Taking Your Style From Comfort Zone to Couture

By Meg

I hate to go all crazy department store on you (It’s January 28th? Time to set up a Memorial Day swimsuit display!) but the fashion industry is always 6 months ahead of us normal folk. The elite designers of the trade have challenged us with innovative, advanced looks that put oh-so 2011 trends, like flare legged jeans and feathers, to shame. What? You can’t afford Roberto Cavalli? No worries fellow broke college students; I’ve recreated the looks with budget friendly brands. Prepare to rock 2012 with these inventive spring trends:

Betsey Johnson Spring 2012

What’s Out: The Blazer/Skinny Jean/UGG Boots

What’s In: The Blazer/Tank Dress/Suede Lace Ups

This Betsey Johnson original is a giant step up from the boring blazer over skinny jeans with a pair of classic cut Uggs. Pair a tank dress with a fitted blazer and a layered necklace. Channel your inner-Betsey with some suede lace up heels and a lightning bolt ring.

Badgley Mischka Spring 2012

What’s Out: Leather Jacket/Sequin Top/Jean Shorts

What’s In: Leather Jacket/Bandeu Top/ Hot Pants

This year, forget the overdone mini skirt, tank top tucked in, leather jacket over top club wear. Please welcome back the ever so risqué: Hot pants. The undies-shorts hybrid will give the illusion of legs for miles. Pair your favorite leather jacket with a bandeau top and match with a hot pair of shoes. Is that Amber Rose over there rocking her model bod? Oh wait, that’s just you donning this beautiful ensemble.

Kanye West Spring/Summer 2012

What’s Out: Blue Denim/Fitted Tops/Nude Heels

What’s In: Patterned Bottoms/Loose Layers/Bold Heels

In 2010, colorful denim became a top trend. This year, hold the focus on your bottoms as opposed to the top of your outfit. Pair pattered denim with a solid colored top, a bold colored pair of heels, and a minimalistic piece of jewelry.

L.A.M.B. Gwen Stefani Spring 2012

What’s Out: Neutrals/Long Sleeve/Clutch

What’s In: Metallics/3 Quarter Length/Totes

Ditch the Khakis, coal, and corduroy for some expressive metallic this season. Go for a basic top with 3 quarter length sleeves that allow room for funky bracelets. As much as I love a good clutch, it’s a bitch trying to fit everything into one-so welcome back boxy totes!

If 2012 is the end of the world, then Betsey Johnson, Badgley Mishka, Kanye & Gwen Stefani have definitely saved the best trends for last. Step out of your comfort zone with these looks and make Spring  2012 your most stylish season yet!