Best & worst style & beauty trends of the year

Celine Dion recently rocked the winter white trend in Paris with a super chic Jil Sander swing coat. Once considered a post-Labor Day fashion faux pas, when it comes to wearing this stark color in the winter, texture is key. Opt for wool, bouclé and leather instead of lighter weight fabrics like eyelet and linen.

Unless you’re Lady Gaga, sheer, peek-a-boo pants are a tricky trend to pull off. In 2012, these barely-there bottoms graced the runways from Givenchy to Valentino. But in real life, this much exposed skin should be left strictly to belly dancers.

Owls, bunnies and horses may be a must-have trend for middle school fashionistas. When it comes to adults wearing animal-motif sweaters, we’re not convinced. Bring on a stampede of animal-inspired prints (we love ‘em!), but tops emblazoned with furry faces have no place in high fashion.

Generally, geometrical shapes aren’t necessarily a bad fashion detail – especially when it comes to men’s collars and girly frocks. But when splashed across an oversized sweatshirt or pullover, the trend screams the 80s, an era we hope never to repeat.

Pint-sized cuties Emma Stone, Katy Perry and Michelle Williams can rock a little ruffle around the waist. A huge trend in the 80s, peplum is back in full force, detailing skirts, dresses and jackets. Many women have a hard time wearing this trend as it has the potential to (ahem) accentuate problem areas.

When it came to prints and color in 2012, it was go big or go home. From bold floral patterns to amped up hues like magenta, neon orange and electric blue, this was not a style season to play shy. Derek Lam’s collections opted for lots of bright yellow, while DKNY featured fiery-red.

Snooze. We wish whomever started the pajamas-in-public fashion craze would’ve just stayed in bed. Slippers, shapeless loungewear and (gasp!) sexy lingerie have no place beyond the bedroom, despite what Top Shop, Tommy Hilfiger and Stella McCartney would have you think.  

Everyone from Isabel Marant to Rag and Bone put their fashion fingerprint on the ankle boot trend this year. From peep-toe platforms to studded leather wedges, this is the must-have footwear of the season. Cool and casual, ankle boots look great with everything short skirts to leggings and tights.

Unless you have the washboard abs of Diane Kruger, we advise against the cropped top, belly baring trend. Sure, we covet this season’s cropped boxy sweaters, but most midriffs would benefit from some layering. Or maybe some crunches.

Jessica Biel, Gabrielle Union and Christina Aguilera have all made the cut. We love the blunt bang trend to glam up a ho-hum haircut and bring attention to your best features – your eyes and lips. Not only are bangs drop dead sexy, they can trim years off your appearance.