Creating the best look for 2013
Just like astrologers, psychics and Feng Shui masters, the opinions of fashion experts have become very much in demand every time a new year starts.

And while putting together an outfit that best reflects your personal style is still the best way to be fashionable, it is also wise to know the newest trends in the fashion scene to keep your style evolving and fresh.

To help you define the looks and outfits you will be best remembered for this 2013, the Life & Times gathers these tips and tricks from some of the fashion authorities around the world.

Style.com’s Spring 2013 report
Fresh from the international runways, famous fashion houses have released their Spring 2013 collections and more importantly, dictated what most people will wear during the first part of the year.

Leading the hottest trends is the classic combination of black and white. According to the website, the resurgence of the toned-down pair is a break from the last few season’s pop and colorful palette. However, a modern take on this combo is seen on contrasting patterns like Marc Jacob’s jail stripes and cross checkereds.

While bright color blocking takes a rest this season, sheer and transparent fashion continues this spring up until summer. Style.com lists silk chiffon, organza and mousseline as choice materials by fashion designers like Roberto Cavalli and Haider Ackermann.

The website also stated that ruffles will be Spring’s most-coveted detail. Givenchy, Balenciaga and Gucci, among others, all featured this dainty detail in dresses, skirts and sleeves.

Other trends Style.com reports include messy and beautiful layering of different textiles and appliqués, feminizing manly suits, and recreating Asian outfits like the kimono.

Pantone’s emerald green
While people did the Tangerine Tango last year, the color to strut in 2013 is Pantone.com’s Emerald.

Officially chosen as the website’s “2013 Color of the Year,” expect this fresh shade of green (Pantone 17-5641) to be seen not only in fashion but also in home furniture, fixtures and accessories.

The Pantone company is an authority in color that provides color systems to different industries. The term “Pantone” is the standard, worldwide language for color communication that designers, manu-facturers, retailers and customers use.

When mixing and matching Emerald with other colors, chose shades in between blue and green. Also, you can pair an emerald cardigan with white slacks for a sure match, or accentuate an emerald dress with a yellow leather handbag for a pop of color.

Joe Zee’s must-haves
In an interview with Good Morning America, Joe Zee, Elle magazine’s creative director, picks his four wardrobe must-haves this 2013. But even though his choices are in response to 2013’s hottest trends, it can be said that the following items may be kept and worn even for the years to come.

The fashion guru first chooses a black leather moto jacket. In his interview he explains, “This is [leather jacket] an Elle wardrobe staple for all seasons. Leather adds great texture and toughness to almost all pieces of a woman’s wardrobe. Cool with jeans, pencil skirts or over dresses. We saw spring-weight leather at many shows this past season - always a great investment piece.”

Next is a pair of denim jeans. Zee suggests that for 2013, you have to invest in dark jeans with a slim cut. According him, dark jeans is season less and a necessary addition for spring. Also, dark and slim jeans will always look good with leather jackets (the first pick) or tailored blazers (the third pick).

This year, Zee sees more women “suiting up” so another must-have for him is a structured blazer. He shares, “We love the idea of breaking up a suit to still keep it cool! Pair it with jeans and a t-shirt to keep the ease.”

Last but not the least is a blouse or skirt with ruffle detail—proof that this and other romantic details will make it big this year. Zee reminds that ruffles are best worn in moderation, so tone down volumes.