With the new year approaching, it’s time to start thinking about new additions to our wardrobe (we are college fashionistas, after all!). Lucky for us, the hottest trends can easily be adapted to our collegiette™ lifestyles (and budgets) while still looking like they’re fresh off the runway. 2012 is all about bold color, modern patterns, and styles from decades past, so prepare yourself for a fiercely fashionable year!
Oh-So-Orange
Orange is a tricky color, because it’s all-too-often loud and unflattering. But this season, orange is all over the runways, and we can’t get enough of it! Spring dresses in these shades are particularly popular, because the bright, unexpected hue simply says spring. From tangerines to burnt oranges, there is a shade for everyone to rock!
Burn Out Aztec Vest: Topshop, $36
Orange Solid Scarf: Windsor, $13
Orange Ruffle Front Dress: Dorothy Perkins, $27
A Pop of Peplum
Want to instantly feel 1960s cool? Stick with the peplum trend. Boston-based stylist Betsie Kamm loves this style because “it adds just a touch of femininity to tailored looks and is super flattering and narrows the waist.” We love it too, because it incorporates just the right amount of glam to any outfit. Don this peplum trend, and you’ll feel like a chic lady straight out of Mad Men.
Hive and Honey Slub Peasant Top: Piperlime, $39
The Brocade and the Beautiful Dress: ModCloth, $34
Daydreamer LA Peplum Tee: Urban Outfitters, $34
Color Craze
We’ve seen this trend before, but now it’s back and more colorful than ever. Celebrity stylist Colin McDonald loves this trend “because it really shows the designer’s palette, and it shows that the designers understand color.” Color-blocking is fun, because you get to mix and match hues with little or no effort. It also gives a modern twist to your outfit, so you’ll look and feel extra chic. When wearing color-blocked skirts or tops, pair them with neutral and simple garments, because too much color can take away from its impact. Rock the room with this vibrant trend, and you’ll be the envy of fellow fashionistas!
TFNC Pencil Skirt with Color Block Panels: Asos, $59
Color-Blocked Charmeuse Dress: Old Navy, $25
Asymmetrical Color Block Top: Forever 21, $15.80
All About Anoraks
They’re versatile, they’re stylish, they’re oh-so-comfy. Is there really anything better than this combo? Anoraks are 2012’s hottest piece of outerwear for these very reasons. They keep you extra warm on chilly days while maintaining a feminine silhouette with their drawstring waist. This jacket is the perfect go-to when the day begs you to be casual; pair it with jeans and you’ll instantly be a style sensation!
A.N.A. Faux Fur Trim Anorak: JC Penney, $40-$50;
Aqua Anorak: Bloomingdale’s, $98
Linen-Cotton Drawstring Anorak Cardigan: Bluefly, $76
Bird is the Word
There’s nothing flighty about this trend. Birds are in and cuter than ever, as Boston-based stylist Betsie Kamm explains: “Birds give an outfit a whimsical, slightly retro feel, and honestly, how can you not smile when you see a blouse with little hummingbirds on it?” From soft blouses to bold images on t-shirts, these cute creatures are everywhere, and they’re a must-have for 2012.
Bird Print T-Shirt: Zara, $26
Soaring Birds Button Up: Forever 21, $22.80
Mystical Gardens Scarf: The Limited, $33
Seein’ Neon
Neon is a blast from the ‘80s past, but we’re loving it for next year because it gives any outfit the perfect balance of brightness and funk. Designers have given these colors a new and modern twist, incorporating them into classic T-shirts, simple accessories, and timeless silhouettes. Don’t know where to start with this trend? Stick to a basic t-shirt for a casual outing, or brighten up any nighttime outfit with a hip-hugging neon skirt; there’s no chance you’ll blend into the crowd with these pieces!
Andie Neon Burnout V-Neck Tee: Delia’s, $20
Lace Pencil Skirt in Neon: Asos, $46
Cable Knit Fringe Scarf: Charlotte Russe, $12.50
Floral and Feminine
Floral patterns are as much a wardrobe staple for us collegiettes™ as a classic LBD; they’re feminine, versatile, and simply adorable. But this coming year, floral patterns are getting a makeover, as celebrity stylist Colin McDonald explains, “patterns are going to become more intricate, more detailing involved.” You’ll still feel extra girly donning these modern flowers, so update your wardrobe and go for the new florals!
Maisy Floral Shorts: Nasty Gal, $48
Digital Floral Chiffon Square: Accessorize, $38
Laundry Room Floral Dress: Asos, $40
Flapper Flair
Tired of your old A-line dress that’s been hanging in your closet for years? We have great news: the 1920’s drop-waist silhouette is one of the season’s hottest trends, and it can easily become a wardrobe staple. A cinched lower waist paired with a soft and flowing top is ultra feminine and flattering. Don a cozy cotton dress or a more sophisticated cocktail version with a drop-waist, and you’ll instantly be channeling Daisy from The Great Gatsby.
Presidio Dress: Quiksilver, $30
Tie-Waist Jersey Blouson Dress: Nordstrom, $55
Drop-Waist Printed Hoodie Dress: Yesstyle, $29
Crop Tops
Crop tops are no longer a ‘90s fashion faux pas; they’re simple and cozy pieces that show a little skin in all the right ways. Don’t go for one that’s too short, though, because you don’t want your top to be confused with a bra. Instead, choose a crop top that hits right below the belly button, at the very highest, so that you’re showing off glimpses of your toned tummy without giving too much away.
Cropped Dolman Sleeve Knit Top: Gojane, $25
Fringe Sleeve Crop Top: Wet Seal, $14
Element Danielle Cropped Printed Chiffon Top: Bloomingdale’s, $40
Bold is Beautiful
There’s no hiding in this trend! Be brave this coming year and own a bold-patterned staple. Stylist Betsie Kamm agrees: “prints look so amazing on everyone whether it be on a top, a great look for layering, or a vintage floral dress.” Not sure which print is right for you? Just have fun! Choose a pattern that fits your personality; from large polka dots to bright zig-zags, there’s a bold print for everyone.
Printed One Shoulder Tribal Tee: Free People, $20
Multi Zig-zag Blanket Scarf: Charlotte Russe, $9.50
Vero Moda Polka Dot Peter Pan Collar Chiffon Dress: Asos, $36
What are your favorite trends for 2012? Share with us below!
Sources
Betsie Kamm, Boston-Based Stylist
Colin McDonald, Celebrity Stylist
