Thinking of the No. 1 fashion don’t of 2008, Spendy Wendy is deeply relieved to say goodbye to the shoe trend that everyone will do their best to forget: the tragedy that was the gladiator sandal.

No, Wendy didn’t spend a penny on this regrettable footwear. In fact, the only one who got away with it successfully was Russell Crowe in the 2000 hit film Gladiator—he was so ahead of the trend! But men, with their muscular calves, can look sexy in gladiator sandals—sort of the same way they can look sexy in kilts.

The only females who pulled off the look were pencil-thin modelesque gals with legs up to their chins. But for a girl who’s short and doesn’t have a perfect hourglass figure, a pair of flat sandals with straps creeping up her calves just makes her look like half an hourglass. Not good.

That said: Whatever tragic trend rears its ugly head in 2009, if you know you’re not going to look good in it, then don’t wear it just because it’s the It look of the moment. Don’t invest your fashion dollars in something you know is going to be as dead in the water as, say, the aforementioned Mr. Crowe’s chances of winning “Gentleman of the Year”—that bad boy!

Here are some 2008 trends that did get the nod from Wendy, and she predicts they will carry over well into this New Year. Best of all, they pack nicely in your suitcase:

• Textured and colored tights: Rock a bright purple pair with a black outfit and black shoes.

• Heels: Keep practicing, girls! Whether stiletto or chunky, they’re going to be just as high and mighty in 2009.

• The ’80s: Expect big hair and bigger earrings, frosted lipstick and “Miami Vice” colors. But do be careful with those shoulder pads!

For more bold, statement looks, in particular what the British are wearing, check out this month’s Le Shopping a la London in Delta Sky magazine.

Which trend of 2008 will you hope to see more of while traveling this year?

Wendy
Delta Sky Magazine

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