First year ACAD student Diana Tomlinson. ANDREW CROSSETT PHOTO

2011 was a year of animal-prints, ugly man-hats, infinity scarves, Toms, fake glasses and glitter. While some of these styles may be here for good, most of them have been tossed out of the window in order to make way for the new trends of 2012.

In: Abstract Artsy Prints
Out: Animal Prints

PETA put up with this trend, despite the fact that it unintentionally promoted animal abuse. Many of the collections that came out in 2011 featured Cruella Deville-esq coats, replica snakeskin pants, and feather earrings. Although many of the designs were classy, lower-end retailers took a hooch-approach and produced pornstar-worthy animal print club dresses and stilettos.

Everyone will be looking to the hipsters to dictate the fashion trends of 2012. Besides, hipsters have a knack for knowing what is cool before it actually becomes popular. Look for conversational prints with inanimate objects, paint-splatters, geometric designs and animals (not just their skins or coats, but the bigger picture).

In: Natural Eye Makeup
Out: Fake Glasses

While the Ray-Ban look has supreme IQ-raising abilities, it discredits the individuals born without life-long 20/20 vision and actually need glasses. Fashion is not a method to falsely increase intelligence (the formula bad eyesight = brains seems off anyway), and the general population is quickly catching on. Besides, who actually wants to look like the 13-year-old teenyboppers who pop the lenses out of their 3D cinema glasses?
Instead, the trend is leaning towards effortless eye-makeup to enhance the natural eye. Instead of smearing a chemical rainbow their eyes, women are being encouraged to flaunt their natural peepers.

In: Poor-boy Caps
Out: The Mandora

For some reason, men started wearing fedoras in 2011. I don’t know if this has to do with some underground Justin Timberlake idol-worshipping cult, or a generation of pimp-hopefuls. It is important to understand that fedoras do not look good on anyone. Women will not approach a man in a fedora, as he appears to be self-centred. This leaves no niche or market for the mandora, thus ensuring it will be a trend of the past.

Poor-boy caps, however, are a completely different story. We all know that fashion trends recycle over the years, which means that the re-introduction of the poor-boy cap is highly anticipated in 2012.

This is not to be confused with the communism hats that everyone wore in 2010. Poor-boy caps are a wonderful, non-political affiliated way for both genders to disguise second-day hair.

In: Leather
Out: Suede

Suede is really ugly.

When I was a child, my family had these hideous burnt-orange suede curtains in the living room. They have hindered my ability to even cast my eyes towards that particular textile. I am baffled that designers tried to launch this as a trend.

Although leather is a bit of a hit-or-miss textile, designers are introducing it in a subtle manner. H&M is selling leggings that feature leather panels, and countless other retailers have introduced shirts with leather-trim.

In: Lace
Out: Sequins

Sequins are something I have a deep repulsion towards.

A little bit of glitter here and there never hurt anyone. However, I’ve had a few unpleasant encounters with glitterholics this year, which have left me covered in sparkles and wanting to shower in disinfectant.

Lace has always been classy, and thankfully the ‘elegant lady’ is having her comeback this year. Whether you choose to buy lace-detailed garments or full-on lace blouses, this trend will automatically increase your class-factor.

In: Kitten Heels
Out: Stilettos

2012 is all about comfort and realistic day-to-day style. It also just happens that 2011 was a big stiletto year, and the ladies all have tired feet. Instead of hobbling around in skyscrapers, 2012 brings some classy lower-intensity heels and a variety of flats (which are now referred to as skimmers because it sounds sophisticated).

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