Go to the mobile version of this Web site.

Login | Contact Us | Site Map | Paid archives | Electronic edition | Subscription Questions | Extras

Home › Living › Fashion

Big news in 2008 could turn into big trends in the new year

By Samantha Critchell, Associated Press

Published December 24, 2008 at 6 p.m.

Text size  
Slippers are taking their place in the footwear world alongside shoes.

Photo by Associated Press

Slippers are taking their place in the footwear world alongside shoes.

More Fashion

More stories »

Were you paying attention this year? To the election? To the Olympics? To the recession? If you were, you might have some insight into trends for 2009. That's when these big stories will play out in everyday life. Some predictions for what's to come in the new year:

* 1960s style: With each comparison of the soon-to-be first family Obamas to the Kennedys of the 1960s come the old photos of John, Jackie, Caroline and John Jr. - and didn't they look good? Their style was fresh, crisp and modern with a healthy dose of American practicality. You certainly see updated versions of those traits in the wardrobes of Barack and Michelle Obama, and the fashion industry is eager for them to become style leaders.

The influence of the early '60s will also be seen next year when apparel collections inspired by the TV show Mad Men are available. Designers Michael Kors, Peter Som and Talbots' Michael Smaldone are among the tastemakers who cite Mad Men as a reminder of how chic the '60s were.

* Blue as the new green: The color green has come to symbolize all things eco-friendly.

It's also become more popular in fashion, beauty, interiors and graphic design, even if it's not the easiest shade to work with.

But as buzz starts to whir about water causes - note the new NASA report on 2 trillion tons of land ice melting, concern over contaminated fish and remnants of pharmaceuticals pumping through household faucets - blue, literally and figuratively, gets its turn in the limelight.

* Country gals: The public is developing an appetite for celebrities with relatable roots - and they're finding them in young country stars.

Some of the biggest hits on the radio and red carpet this year belonged to Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift. Even Jessica Simpson has been redeemed with her newfound country twang.

Country stars used to be regarded as garish but they're now considered trendsetters.

* Slippers: First there were flip-flops, then Uggs, then Crocs. These styles have adjusted the collective public eye toward accepting comfortable footwear. Now come slippers as shoes.

Shoemall.com reports that eight of the 10 top-selling products this holiday season are slippers. "Everyone wants to be comfortable and cozy," observes buyer Michelle Scobie.