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Fashion 2008: The Best And Worst

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Scarves became a must-have fashion accessory in 2008. Shirts that mimic arm tattoos? Uh, no.

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By CLOE CABRERA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 8, 2009

I just couldn't move on to reporting 2009's fashion trends without recapping the best and worst of 2008. Here are some of the looks I loved and loathed last year:

BEST TRENDS

Scarves: They were everywhere and came in a variety of styles and colors. Best of all: They look good on any shape.

Pea coats: This perennial favorite came out in cropped, asymmetrical and single-breasted styles, and it works with jeans, skirts and evening dresses.

Ballerina flats: Everyone from Marc Jacobs to Prada jumped on the ballerina bandwagon in '08, making the sensible shoe a must-have for the office or a night out on the town.

Maxi dresses: In feminine florals and other flirty prints, these dresses were a favorite last year. They're comfortable and versatile and work for all shapes and age groups.

Headbands: Fashionable, functional and great for bad hair fixes. The headband works on long, short, curly or straight hair.

WORST TRENDS

Architectural heels: They're just plain dangerous. Women who are paid to walk down the runway couldn't stay up in them; what do you think happens when real women wear them?

Shoulder pads: I'm baffled by this one. I think the only person who celebrated the return of this trend was my colleague, Michelle Bearden. (You can read her ode to the shoulder pad on my blog at TBO.com.) Sure, they make your hips look smaller. So does diet and exercise.

Shirts that make men look like they have arm tattoos: Fellas, if you can't get up the nerve to get a real tat, forget it. Playing make-believe isn't cool for a grown man.

Gladiator sandals: Unless you're going to the Coliseum to take on a few tigers, leave them alone, especially if the straps go over your knees.

Hammer pants (aka harem, parachute or Humpty-Dumpty pants): Don't touch this.

GASPARILLA FASHION FESTIVAL

Fashion and beauty will play a big role in this year's Gasparilla celebration. The first 2009 Gasparilla Fashion Festival will be held Jan. 18 at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Festival. The festival, which is being held in conjunction with the Gasparilla Pageant, now in its third year, will showcase the work of emerging local designers. The pageant is looking for "supermodels" of all ages. If you're interested, call (813) 892-5502 or visit www.gasparilla.com for information. Tickets are $15 to $25.

Cloe Cabrera can be reached at (813) 259-7656. Try on the blog at TBO.com, Keyword: Hot Pursuits.

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