  You will not want to stand out like a colorful summer garden in the office.  Limit the bright new colors to your accessories, blouse or scarf. 

Do –

If your budget allows only one or two new accessories for the season make it bold, colorful beads or a handbag that coordinate with what you already own. A roomy, high quality handbag will be a good wardrobe investment.

Don't –

The full-yoked A-line skirt is very popular this season.  This style will add weight to the lower half of your figure.  If you are an “A” figure type this style will not be flattering for you.  If you need to balance a "V" frame, try this A-line style.

Do –

The new stretch fabrics are wonderfully comfortable.  Look for the high tech stretch in all the elements of your wardrobe. 

Don’t –

Be sure you are not wearing the stretch garments too tight.  Your body should not be bulging under the cling of a knit or stretch fabric.  You may need to go one size larger.  Wearing the right undergarments may help.

Do –

Purchase a pair of wedge heel shoes.  This heel will give you the height you are looking for without the discomfort of a high heel.  They look great with the new gaucho pant; the heel balances the full fabric on the bottom.

Don’t –

Large blocks of bright color or prints will create volume.  Take note of where you wear your color, the eye will be drawn to that area.  You don’t want to draw attention to your figure challenges.

Don’t –

Unless you are very tall and slender the new slim-leg, to the knee shorts may not be a good choice, especially if you are an “A” figure type. 

Do –

Experiment with the new makeup trends in colors and application.  There is no better, inexpensive way to update your look than new makeup colors!  Get creative.  Try different combinations, you may find a new look that excites you.  The number one makeup item that will update your look is one of the new soft and muted lip colors.

Season Summary

Get in touch with your soft, feminine side this season. Enjoy the comfort of the new fabric blends. Express your creativity with the latest makeup colors and techniques. Refine your professional image with a tailored flair. Add new life to your look with the latest accents and accessories. Have fun creating your new look with the colors and styles of the season.

It is time to create a new you!

Contact us. We will make suggestions, share our sources, and help you purchase any of the wardrobe or makeup items suggested.

We are dedicated to helping you develop...Your Best Image!