Top 10 Trends for Spring 2012

A number of designers were inspired by the sea this season. The great thing about this trend is that you can go literal with seashell bags (see Chanel) or ocean-inspired with looks that mimic the movement of the ocean or the gleam of pearls (see Armani’s use of iridescent fabrics). 

It’s almost a given that Prada will have some kind of an-out-of-the-box print, but this season Miuccia wasn’t the only one. From fruit to animals to crashing cars, this season brought all kinds of crazy prints.

Even shoes and handbags got the Midas touch this season, so prepare yourself for head-to-toe metallics this Spring.

Whether for day or night, last season’s thin belts have been replaced with wide attention-grabbing belts.

Whether densely packed around the shoulder, draped across the chest, or cascading down a dress, ruffles were all over the Spring 2012 runways.

In the words of Issey Miyake — pleats please! A breezy touch that will work just as well now as it will in the Spring, this is one trend to embrace now.

Forget cropped tops that show a sliver of stomach because Spring 2012 will – literally – be crunch time given the endless parade of miniature tops that made their way down the runways.

Yes, there were neutrals and pastels per usual, but the real color takeaway is to go bright or go home for Spring 2012. Most of the saturated shades seen were in the red, orange, and yellow color families.

The roaring 20s are back for Spring 2012 so think glitz, glam, and a dropped waist.

A retro 50s housewife style made recurring appearances this season and while most designer stuck with a cinched waist silhouette, fabrics, prints, and colors spanned the aesthetic gamut.