Wardrobe Oxygen: 2012 Fashion Trends Worth Investing In

With the start of each new year, there is a whole new list of hot fashion trends. Weeding through the crazy, the unwearable, and the flash-in-the-pan fads, here are some trends that I believe will be big in 2012 and are also quite wearable.

Bold Colors. Spring is usually about pastels, and while they are still popular, stronger hue are taking center stage for 2012. Pantone's Color of the Year Tangerine Tango is a perfect example, but hot colors are coming in every shade. Magenta, bright red, Kelly green, cobalt blue--whatever your favorite color in the box of crayons is a hot shade for this year.

Not only are primary hues hot, but neon is back in a big way. Just check out this ensemble on the blog Atlantic-Pacific to see how neons can look quite current, and not a throwback to the '80s.

Cropped Pants. Cropped pants have come in and out of fashion for years, but they really came en vogue during the second half of 2011. 2012's cropped pant is slightly tapered at the bottom and hits just before the ankle bone.

I always felt cropped pants were terribly unflattering…until I purchased a pair. Now I can't get enough of them. Worn with kitten heel pumps or ankle booties, a cropped trouser can be quite flattering. Pair with a blazer for work, or a sequined tee for a night out on the town.

Peter Pan Collars. Thanks to Louis Vuitton's runway looks, it seems that everywhere I look, another woman is wearing a rounded white collar with a severe dress or ensemble. The contradiction looks fresh and works with many different personal styles.

While a white shirt with puffed sleeves and a Peter Pan collar would get much wear come spring with everything from full dance skirts to distressed denim, you can buy (or make) a detachable collar to give new life to simple shift dresses and crewneck sweaters. This tutorial from Honestly WTF shows how to make a no-sew collar while this YouTube video is a perfect Peter Pan collar tutorial for those with some sewing skills.

Peplums. When I saw peplums returning, I first thought of '80s dresses and suits a la Dynasty and Falcon Crest. Once I saw how they had been updated for 2012 by designers like Jeremy Scott and Rodarte, I calmed down and even welcomed back this trend. A peplum creates a strong look, creating or emphasizing an hourglass frame and jazzing up simple jackets, tops, and dresses.

When I want to find current trends done well and at a reasonable price, I immediately go to ASOS. They don't disappoint with some very wearable tops with peplums. This leopard print top with peplum comes in regular, petite and plus size and would look fantastic with skinny black trousers or even a pencil skirt in a bold hue. This metallic peplum shirt from ASOS would be a show-stopper for your next night out.

Soft Hair. Gone are the stick-straight manes, the sculpted finger waves, the asymmetrical 'dos. 2012 is all about touchable, soft hair. Whether it's soft curls or waves, a messy updo, or a Brigitte Bardot-inspired bouffant half-up style, hair has gone au naturel (or at least attempts to look that way).

It's easy to get this look, especially if you have an account with Pinterest. Regularly, people are pinning tutorials on how to get waves and curls without heat, and how to achieve those effortless-looking updos. I especially like this tutorial for getting curls or waves from an old sock, and this one from blogger Keiko Lynn on how to achieve a messy bun.

What are your favorite trends for 2012?

Alison Gary has over ten years experience as a personal shopper, stylist, and visual merchandiser. Her blog Wardrobe Oxygen provides fashion advice to all women, regardless of age, size, budget, or lifestyle. She is a full-time working mother, blogger, wife, and frugal fashionista located in the Washington D.C. area.