Winter Fashion Trends 2008

With the cold weather upon us, shopping for fashionable clothing while being practical is a must. While some fashions from previous season are still acceptable, update that closet with a few pieces that are being shown on runways around the world.

Cinched waists, belts and skirts are a great transition from summer into the colder months. Narrow belts give off a feminine appearance, while the wide and structured belts define waists. The glamour of old Hollywood is being seen in some fashion shows, with the ladylike shapes of pencil skirts and classic colors. Cropped jackets are paired with skirts, and some designers are changing proportions. Fitted jackets are being matched with full skirts, and tailored suits are showing up again on the fashion runway.

With skirts and dresses, the hemlines are getting longer, resting below the knee or right at the knee. Cropped trousers are a fashionable alternative to skirts, but avoid wearing flat shoes. Mid and high heels work best with the length of the cropped pant, dressing it up to make it more acceptable for office or casual wear.

Evening wear has also extended its hemline, falling to a floor length. Colors that are being shown on the runway are vibrant and impressive, so be careful not to over accessorize. When wearing these classic gowns, try keeping the décolletage free of jewelry and keep makeup simple as well. Red lipstick and wavy hair can be a perfect tie in with the old Hollywood glamour.

As with past years, the classic military style is making another appearance. Khaki colors are crisp and clean, especially when embellished with buttons or other hardware. The trench coat is a classic look, when used with casual clothing. Look for red and gold accents, since it can dress up the military look and also make it more glamorous.

Chunky sweaters are being chosen as an alternative to a coat. Look for larger sizes, since it's all about warmth and comfort. The key color coming from the runways is purple. Variations like lavender or deep violet seem to be in abundance, so look out for styles in this shade.

When accessorizing with handbags, look for a classic bag with a new twist. Some designers are matching bags to the outfit, in the same color scheme. Croc bags are a popular choice for the fall, as well as larger versions of the smaller bags. Clutch bags are being paired with daytime wear, and custom bags complete with jewels or hardware are been seen again.