Contradicting Fashion Trends of 2008

2008 was a year of contradictions in fashion—feminine ruffles and bows were as hot as ratty jeans and plaid shirts.

While the past few seasons were heavily influenced by ’80s fashion, 2008 showed that the ’90s are back with a vengeance. Loose pants, high-cut sneakers and bright colors rocked the runway as well as the streets.

Here’s a rundown of the best—and worst—trends of 2008 in the local fashion scene for teens and yuppies:

GOSSIP GIRL: Hair bands with big bows, mini dresses paired with tights, coats, vests, bowties: the preppy look was big in 2008. However, many people failed to get the look as a whole and simply chose to wear the “Blair band” with just about anything they wore, primarily because the cute coats and vests in the show proved to be impractical for Manila’s warm weather. The result? Disaster. Christmas came early in the Philippines as women walked around with their hair tied with bows big enough to wrap around a washing machine.

STRUCTURED MENSWEAR FOR GIRLS: Tailored pieces and structured silhouettes were popular. Fashion-savvy girls paired vests and trousers with tank tops and sneakers, creating a laid-back but put-together look.

THE BOYFRIEND LOOK: The boyfriend look was an entirely different trend that called for slouchy, baggy clothes such as ties, big polo shirts and pants. They were supposed to make you look like you pulled stuff out of your boyfriend’s closet, hence the name. The baggy jeans, popularized by the likes of Katie Holmes, struck fear in the hearts of 20somethings who could vividly remember the elephant pants of their high school days.

SUNGLASSES: They’re always a fashion staple, but sunglasses were even more visible this year as we went around in colored Ray-Ban Wayfarers and shutter shades. We understand the obsession with Wayfarers—Audrey Hepburn made them cool decades ago, and rabid fangirls stopped breathing when Edward Cullen wore them in the “Twilight” movie. But, face it, shutter shades look like Venetian blinds.

GLADIATOR SANDALS: The style became popular late 2007, but this year brought gladiator sandals to strange new heights—literally. Brightly colored, knee-length gladiator sandals made of plastic pushed the limit: We doubt this trend will last through the next year, unless weird tan lines become in vogue.

THICK HEELS: Pencil-thin stilettos were out in 2008. Wedges, stacked heels, platform sandals and shoes with unusual heels made women breathe a sigh of relief.

HIGH TOP SNEAKERS: The trend, reminiscent of the late ’80s and early ’90s, became popular again. However, this time, chunky Nike Dunks in acid colors took center stage, and Converse Chuck Taylors had to bow out.

HOODIES: High school and college students loved this trend, as shirts and jackets with hoods kept them looking as emo as they wanted.

BRIGHT TIGHTS: A carryover from 2007, brightly colored tights paired with baby doll dresses or miniskirts were still popular in 2008.

MAXI DRESSES: One of the few feminine trends of the year, the maxi dress made it possible for girls who didn’t want to show their legs to wear dresses again. Another trend from the early ’90s, the 2008 version was updated with bohemian details such as flowing hemlines, earthy colors and graphic prints.

PLAID: The last quarter of the year reintroduced another ’90s staple: plaid—used in miniskirts, coats and even pants.

COLORED JEANS: Jeans in the colors of the rainbow were popular with teens and the occasional brave yuppie. Paired with hoodies and scarves, the brightly colored jeans made the emo fella look slightly happier.

SAHAL SCARF: Also known as the shemagh, the sahal scarf became popular in Middle Eastern countries because it was practical: It protected people from the harsh desert sun or the freezing cold, and was sometimes used to preserve the modesty of the wearers. We still don’t understand why it became such a popular trend around the world, even in humid Manila.

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