Classic clothes are classic clothes – they always look appropriate. The odd trend can be fun, but I tend to err on the side of “wearable three seasons from now.”

Which is probably why I was so glad to see a revival ‘50s- and ‘60s-inspired silhouettes last year. But there’s one part women’s wear that the trend seemed to pass over: the evening gown. Dresses like this one from the fifties are some of the most elegant, gorgeous gowns I’ve seen.

Today’s designers don’t seem to want to bring them back. The two below, from JS Boutique (left, $48.90) and ABS (right, $330) come sort of close, but the one above is my gold standard, with careful detailing on the bodice and a flowing A-line skirt. I hope to see this feminine, flattering hourglass silhouette return to the mainstream in ’09.

Peep-toe booties, on the other hand, continue to confuse me. There are some decent-looking, streamlined styles, but many of them strike me as overly trendy and – my biggest grievance – totally impractical. If I’m wearing a boot, I usually want my whole foot (toes and all) covered. Peep-toe booties have been fading into the fashion background, and I hope they eventually retire there.