The 10 Best Fashion Trends of 2013

Another year is almost over, but great fashion is never forgotten. These 10 fashion trends made 2013 very stylish, so we’re taking a moment to remember them in all their glory on the red carpets, runways, and streets where we first spotted them.

Best Fashion Trend of 2013: All White, Even After Labor Day

From summery dresses to post-Labor Day monochrome suits to red-carpet-ready gowns, head-to-toe white remained de rigueur for all seasons this year. And, yes, it’s totally possible to pull off a white dress without looking like a bride.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Dior, Zoe Saldana in Elie Saab, Charlize Theron in Dior

Best Fashion Trend of 2013: Black and White

With the return of ’90s minimalism, designers sent a slew of black-and-white contrasting dresses, suits, coats, and leather everything down the spring and fall runways. The trend eventually made its way onto many celebrities—and into our closets.

Chanel fall 2013, Michael Kors spring 2013, Proenza Schouler spring 2013

Best Fashion Trend of 2013: Heavy Metal Hardware

Designers embraced the reinvention of rock style with metal-adorned shoes, boots, and sandals. There’s nothing like chains, grommets, and studs of all shapes and sizes to add tough-girl swagger to any outfit.

Saint Laurent fall 2013, Chanel fall 2013, Isabel Marant spring 2013

Best Fashion Trend of 2013: Sexy, Sheer Panels

This year, celebrities enthusiastically embraced—and pushed the limits of—the sheer-panel trend on the red carpet. They even pulled off (don’t try this at home!) side-boob, Gwyneth Paltrow’s side-butt, and this tricky feat.

Diane Kruger in Thakoon, Rose Byrne in Pucci, Michelle Dockery in Chado Ralph Rucci

Best Fashion Trend of 2013: Dressy Shorts

Shorts became the new dress, skirt, and even tailored suiting piece this year. For the most versatility, designers reinterpreted dressy shorts at varying lengths and in bold colors, exuberant prints, and fabulous textures (more leather, please). And from the looks of the 2014 runways, this trend isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

Theyskens’ Theory fall 2013, Tommy Hilfiger spring 2013, Clover Canyon spring 2013

• Best Fashion Trend of 2013: Borrowed From the Boys

  This year’s menswear-inspired craze welcomed feminine interpretations of classic suiting textures and styles, tough but flirty (and thankfully flat) brogues, and the comfy-cozy boyfriend sweater.

Best Fashion Trend of 2013: The Dressed-Up Sweatshirt

A product of the athletic-inspired trend, the dressed-up and sometimes-designer (see: Givenchy Bambi) sweatshirt was immediately embraced by the fun- and comfort-loving fashion set. The piece looks just as cute with skinny jeans as it does with a printed or embellished skirt—or, in this pic, no pants at all.

Cara Delevingne, Lily Collins, Miroslava Duma

Best Fashion Trend of 2013: Racy Cutouts

As the little sister to the sheer panel, racy cutouts also made frequent appearances on the Fashion Week runways and red carpet. Luckily, this look was slightly easier to translate to everyday life, with a discreet peekaboo detail at the bodice or keyhole back. Of course, if we wanted to go full-on sexed-up, sizzling bombshell, we just looked to the cutout masters: Cushnie et Ochs.

Michelle Ochs, Karlie Kloss, Carly Cushnie

Best Fashion Trend of 2013: Pump Up the Volume

It was all about roomy, architectural shapes this year—from cocoon coats to voluminous dresses and skirts to billowy blouses and pants. It’s a nice counterbalance to binding body-con dresses and skinny pants, and we can’t argue with the comfort level or the dramatically interesting silhouettes.

Olivia Palermo in Valentino, Miroslava Duma in Marni, Giorgia Tordini

Best Fashion Trend of 2013: Ring Party!

As a follow-up to the Man Repeller and Dannijo-endorsed Arm Party, the Ring Party made its mark in 2013. From stacks of mixed metals to statement bands (seriously, Lauren Conrad’s love ring? Love.) to the boho-cool midi ring—there were so many pieces to either wear alone or pile on.

A shot from our behind-the-scenes visit visit to cult-favorite Brooklyn jeweler Catbird.