As the bright shades found on the spring 2012 runways were foreseen, a few unexpected trends popped up and have been taking the fashion community by storm ever since.
Both eccentric and highly contagious, the trends of cropped tops, mixing prints, peplums and pleats are in this season. Staying on the pulse of fashion, these daring trends are entirely doable for everyday wear.
Mixing Patterns
This season’s MVP of trends, going against mother’s rule of never mixing your patterns, is so not the case and somewhat liberating to do. Diverting from head-to-toe patterns found on the runway, break up your prints like pairing a floral skirt with a striped top and a leopard print shoe. As this trend is a bold move, incorporate one tailored, well-fitting piece to anchor the outfit and avoid getting swallowed alive by your clothes.
Pleats
Another spring 2012 trend is pleats. Not exactly pleat-waisted pants, but more along the lines of loose, flowing, accordion-styled pleats. Designer’s such as Chloe and Prada incorporated the accordion pleat in skirts, dresses and shirts for a soft, full-of-movement, textured trend perfect for the warmer weather of spring and summer. As an added bonus, this fun trend will effortlessly transition into the cooler seasons according to the fall 2012 runways.
Cropped Tops
Designers such as Alexander Wang, Dolce & Gabbana and Missoni have brought back the naval-grazing trend of cropped tops. A former fashion star of the ‘90s, this midriff-baring style has returned with a more modern, fashion-forward flair. To avoid resembling a high school cheerleader, choose tops that flatter you body shape. A high-waisted bottom paired with a crop top limits skin exposure while infusing a sophisticated and sexy appeal. Such pairing highlights the smallest part of a woman’s waist to create a more feminine, hourglass figure. On the runway, cropped tops were paired with flowing maxi skirts and pencil skirts, but are also stylish when paired with jeans or shorts.
Peplum
Rounding out the unexpected trends of spring 2012 is the peplum. Defined as a short, flared ruffle that sits at the natural waist, the peplum has been spotted on both catwalks and red carpets. This added ruffle is perfect for slimming your waistline while accentuating your beautiful, womanly curves. Available in two styles, fitted and flared, Jason Wu added peplum to pencil skirts and dresses; Marc by Marc Jacobs added peplums to swimsuits; and Vera Wang incorporated this trend in detachable versions.
