Women’s fashion trends

Walt Disney’s fairytales made mermaids, oysters, pearls and glitter seem whimsical; but the fashion crowd have claimed the look and given it an urban edge in 2012. From Chanel's pearl-encrusted looks to Givenchy's urban sirens, the mermaid as fashion icon gets fresher, cleaner, and a little sexier for spring.

Graphics, geometric lines and abstract shapes can remind you of two things simultaneously – a high school mathematics class and the Art Deco period from the early 1930s. As the movement swept back onto the spring 2012 runways, so are we finding new ways to embrace it. Read on to find out more about the Art Deco trend in 2012.

As the excitement of a new year hits, we're jumping onto 2012's trends faster than we can belt out the last drunken verse of Auld Lang Syne. But rather than buy everything anew, there's plenty from fall that can carry over. Here are 5 key pieces that will continue to serve you into spring.

Does the success of Master Chef have more to answer to than a generation of wannabe gastronomes? Aprons, those little pieces of fabric that have such connotations of wholesome vintage housewifery through to kitchen complexity, are quietly cooking up a storm in 2012. Read on for the full trend report.

That much of 2012′s fashion will be influenced by a revival of 1920s fashion elements is no secret. What remains to be firmly understood is how we, as both consumers and influencers of fashion, will choose to wear and interpret the revival. The main conundrum here is that it’s only been a few short years since elements of ’20s fashion, namely flapper motifs, were in style …

Each decade of the 20th century is prone to being defined by its fashions; and for each of those decades is a cycle of revival inevitable. Some decades are revived in distinctive fits and starts, like the 80s returning in a burst of irony that made good on its promise; others, like the 60s, linger never too far out of reach. So while tousling up …

Sometimes revealing but more often used as an alluring and highlighting accent, sheer has become something of an ever green fashion trend. That’s something of a achievement given that when we first featured the statement look on Fashionising.com the general response was that it was impractical and that most women wouldn’t dare to wear it. But times have changed, and sheer not only remains on-trend …

If you’ve started keeping a keen eye out for oriental pieces, then your next craving may be inspiration on how to style them. For as a trend into 2012 it’s all about subtlety, not stepping out of the house looking like you’re headed to a costume party dressed as a Geisha. Enter Elle Sweden with a shoot that’s a pretty good start, incorporating simple flowing …

The women’s tuxedo has been blurring the gender divide for years. Some call it an evening gown alternative, while others have tagged it as sophisticated glamour. Thanks to Yves Saint Laurent, who gave birth to le smoking in the 1960s, this androgynous ensemble has now become a womenswear classic and very much a wardrobe staple. But not one that is without the potential for reinterpretation. …

There are inherent risks with a plunging neckline, but I don’t think I need to spell out what they are. Suffice to say some are dangers of an aesthetic nature, where as others can concern a girl’s modesty. The plunging neckline is not for everyone. But there are ways to wear it that, for the willing, give it a sultry update as a fashion for …