2008 Fashion: It’s a Wrap

Fashion and beauty had quite a year. Trends from every source imaginable surfaced. Lumberjacks, cowboys, tennis pros and gladiators alike all influenced the way we dress.

We had an election that actually gave us a little fashion fodder and a long-awaited film debut that promised to provide explosive style scenes.

Some of these moments brought us tears of joy. Others just brought us tears. Check out our take on the best and worst of fashion and beauty in 2008.

Best:

'SEX AND THE CITY: THE MOVIE'

Bravo to Michael Patrick King for writing the vintage skirt suit into our hearts and proving that love always trumps labels.

GLADIATOR SANDALS

Any uber casual shoe that doesn't flip or flop wins our praise.

RED LIPS

Stilettos aren't your style? Corset at the cleaners? No problem. This trend is sex appeal in a tube.

MICHELLE OBAMA

For knowing enough about fashion to wear Narciso Rodriguez and for knowing enough about this economy to still wear JCrew.

SHORTS OVER TIGHTS

What's that? We can spend less money on winter clothes in a dismal economy? Yeah, sign us up.

LUMBERJACK PLAID

Paul Bunyan called. He wants you to stop looking so fabulous in his shirt.

MAXI DRESSES

They offer convenience, figure-flattery and triple digit weather tolerance. Enough said.

PRAIRIE BRAIDS

Who knew "Anne of Green Gables," Laura Ingalls and polygamists could be considered trendsetters in 2008? As long as apron dresses aren't to follow, we're all for the braids.

Worst:

LIQUID LEGGINGS

Let's face it, they're glorified spandex.

ROMPERS

Toddlers dressed like their mommies: kinda cute. Mommies dressed like their toddlers: kinda creepy.

FOREHEAD BANDS

Unless you're late for a pow-wow or playing doubles with Billie Jean King, there's no justification.

SARAH PALIN'S FRENCH TWIST

We could dig the glasses and the makeup. But the hair? Thanks, but no thanks. (For the record, every hairstylist we polled in town agreed with our verdict.)

'SEX AND THE CITY: THE MOVIE'

Stylist Patricia Field played it far too safe. Even Vivienne Westwood -- the designer who enjoyed the most prominent commerecial in the film -- walked out of the movie, citing style boredom. Here's hoping the sequel gives us more than a dead bird to fill our Carrie cravings and a more believable Miranda.

GOTH

We gave it a try and decided Dita von Teese, the Osbourne family and Stevie Nicks make up the only fangless mortals who can pull off this trend.

COWBOY SCARVES

Since fans of these are so fond of the shoot 'em up look, we'd like to suggest they use them for target practice.