2012′s fashion trends

 

Flying head first into a new year brings a rush of excitement: out with the old, in with the new. In many ways we want to start afresh. The seasons are ticking over more slowly than our calendars seem to, but still we’re mentally prepared to jump into 2012′s fashion trends before we even get to the last drunken chorus of Auld Lang Syne. For fashionisers in the Northern Hemisphere that means dreams of spring 2012. Indulging in a carefully curated wardrobe means you’ll be picking up key pieces during the sales as well as pulling fall 2011′s pieces across the line into spring 2012.
To help you decide what to keep and what to shelve, here are 5 pieces that trended on the fall 2011 runways, quite possibly made their way into your wardrobe, and will still serve you wonderfully well into spring.

The wide leg pant.
While heavy wool or lined pairs might not be ideal for the heat, wide legged pants in lightweight fabrics or denim can easily make the transition to spring. Lighten up dark coloured pants for the warmer months by pairing them with light colours up top – and swap the boots for wedges or high heeled sandals.

Issa A/W ’11 (left) and Yigal Azrouel S/S ’12.

The tuxedo jacket.
An easy option for heading out after hours, it’s is a classic that goes well beyond the A/W 2011 season. For spring white or cream takes are a dream with everything from dresses to shorts – but fall’s classic black dinner jacket is also a keeper.

Ruffian A/W ’11 and Doo Ri S/S ’12.

The leather harness.
It can be fetishist and hard, but it doesn’t have to be. For spring layer your leather accessories over floating fabrics, light colours and relaxed tailoring.

Herve Leger A/W ’11 and Felder Felder S/S ’12.

The high slit dress.
While the runways for both seasons have seen plenty of evening wear takes, you can also work a casual slit into your wardrobe come spring. Pair a slit skirt with a cotton tank for an effortless summer take.

Elie Saab A/W ’11 and Yigal Azrouel S/S ’12.

The ’60s peter pan collar.
From the black and white strictness of Louis Vuitton to the fresh, candy colours of spring: a sweet sixties look is still lifted by the addition of a round peter pan collar.

Louis Vuitton A/W ’11 and Jill Stuart S/S ’12.
For more on the trends shaping fashion in spring 2012, follow that