New year, new fashion. That’s right, although 2010 has just started international fashionistas have released the expected trends for 2010. And ladies we aren’t just talking about clothing, but also hair and make-up trends that are expected to be synonymous to leggings and ‘the Rihanna cut’ of 2009.

Of course, some of them we have already started to see, but most will unfold over the course of the year. Nevertheless, TEENage wants to keep you up to date and presents the top expected trends for 2010.

Girly, playful ruffles

This year’s look is not expected to be as ‘punk rock’ as last year’s. More feminine looks are set to take the stage, with simple, playful ruffles. Although we saw ruffles as the highlight of some outfits last year, we expeect them to be a lot more subtle, but still make an outfit pop. You can expect to see the girly touch of ruffles on dresses, tops and handbags especially as we draw closer to the summer.

Floral prints, neutral tones and sheer fabrics

In keeping with the feminine look, floral prints, neutral tones and sheer fabrics are another trend for 2010. Although sheer was being worn from late 2009, the colours are expected to either go neutral or go floral rather than neon. The good thing about neutral tones and floral patterns is that they can fit almost everyone and can look be dressed up or down. Sheer ensembles ranging from fitted to flowing pieces, along with occasional layers or draping, accompany the simple feminine ruffles. Soft hues of pink, blue, orange and green add to the collection of neutrals and simple metallic colours to complete the feminine look.

A word of advice however, never wear two floral pieces at the same time, and remember that a neutral outfit goes perfectly with a coloured accessory. Sheer means transparent, so a basic camisole and neutral underwear is a good idea, if the pieces are not lined.

Ripped jeans

Yup, believe it or not, this fashion trend is back. Though they might not approve your parents, but ripped or distressed jeans are definitely a fabulous must-have for 2010. It may seem pointless to buy jeans that are ‘damaged’, so you can always opt to rip a pair you already have.

The good thing about this trend is that not only does it fit all body types, but also versatile, as it works for skirts and shorts as well. To avoid unwanted embarrassment and being too exposed, it’s important to avoid gbuying jeans that are distressed too close to the crotch or near the derriere. Nobody wants to sit and hear their jeans rip in an unlikely place, and being that the jeans are already distressed, the likelihood of them tearing more is quite high.

From boyfriend jeans to boyfriend blazers

Boyfriend jeans and the boyfriend shirt gained popularity in 2009, but 2010 is all about the boyfriend blazer. As with the other two trends in the ‘series,’ the boyfriend blazer is simply a male blazer/jacket that is slightly tailored with additional darts and possibly a more exciting material.

The vintage-styled cameo

So the 2009 accessory was the crucifix, but this year it’s all about the vintage-styled cameo that gained popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria during the 19th century. Known to some as just ‘the portrait of that lady’, the expected trend should be available in the form of a ring, brooch, necklace, earrings and possibly also as a pattern for tops and dresses.

Accessory overkill

This year, it’s not about how many accessories you have on, but how much of a statement that the only piece you have on makes. From multilayered chains and bracelets to large sparkling earrings and over-sized rings, 2010 accessories can make or break your look.

Not only have accessories got bigger, but they also have more of a natural look. From feathered headbands to ornate metallic pieces, fashion accessories are becoming very much like that of our natives.

While the accessory overkill is a fashion do, a fashion don’t is wearing multiple large accessories. This year’s accessories are large enough to be worn one at a time. A large neckpiece definitely does not need large earrings. It’s the same for large wrist pieces and a large ring, unless the ring is on one hand and the bracelet on the other.

Hair and make-up

For 2010, the ‘opposite look’ — bold eyes and subtle lips, or bold lips and subtle eyes — is still a go. Nonetheless, the simple ‘five-minute face’ is definitely a make-up do, and ties in nicelys with the feminine look for 2010. Since metallic colours are in, metallic eye shadows and eyeliner will definitely add the wow factor to your face.

This year’s hair trendss are expected to follow those of fashion with a feminine touch. The loose chignon (low bun or twist that sits at the nape of the neck), side braid, fish plait and elegant pin-ups are examples of the ladylike looks. But, of course, there are styles that blend with metallic colours and slightly edgy look. The messy ponytail, bun or pin-up are somewhat opposite to the classic feminine look, but are expected to be just as popular. New pop artiste Kesha has this ‘slightly unkept’ look ‘down pat’.

Colours to consider this year includes platinum blondes similar to Alaine’s new look, or a basic blonde. Also, one can consider different shades of red. Remember that these colours can be done in a rinse, permanent colour or just in streaks, so choose what best suits you.