The Fashion For 2008

Every year fashion changes. Sometimes a style from years back gets re-vamped with a modern twist - remember puffball skirts? - or a popular style gets updated. It can be difficult keeping up with what's hot and what's not, which is where blogs come in handy, keeping you in the know as to what's going on in the world of celebrity fashion.

This year, the main fashion trend is prints, prints and more prints. Abstract, geometric, bold, colourful prints to make you stand out in a crowd, or pretty, floaty and floral to bring a touch of summer to your wardrobe. If dresses aren't your thing, go for straight-leg, high waisted jeans in a skinny fit, or trousers in an ultra-wide leg. Shoes should be ballet flats or colourful sandals - such a relief from cramming your feet into Ugg boots all winter!

In the world of accessories, the natural, ethnic look comes into its own. Team plastic jewels with large wooden beads for an up-to-the-minute necklace, and couple with huge earrings. Belts, headbands and scarves are very much in demand, with the bold colours of the season being carried on here. But be careful not to clash! Another must-have is the big bag. Tote bags in particular are hot, as are any bags made to carry gadgets such as mobile phones or laptops.

If you can't afford the latest clothes, shoes or accessories, make the most of what you already have by updating your hair and make-up. Posh Spice has done it again - the 'Pob' is this season's hair 'do' - an elegant graduated bob (shorter in the back, tapering down to a point to frame your face) which suits almost every face shape. If you are blessed with an oval face and don't fancy having bits of hair hanging in your eyes, thank Natalie Portman and Kirsten Dunst for bringing in the short, boyish look. For longer hair; the choppy, messy, incredibly stylish razor cut is back, in various formats. Go for face-framing layers around the ears, and experiment with natural-hold gels and waxes for texture. If you prefer one-length hair to choppy layers, the sleek, straight look is also going to be popular this year. Dig out those straighteners and flatten those curls.

Makeup comes in two accent colours this year: blue and lilac. The 'cats eye' look is coupled with a dramatic use of colours on the lid. Try Bourjois Petite Guide to Style in Fleur Bleue for a dark smoky look. Eyebrows are heading away from the pencil-thin line and towards the more natural, 80's style. But keep them tidy; you want Brooke Shields not Noel Gallagher.

Fashion for men in 2008 is just as daring, if not quite as bright. The ultimate fashion item for men this spring is the cardigan. Muted shades of beige, grey, and the ever-present black are the colours to go for, and they suit everyone. But if you want to make a bold statement, check out the print that's in this season; plaid. Either bold print trousers or on a belt, plaid is 'in' this spring.

And for the warmer weather, don't forget the humble shorts. Short shorts are popular for men this season, especially when combined with shirt, tie and jacket. but don't go too overboard with the colours; khaki, off-white and black are the safest combinations for this relatively new look.

Black is one of this season's colours; go for summery clothing such as short sleeves and shorts in light materials, and avoid the gothic ensemble of heavy materials and baggy trousers. Or, if you dislike wearing dark clothing, opt for the other 'in' colour; pink. Salmon, baby or even bright fuschia, traditional styles are given a modern twist in varying shades of pink. Again, stick to relatively traditional clothing when wearing this somewhat flamboyant colour, and you won't go far wrong.

So what should you avoid in 2008? Fashion faux pas include wide belts, tiny bags, baby doll dresses and bare legs. Solid colours are a no-no, as are metallic ensembles. A little bling is fine on accessories, but try to avoid looking like you've wrapped yourself in tinfoil. In your make-up bag, throw out all those coloured eyeliners and clear lipglosses and avoid the smoky-eye look during the day.