Frou-frou Dominates Spring 2008’s Fashion Landscape

The maxi dress/skirt (when the hemline goes all the way down to the ankles)

first became popular with celebrities in 2007, especially when paired with

gladiator sandals.

If done incorrectly, this style of dress can make you look pregnant (remember the rumors

swirling around Eva Mendes when she emerged from a restaurant in a maxi dress after eating

a plate of pasta?) and tent-like.

It *can* be flattering if it hugs the bodice. Loose, flowy material from collarbone to ankle can

push you into tent/muumuu territory.

Maxi dresses can be tricky for short women. 5′3″ Kim Kardashian has been spotted recently

favoring maxi dresses (quite a change from her usual body-conscious Leger dresses) paired with

flip-flops. In spite of all of the factors that would make a short woman look shorter/squatter

(curviness, non-leg-lengthening flip-flops, the dress itself) Kim pulls it off, in part due to the

form-fitting bodice of the dress.

Rebellion

Wide-legged pants and platform shoes are strong right now, as a response to the skinny jean/ballet

flat backlash. (Amy Winehouse must have missed the memo.) I am still seeing skinny jeans/flats everywhere; I think what began as a trend has transitioned into a staple.

Cropped jackets (to my surprise) are still going strong.

A rather questionable look that keeps cropping up is feminine floral dress + denim jacket.

Gives me a flashback to “93-”94 sunflower dresses with denim button-up tops. *grimace*

Admittedly, I’m not objective; I hate floral prints.

A lot of Spring’s Impressionistic (think Monet’s water lilies) floral dresses are quite pretty,

but still make me think of my grandmother’s sofa.

Personally, I’d like to see all of the keynote four-frou trends go away.

Not just painted florals, but babydoll tops, puffy sleeves, and ruffled shirts.

I’d endure safari chic and animal prints for another season if they took the place of painted florals/babydoll

tops.