The Fearless Fashion Forecast

CEBU, Philippines - With December barely coming to a close, there's much reason for the intrepid fashionista to be excited about the coming year.  More than simply looking forward to a new year and a new start, the one thing that has all of us stylistas fired up is the prospect of rocking new frocks and stealing the style scene with the hottest trends that are ready to pop as we welcome the deliciously warm sunshine of 2013.

If you're on a mission to revamp your wardrobe and consign the rest of last season's threads to the dumpster, here's your ultimate cheat sheet on which pieces to keep, which ones to junk, and which ones to splurge on as you gear up for a fun, fearless, and fashionable new year.

Floral Femme Fatale

"A renaissance of art and culture, point to the Mediterranean for exceptional creation and style, visual references from the destination combine with an old-school chic styling ethos for spring/summer 2013," said forecasting agency Mpdclick on the direction that daywear and workwear will be taking come the new year.  This is good news especially for hot and humid places like the Philippines since this means that we will be leaving the stoic and stiff blazers and pinstriped pants in 2012 and trading them in for workwear that's softer and more on the femme side.

Consider this a huge leap from the quintessential corporate maven look with soft becoming the new strong for 9-5 wear.  Think above the knee and mid-length belted floral dresses with an inarguably vintage flair. For inspiration, you might want to check out the looks from the hit TV series, Mad Men.  Although this is a clear redefinition of workwear, it's safe to say that this look will go well beyond the office and into after-work gatherings.

Collarless Conundrums

Here's a perfect pair for the equally soft and languid palazzo pants that just might be making its way from the resort and into the office: sensual collarless blouses.  Come 2013, this won't just be a resort wear staple as these pieces of clothing will be replacing stiff blazers and starched collared shirts for a more relaxed, more flirty vibe in the office.  Consider this a prelude to unleashing all that office creativity.

Slash and Burn

It's time to give the trusty T-shirt a much-needed break by trading it in for it's mor eluxe sister, the slashed-neck and assymetrical tees.  Rock it in color blocks or in a mish-mash of prints. Whichever way, what really seals the deal for this baby is its interestingly effortless cuts and angles.  Match this with a pair of skinny jeans or short shorts, throw in killer heals or sky-high wedges and you are ready for the world.

Boucle Beauty

Finally, here's something worthy of the cold office temperature and the occasional cold winds that will be blowing over come January-boucle shirts, suits and skirts.  You can wear the jacket separately or channel a more elitist vibe by donning the jacket and the skirt altogether.  The perfect accessory for this set?  Definitely a lovely pair of Jackie O shades.

Source: www.fashionising.com (FREEMAN)