Spring Ahead Into 2008 Fashion Trends

1) It's Electrifying!

Trend: Neon Footwear

Spotted on the runways: Luella Bartley, Anne Valerie Hash, Emilio Pucci

It's not the eighties all over again, because this time around, we are going to use moderation when displaying our love for the neon accessory. The right dash of patent leather neon is our favorite, but you can also enjoy a matte neon look. Don a neon shoe, and everyone will commend you for your bold fashion sense and confidence. For starters, try the Claire Satin Heel, $19.99 at Urban Outfitters or for a rainy day, add a pop of color with the Nine West Yogini Rain Boot in med blue/blue, $29.48 at Endless.com.

2) White Out

Trend: A White or Cream Leather Handbag

Spotted on the runways: Mathew Williamson, Just Cavalli, Valentino

We realize that a white handbag may not sound like the most practical purchase. Rest assured, there are alternatives to this dilemma. There are so many bags out there made of vinyl that have us fooled, making us believe that they actually are leather. What does this mean: #1 – they are vegan-friendly, #2 –wipe them clean! and #3 -there's a good chance that they are way cheaper than a leather version. Just remember, it has to look like leather, not its true material, vinyl, to pull the look off. There are also some affordable patent leather versions out there that also uphold our #2 from above. Try the Hampton Faux Leather Tote, $19.80 at Forever 21, to achieve the look without going way, way, way over budget. We also found the Adi Designs Urban Expression Satchel Handbag, $24.99, and the Sydney Love White Patent Getaway Bag, $63.99, at Overstock.com.

3) Sheer Genius

Trend: Sheer, Translucent Layers

Spotted on the runways: Jil Sander, Giorgio Armani, Gianfranco Ferre, Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino

Think lovely, light layers for spring – gauzy, translucent, flowing, and fairy-like that don't go over the top with an explosion of colors. This trend usually looks best in a solid, neutral color like a cream, grey, navy, or black. If you're feeling adventurous, pick a solid bright hue, like a cobalt blue or watermelon shade. Be bold and show a tinge of skin, but don't go overboard, and looks like your wearing a Frederick's of Hollywood babydoll nightie to a formal occasion. We recommend the Nanette Lepore Mille Baci Ruffle Dress, $250, or the Donna Morgan Satin Dress with Bell Sleeve Jacket, $105.90, both at Nordstrom

4) Bow Out

Trend: Bows

Spotted on the Runways:Chanel, Lanvin, Heatherette, Marc by Marc Jacobs

From prints of them to oversized 3D versions, bows have become less girly and more chic than ever this season. Designers have been placing larger than life bows at an angle on tops and dresses, which feels so of-the-moment to us. Try the Aqua Ruffle Front Bow Blouse, $31.20, or Sutton Studio Exclusive Buttonfront Blouse with Tie, $89.99, both at Bloomingdale's. Also check out the BB Dakota 'Sovereign' Lamé Dress, $27.90 at Nordstrom.

5) Flower Power

Trend: Printed Floral Dress

Spotted on the Runways: Carlos Miele, D&G, Marni, Gucci, Emilio Pucci

Sure will love the lbd, and it will simply never lose its allure. But we'd like to still dive into something a little more memorable with dose of whimsy, and designers couldn't agree more. From vintage prints to oversized illustrations and abstract interpretations, all sorts of flower designs were de rigueur on the runway. To get an affordable version of this look, put on a sweet and feminine floral top, such as this Mady Tee, $39.95 at Anthropologie. Or the Lotus Dress, $17.80 at Forever 21.

6) Get Ruffed Up

Trend: Ruffles

Seen on the Runway: Luella Bartley, Veronique Branquinho, Giambattista Valli, Temperley

Ruffles are here to stay for at least another season, so make sure you are properly equipped with a blouse, skirt, dress, bag, or blazer that indulges in the trend. We find tops to be the easiest way to bring the trend into your life, but if you're a bit busty, we'd choose to avoid rows of those big, dramatic, ruffles. We find the Pleated Ruffle Top, $26.50 at Old Navy to be stylish yet practical, and for evening, prefer the Ruffle Trim Dress, $25.50 at Wet Seal.

We hope you're excited about what's in store for spring, and prepared to take advantage of these hard-to-resist trends by shopping our suggestions!

--Julia DiNardo