Winter 2012 Fashion Report

Crisp monochrome looks swept across all facets of the fashion industry this season. From punk street wear to high-end business suits, everyone caught this wintery white fever.

This trend was showcased with designer runway garments ranging from Proenza Schouler’s oversized jackets to Yves Saint Laurent sleek classic suits. Jennifer Lawrence punctuated newsstands on the December cover of Elle in a white futuristic Balenciaga gown. Meanwhile, Kate Middleton wore a sophisticated Burberry double-breasted trench coat. The coat instantly sold out, sparking a white coat craze across the globe.

This clean minimal looks offers a cool contrast to the bright and saturated hues seen last fall. It also stands out against the dismal and darker tones normally associated with winter. Bring this clean, classy, and sophisticated look to the ballroom with these dresses!

Layering was reinvented this season with rich textures and prints from around the globe. Loose, gathered silhouettes and lush patterns call to mind the world traveler/gypsy trend, first introduced to high fashion by Yves Saint Laurent in the 70s.

Gucci offered an oriental spin to the trend, with dark mandarin-style suits in rich filigree prints. Nicole Miller layered gauzy prints in blue, purples, and orange under dark jackets, accented by wide-brimmed hats. Cate Blanchett reinforced this trend in a Peter Pilotto peplum top, sporting a wild abstract print in green, yellow, black, and orange.

Gypsy street style filtered into fearless combinations of prints and textures, along with accessories like chunky earrings and turban-style headbands. Show off your inner wild child with these looks that evoke diversity and confidence!

Even as bitter winds chill the streets, sheer and illusion fabrics are a hot wardrobe staple. From delicate embellished sheers to revealing lingerie-inspired silhouettes, this season’s woman is not afraid of being sensual, romantic, and alluring.

Designers like Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino branded themselves with this trend for years, but now more ready-to-wear and sportswear designers are offering their own adaptations.

Kristen Stewart rocked the red carpet in a black lace and sequin jump suit by Zuhair Murad. Rooney Mara modeled a futuristic sheer number by Calvin Klein at an international film festival in Dubai this December.

In the retail market, shirts display sheer yokes and sleeves. Loose lace tops will easily transition from winter to spring depending on the thickness of the layer underneath. Flaunt this sexy and versatile trend on the dance floor with these looks!