Hot Fashion Trend 2012

Pants got wider, clothes got lacier, the LWD replaced the classic LBD, and multiple blocks of colour became the hottest thing to be seen in. Purvaja Sawant and Kasmin Fernandes give a recap of the looks that were in vogue this year

Sheer

It's not surprising that sheer clothing is slowly becoming an evergreen fashion trend. Prudish fashionistas may find it revealing, but it has the potential to look alluring. A toned body and certain level of confidence are a must to master this trend.

Head-to-toe red

This one's not for shrinking violets. Not since the matchy-matchy 80s have we seen such a strong colour worn head to toe. The key to pulling off this tricky trend? Keep pieces simple, lines clean, and embellishments to a minimum.

Fetish

From the upper crust of fashion - Louis Vuitton, Herve Leger - to the trendy "kids" from
London, fashion seems to have caught the fetish bug. For a quick transformation, pick leather shorts with tights and a black lace vest. Grab your red lipstick and off you go!

Blazer & shorts

It's the perfect outfit to blur the gender divide. If you're a fashion risk-taker and want to dress up in a classic men's blazer yet wish to retain your femininity, team up a well-fitted jacket with a pair of sexy shorts. Up the glam quotient by a pair of stilettos and blingy earrings.

Mismatched patterns

Because mismatched patterns can be a tough look to pull off, if you are new to this style, try keeping both patterned pieces in the same colour scheme. Floral and stripes are always a good combo. Try to avoid wearing two types of animal print. Make sure your jewellery, if any, is low-key.

Colour blocking

Though not a new trend, colour blocking still made an entry on the runway this year with a bang, combining two or more blocks of colour in an ensemble, be it a top, bottom, tunic, dress or even handbags or shoes. Choose any two or more bright colours and team them together in eye-catching combinations!

Jacket over saree

At fashion week, Harangad Singh and JJ Valaya showcased his Alika jackets with sarees. Try combining a knee-length jackets with an elegant saree for a retro-modern look. If you want a festive get-up, make sure that either the jacket or the saree is embroidered for an embellished look.

Art deco graphics

Art deco, an eclectic artistic and design style, which is considered by some as the greatest design movement of all time, seeped into fashion in a big way this year with Alberta Ferretti and Pam & Arch splashing it on mini dresses and tunics.

Mullet dresses

Remember the saying 'Business in the front, party in the back'? We're referring to the mullet dress, a frock with a short hemline in the front and a long hemline in the back. If you have long legs, try the mini version with a short hemline in front. If you have shorter legs, go for the longer front hemline, that way the focus won't be on your legs.

Tassels

While it has been a constant to see the odd, small tassel on leather accessories like handbags and purses, we're now seeing them prominently - oversized, extra long, brightly coloured or made to stand out. For a really glam evening look, get a fringed flapper-inspired dress, with beaded strands that catch the disco lights.

Relaxed masculine

If you're short of time in the morning this is a great failsafe look to go for. For formal occasions, follow in Neha Dhupia's footsteps and soften the edges with a cute clutch.

Neon

The future of fashion is looking neon bright. Lots of acid tones were showcased on runways this year. Neon green, hot pink, vivid yellow and bright citrus are in. Incorporate the trend in a neon top with simple jeans or a pair of vivid pants with minimalist top.

Maxi dresses

Flattering and figure hugging in a way short dresses aren't, maxi dresses are the original choice for formal red carpet functions. But now designers are incorporating this trend into daily wear by making them feminine and floaty, using silk and chiffon.

Lace

The ultimate balance of lace in 2011 was to be romantic but not over-girly; sensual but not over-suggestive. Like taking beautifully crafted lace that would have once been part of a garment and making it the only layer. The lace isn't an added detail of a garment, it is the garment.

Mustard

If you want to incorporate a colour in your wardrobe, mustard is it. This shade dominated the runway and racks this year because of its universal appeal. While black and mustard make a winning combination, you can also match it with neutral colours like brown, cream or blue denims.

Biker chic

You don't need a Harley Davidson to rock the biker look! An amalgamation of genuine motorcycle gear and modern style has earned this look a place in the fashion trends of 2011. Can you imagine the military trend without a military jacket? Not possible. And so it goes without saying that the motorcycle jacket is the key statement piece for the biker fashion trend.Use statement pieces like motorcycle jackets, botts and fitted leather pants to get this look.

Little white dress

Give your staple LBD some rest. The LWD made a grand entry on the ramps this year. A LWD captures the youthful innocence as well as glamourous side thanks to its crystal, silver and lacy embellishments. Add a dash of colour to your LWD with colourful accessories.