2013's fashion forecast

Spring 2013 accessories

Ruffles

Other trends that are anticipated include oversized ruffles used to accentuate sleeves, skirts and dresses. And for those who like patterned prints, well, this year, once more you can indulge in your artsy prints such as tie-dye.

Document clutch

With new technology comes a change in fashion. Slimline document clutches allow an iPad or small laptop to be carried in style, but also double as a sophisticated accessory for day or night.

From Trendstop.com come the following:

Plastic fantastic

Swap precious platinum for Perspex as plasticmania reworks chains and gemstones. Sugar-sweet tones come into focus this season as accessories take a pearlescent effect. Sprayed shades of mint, cherry and lemon accentuate chunky statement jewellery, bringing gelato blocked necklaces to the forefront.

Minimal brights

A sunny summer beckons simplistic bright and bold colours. Leading the forefront of this trend are bright staples of spring and summer that require shapes to be unpretentious and accessible. Raw cut edges and a clean minimal finish showcase this trend to perfection.

Contemporary Africana

This strong tribal trend from the spring/summer 2012 catwalk will still be around for spring/summer 2013. Mixing futuristic and modern shapes is the key to utilising cubic variations in tribal style. Attention to pattern and embellishment features heavily within this trend.

Aquatic Snake

Spearmint shades slither on to peep-toe booties, skinny strappy stilettos, and mint python mules. Baroque textured scales with prominent anklet jewellery from Emanuel Ungaro feature prominently alongside Lanvin's temptation tailored separates.

Floral Dresses

For dresses, you will find the belted floral ones very popular, representing a breakaway from the traditional corporate look of conservative separates. These dresses will come as feminine as they can with a cinched-in shape and longer hem (think above the knee-to-midi length). While ideal for the office, these dresses can be accessorised and worn to fit many other occasions.

Collarless blouses

Trending for the season will be blouses - whether high neck or plunging, they will be collarless. It will suit you to hang up your stiff business shirts and go for the softer, free-flowing tops with a sensual Mediterranean mood.

Slash-neck tees

For the season, T-shirts will also get a luxe makeover. They will come in delicate fabrics and slash-neck cuts.

Bouclé suiting

Bouclé jackets and suits have made comeback for this season. Expect them as separates as well as skirt suits or short suits.

Colour Wheel

Bright and loud colours will return for 2013. Colours such as ox blood red and emerald green are some of the popping ones which have already surfaced in stores and on the streets.

Trending for spring/summer 2013, expect a potpourri. While there is retention from last year, eliminating the need to do a complete revamp of your wardrobe, fashion continues to look ahead. Flair gives a preview of what to expect not only on the runways, but in your favourite boutiques.

Dresses for the season, say the experts, will have a heavy Mediterranean influence, giving a feminine softness to career, as well as everyday wear. Expect to see exceptional old-school styling with details and lots of chic.