Transparency figured largely in many designers' collections for Spring 2008. The trend toward maximum exposure with minimal fabric was made clear with sheer layers, peekaboo insets, and barely-there second skins. See your way through this style bubble by remembering one key rule: It's not what you see, it's what you don't see. Cover up accordingly.



Revealing Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear looks from Chanel, Rodarte and Marc Jacobs. Image source: Style.com

Get ready to navigate the urban jungle in a stylish shirtdress. Take your pick of luxe or less...



Luxe: Rag & Bone Combat Dress, $265.00. 95% cotton, 5% lycra. Dry clean.
Less: Old Navy Safari Shirt Dress, $34.50. 99% cotton, 1% spandex. Machine wash.

Feminine, flowy forms dominated many Spring 2008 runways as did prints and palettes inspired by art. Christian Lacroix was no exception: At left, a floor-length loose fitting maxi dress is drenched in an exuberant watercolor design. But how to take this look from the realm of fantasy into reality? Try this very accessible chiffon bubble hem top from Wet Seal (right) for just $20.50. Wear it now with a smart jacket or knit shrug to prefigure fashionable things to come.



Left: An artistic look awash with watercolors from the Christian Lacroix Spring 2008 Ready to Wear collection. Image source: Style.com
Right: Wet Seal Chiffon Bubble Hem Top, $20.50