2012 trends worth keeping in 2013

Obviously the Mayans turned out to be wrong about 12/21/12. But I’m sure the possibility of worldwide apocalypse last week caused more than a few fashion thinkers like myself to ask themselves, “What does one wear for the end of the world?”

Going out in style is, of course, the only way to go. Thankfully, the Mayans missed their mark, so here we are carrying on in “Auld Lang Syne” tradition.

In this last Threads article for the calendar year, we ThirdCoast Digest contributing experts decided to share our favorites fashion trends of 2012 – and offer help on how to look great ringing in the New Year and dress better in 2013!

Kimberly Gomez

Apocalypse would have been fine with TCD’s Kimberly Gomez, owner of Impeccable Image, who fulfilled her lifelong dream of attending New York Fashion Week in September. The exhilarating – yet exhausting – experience was a career game-changer, she says, and in 2013 she’ll be bringing her new global design exposure, Big Apple buying know-how and confidence, and Madison Avenue style to Milwaukee.

Kimberly’s keeper look from New York for 2013 is the dress over pants. The layering is practical, especially in the winter, and gives a long line to your overall appearance, boosting self-confidence if you don’t possess the lean legs of runway models (And who does?). In the real world, the dress-pants pair lets us ordinary people look polished, professional, and stylishly put together.

Dresses worn over pants: fabsugar.com.au

Lacy Landre

Lacy Landre, portrait & event freelance photographer and Photo Editor for TCD, declares her hands down wardrobe winner to be: the blazer! Ever-versatile, blazers can be sophisticated or casual, tailored or loose, gender-neutral or ultra-feminine, and usually have that bonus fashion essential – pockets. “Having an extra set of pockets,” adds Lacy, “always comes in handy when running around doing interviews or switching lenses.” A great way to expand a wardrobe is with a strategic purchase of a blazer with a new pattern, fabric, details or design, or a different color.

Blazers: womantoanother.com

Lacy is also happy about Pantone’s declared 2013 color: Emerald. “It’s a smart move for the fashion industry. Earthy or bold, emerald is a sensible, flattering color, either as a stunning formal dress with black heels or paired with denim and a brown leather purse.” Moreover, she adds, the shade looks good with multiple skin tones and hair colors, and transcends seasonal fashion.

Maya McDonald

Threads contributor Maya McDonald, a social media specialist based out of Appleton, believes the year’s style packages are best wrapped up in the timeless bow.

“I adore everything and anything with a bow,” enthuses Maya. “There’s something wonderfully Parisian chic about a bow – like on sweaters. And you don’t have to break the bank; bargain bows are just as stylish!”

Parisian-style bows.

Maya says fashion blogging is a trend on the rise in 2013, one she’s jumping onto with her new site: CharminglyStyled.com. The developing medium has two things going for it: it opens up individual bloggers to an inspiring, vibrant global community, and creates an invaluable resource for tips, advice and the latest products or pieces making waves.

Maya also looks forward to more major retailers partnering with designers and boutiques. “Target has done a phenomenal job in 2012 of partnering with both well-known and high-end designers, like the most recent Neiman Marcus partnership. JCPenney and Kohl’s are also bringing designers into their stores, making fashion accessible and affordable for their customers.”

Laura Hiatt

If fashion is an artist’s paint, then the face and body are their canvas. TCD’s Laura Hiatt, an airbrush and makeup expert, is such an artist, and her favorite tool from 2012 is the Clarisonic Mia skin cleanser. “I absolutely love it!” Laura says, “It has been a great addition to my cleansing routine and I am noticing a big difference with my skin.”

Clarisonic Mia sonic skin cleansing: www.clarisonic.com

Laura expects nail art to continue in 2013; Pinterest alone has made it all the rage. “Nail art,” says Laura, “like other beauty tips and tricks are becoming DIY. It’s great for those on a budget, and allows people to express their creativity.”

Tamara Leigh

Myself, I think many of my own favorite things from 2012 come from men’s fashion – most notably, a renewed commitment to men’s deliberate investment in their own personal style. It’s a shift attributable to a number of influences – evolving businesswear culture, traditional and social media, the inescapable political campaigning of 2012 – and it’s a welcome one. Properly fitted shirts, suits and jeans, measured in a variety of fabrics and colors, are worthy of applause, as are the brave guys wearing them, embracing individuality and creativity by boldly wearing what they have not worn before.

Mens bow ties.

Finally, this past year, as a preferred boutique shopper, I discovered a little line of dresses called “Stop Staring!” that incorporates classic, vintage, Hollywood and Jackie O-esque designs with contemporary fabrics and sizing. It’s the best of both fashion worlds!

If there’s more 2012 trends you loved or 2013 trends you anticipate, feel free to leave us your thoughts in the comments below. Happy holidays, and see you (stylishly) next year!