With 2008 behind us and a whole new year of fashion possibility ahead, now's the time to look back and reflect on the fashion trends we'd like to bring with us into 2009…and those we'd rather leave behind.
Best: Menswear-Inspired In 2008 ladies went toe to toe with the big boys, donning everything from trousers and oxfords to tuxedo jackets and bow ties. The result was an easy-going mix of sexy, strong and sophisticated that isn't going anywhere fast.
Worst: Tattoo-Inspired Blame it on Kat Von D or on Ed Hardy and his eponymous clothing label, but the explosion of tattoo culture has had a less than fabulous effect on the fashion world thanks to a proliferation of tacky tat-inspired apparel, including skull emblazoned caps, pierced heart graphics on sneakers and, worst of all, tees with fake tattoo sleeves.
Best: Voluminous Pants Skinnies may have reigned in 2007, but 2008 was all about the anti-skinny with designers having fun with pleats, paper bag waists, plenty of volume, dropped crotches, and generally bigger and baggier shapes below the belt making for fabulously fashion forward (and surprisingly flattering) silhouettes.
Worst: Architectural Heels Some things are just meant to be admired and, well, not worn. Case in point: architectural heels. Stunningly beautiful, utterly unique, truly work of arts…but functional, stable, walk-able footwear? Not exactly. Just ask the countless models who tripped their way down the runways this year.
Best: Lace
We can all thank the mighty Miuccia Prada for reintroducing us to lace in 2008-frilly and feminine yet elegant and sexy, her dark, broody take was positively regal and more than a few designers (Stella McCartney, Chanel, Miu Miu) followed her royal lead into our waiting wardrobes.
Worst: Kanye Glasses
From Ray Bans and aviators to huge Jackie-O shades, sunglasses have been a classic fashion icon since their inception-sadly 2008 will be remembered as the year of the clown-ish "Kanye glasses," worn by every style-starved teenager (or wannabe teenager) within 5 miles of a Dollarama.
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