trends on the verge

new year, new trends!

Here's what you should be looking out for while shopping

for the upcoming season and upcoming year,

props to www.refinery29.com:

•Sports References—Mesh and netting, leather-head gear, padded shoulders, lacing details, and trainer-like heels. Traditional Americana sports is here in a big way, and if our boy Alex Wang is leading the charge, you can bet we're following suit.

•Turquoise—Pantone announced that 2010 will be the year for turquoise (we called it Aqua back during the shows in September). Expect the cool blue tone to pop up everywhere from chic little jackets toyour next evening bag.

•Patchwork Denim—We saw them at Chloé's spring 2010 show, and the patchwork jeans from Cheap Monday made the rounds on a few street style blogs.

•Bauhaus—Are we witnessing a return to drab-chic demureness? Austere prints and cuts may very well be making a comeback in a '90s Prada kind of way. Get inspired with MoMA's homage to the movement.

•Long Skirts—From below-the-knee skirts to sweeping floor-length stunners, we're hoping that the modest silhouette makes a comeback in a big way.

•Sheer Shirts—This trend is a few seasons in the works, but we're curious to see how it translates off the runway. To bra, or not to bra?

Accessories

•Clear Lucite Accessories—Wear the chunky, transparent pieces on your wrists and neck, or pick up a shoe with a see-through heel. They may have a bit of a peep-show vibe, but that's why they're so fun!

•Whimsical Prints—They popped up on the platform heels at Miu Miu and on the clogs at No. 6. It's the perfect touch of humor that we're pumped about seeing more of.

•Lower Heels—Though we're sad to see them go, it may be time to give up your vertiginous heels. Flats, mini platforms, and—alas—even kitten heels may strike footwear gold this year.

•Cat Eye Sunglasses—Retire those Raybans! Retro-riffic cat-eye specs are blogger favorites, and offer a new spin on those big shades that we all love to hide behind.

•Clogs—Rachel Comey, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel all sent the backless shoe down the runway, and though the cousin-of-the-Croc made us wonder, they definitely reveal a rustic charm we're feeling for the new year.

•Patent and Velvet—From ladylike bags to lace-up shoes, expect to see accessories popping up in super-shiny and matte materials.