The top 10 best trends of 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Most trends that achieve a degree of ubiquity are ultimately consigned to “worst trends” lists, but just because a lot of people happen to like (or hate) some of the things you do, it doesn’t mean that you should stop liking them. That’s like telling people you didn’t watch the final episode of Gossip Girl. (Not that we did.) Trends are supposed to be fun because each person has his or her own take on them. They’re a great way of letting your style evolve because you get to introduce new pieces into your wardrobe. Also, you don’t want peplum jackets to become a thing again 15 years from now, but your future daughter can’t borrow your old one because you never had one in the first place, which is totally lame because vintage anything will always be cool.
Sneaker wedges
Sneaker wedges: So ugly/cute, they’re one of the most polarizing trends this year. Even Leandra Medine a.k.a. The Man Repeller told The Daily Beast, “Before I got my first pair of Isabel Marant sneaker wedges, I thought they were truly ugly. But, oh my God, they’re so comfortable.” Especially for flat-footed women: Just try running around SM Mall of Asia in sneaker wedges during the Christmas rush. Your feet won’t feel a thing.
Army green parka
We have coveted Lindsay Weir’s army green parka ever since that first episode of Freaks and Geeks. We consider this to be more of a wardrobe staple rather than a trend, especially in our typhoon-heavy country. It’s also the ultimate “model off-duty” piece. Not that you need to be a model to wear this, obvs.
Smoking loafers and brogues
Women wear them with skirts, which always baffles our ‘90s selves. One of us used to have woven brogue-style shoes in sixth grade, but never wore them because they looked weird with all the Sunday dresses made by her mom. Now, brogues and smoking loafers are an easy way to look “hip” without looking like you care.
Slow fashion
Sh*t just got real because it’s getting really difficult to ignore the havoc wrought by fast fashion on the environment, labor wages, the overall quality of clothing and even the fashion cycle. (Read “How Zara Grew Into The World’s Largest Fashion Retailer” on NYTimes.com.) Good thing there are designers who embrace slow fashion, like Eairth’s Melissa Dizon. Also, starting on February 2013, H&M will launch its global recycling program, which encourages customers to turn in their old clothing, regardless of brand or condition, in exchange for vouchers. The old clothing will be up-cycled into new clothing and other uses instead of ending up in landfills, which is great because guilt totally sucks.
Top knots
Although Kate Bosworth is generally known as the Patron Saint of the Top Knot, we feel that the woman who truly owned this hairdo is She Who Cannot Be Smoted: Jemima Kirke. Then again, she has hair like a mermaid’s. So unfair. Still, this hairdo looks great on the right girl with the right hair, especially when paired with a bold lip.
Oversized glasses
We used to associate this look exclusively with hipsters, but almost everything is hipster now, so there’s no point. Anyway, just look at how cool J. Crew creative director Jenny Lyons looks in them! Also, if you’re lazy with applying eye makeup, you can just throw these on and swipe on some lipstick. Goodbye, astigmatism!
Cocktail trousers
Or as we like to call them: fancy pants. Available in brocade, jacquard and metallic prints, cocktail trousers will take you from work to yes, cocktails, with all of the mobility that a pencil skirt just can’t offer. Also, shiny!
Boyfriend jeans
Nobody looks good in them, except maybe Kate Bosworth, but bless the soul of that person who brought them back, perhaps while finally saying out loud, “Dammit, my crotch hurts!” while the rest us suffered in silence. Thank you, dear sir or madam, crotches around the world will be eternally grateful for the option.
Peplum tops and skirts
A form-fitting silhouette that lets you enjoy a buffet lunch? Yes, please! While we are sort of tired of them, we still resort to this one peplum-cut jacket we have for dressy events that require dining. Hey, it’s better than wearing the even more outdated trapeze halter dress that flatters who? Nobody.
The oversized white shirt
Mary Kate Olsen loves her white shirts — she wears them with everything: maxi skirts, jeans, high-waist shorts, structured blazers, etc. This neo-grunge style staple, once (and frankly, still is) considered sloppy, is suddenly an acceptable thing to wear for every day.
