The Top Ten Fashion Trends of 2013

Top-to-toe florals, sequins before evening and a swift attack of '90s revivalism? Or luxury silks, timeless leather and office-friendly hems? Fashion trends for 2013 range from flashy to understated, meaning don't have to resort to peacocking (Google it) to keep up.

Like a perfume or a flash new set of wheels, there's one for everyone — and the best part is making it your own. Here are our top ten for 2013, brought to you by the all new Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

1. PANT SUITS

Thanks to industry luminaries like Miuccia Prada, pant suits are back in a big way. Karen Walker has always loved a good one, and this season there are plenty to choose form. Salasai's linen ones will take you through all four seasons, or choose printed pieces for two trends in, um, two.

2. PLAID

Plaid and checks are always a firm favourite in colder months, and this year is no different. How it's used is a bit more inventive though. At New Zealand Fashion Week last year Zambesi swapped white for yellow in the blown-up checkerboard pattern that featured on grungy dresses and jackets, and you'll now find classic tartan on everything from velvet to chiffon.

3. SPAGHETTI STRAPS

We're calling it — they’re back. Celebrate the ceaseless '90s revival with those fiddly straps that used to adorn tank tops and drawstring dresses. Only this time the tops are silk and the dresses are Ruby or Cybele.

4. HEAD-TO-TOE PRINT

Florals are never not in fashion but are always more effective in winter — especially when they're blown up like a garden seen through an acid trip and worn head-to-toe. More prints too good to only wear top or bottom include polka dots and animals (and we're not talking leopard print).

5. EQUESTRIAN

Call it Royal Wedding fever, but there's a distinct British flair to many trends this year. If jodhpurs are strictly against your sartorial religion, get into the equestrian vibe with tweed, herringbone or an argyle cardigan.

6. FEMININE METALLICS

Think more a blast from the past than a step into the future. This year metallics are less post-apocalypse and more high-shine fluidity. Liquid silks and glossy jackets are perfect for after-hours, but don't let nobody tell you sequins can't be daytime appropriate

7. BLOCK COLOUR BRIGHTS

This year sorbet is only a trend if we're talking about dessert. Switch up pastel hues for Pantone wheel brights in burnt orange, cobalt blue, fire-engine red, acid yellow and emerald green. At New Zealand Fashion Week 2012 Taylor, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Juliette Hogan, Cybele and Company of Strangers all anchored in-your-face brights with a pair of chunky black boots.

8. LUXURY FABRICS

Fake your tax bracket in velvet, silk, (faux) fur, wool, leather and lace — and as many combinations of the above as you can think of. This year velvet finds its way onto everything from dresses to suits and coats, and if you can't afford a whole new leather jacket, just opt for some leather knee or elbow patches instead.

9. KNEE LENGTH HEMS

Can you say "from the office to the bar" without cringing? Neither, but a slim-fitting pencil skirt or a silky chiffon one falling at or below the knee is one piece that is suitable for nearly all occasions.

10. OXBLOOD

Or wine or burgundy or whatever you want to call this particularly glorious shade of deep red. It's long been a Northern Hemisphere favourite, and if you've any impending events marked in your iCal that necessitate evening wear, then you'd better hope it suits you.