We have seen all the looks strut down the runways at New York Fashion Week for fall 2008 and now we can see which trends are the hottest for fall 2008. Among trends from all the top fashion designers that showed collections at New York Fashion Week, is the clashing of patterns. < p>

We saw many designers embarking on this trend such as Brian Reyes, Diane von Furstenberg, Peter Som, Thakoon and Rodarte. Each of these designers did it in an innovative way which is to be commended. This is not an easy task to use clashing, mismatched patterns and pair them together in a way that works. All of these designers seemed to do it in a very beautiful way. I love the look from Diane von Furstenberg in which she pairs a floral dress with this wild patterned blue jacket. It looks totally hot the way she pulls it together with blue gloves.

To me, this trend is difficult to translate into real life, every day fashion because it is hard to wear mismatched, clashing patterns without looking ridiculous. I think the best way to embrace this trend is to use it sparingly. Maybe to use clashing patterns with regard to your handbag and shoes and maybe your skirt too, but make it go by finding at least one or two colors that match with in these clashed patterns. Take a look at the runway looks from the designers I mentioned above to see if you can make it work in the same way they did. You must be fashion brave to embark on this one, but as Tim Dunn would say, make it work!