New Fashion Trends for 2008, on a Budget

As we step, rather tentatively, into the midst of 2008, many of us fashion-conscious women out there will be worrying about splashing out on a whole new wardrobe; something that not all of us can afford.

However, luckily enough for those of us who are on a budget, the trends for early 2008 promise to be mere adaptations of the trends we saw in late 2007; however, there are a few new trends, which are pretty easy to re-create, with little extra cost to you.

So, the first 'new' trend of the season is floral prints; something we saw a lot of in mid 2007. This, of course, is perfect for anyone on a budget, as it means you'll be sure to find something in the January sales, which will still be on trend, if you don't already have a stock of floral prints from when they were last in fashion.

I would recommend getting some for as cheap as possible, now, though, as floral prints never really stay out of style for too long, and something in black and white, or any other neutral colors are perfect, as they're always on trend.

Another familiar trend, this year, is tailoring; however, unlike some of the darker trends of 2007, this season's a gateway for white and pale greys; if you've still got some of your trendy black tailoring from last season, simply accessorize with one piece - grab your old black fitted trousers, and team up with a crisp white shirt, or grey blazer to quickly bring it back into style. We don't see a lot of navy, this season, so, if you didn't want to waist a perfectly good suit, you could always just die it black, although this can be a messy process.

Beige is still in, this season, although I would recommend that you team it with something white, as light tones are key, and you can't really go wrong with anything white and fitted.

Something else, that's back in for '08, is the ever-popular simplicity of stars, spots and stripes; something else you'll be sure to find in the sales. Keep your eyes out for any red and white stripes, as this promises to be a big trend this year, with Moschino, Jean Paul Gaultier and Anna Sui all showing this combination on the catwalk.

Now we get to the best part of the article; customization. A huge part of this year's fashion is what was dubbed by British Vogue as 'Artistic Licence' - we're talking splatters of paint, netting on evening gowns, and viscose with soft water colors on day dresses. We're seeing a lot of pale pink and whites, this season, so why not grab an old t-shirt, and try it yourself?

Use broad strokes and fabric paints, or an old toothbrush to splash paint across the fabric, for a more subtle look.

Also, bring your old smocks and loose dresses into 2008 by cinching in that waist with a belt; this will make you also look a lot slimmer, so it can't be bad, right?

It also means, that, for the price of a belt, you can save yourself potentially hundreds of dollars on a new wardrobe.

See, who said fashion had to cost the earth?