Maria's Guide: Winter of 2012's Fashion Trends

It's winter of 2012, and if you should be very happy. Unlike last winter, the trends actually look like you could wear them without freezing your butt off. This fashion-guide isn't based off of those far-out clothes that you see on the runways. No no, this list comes from a normal person who isn't looking to spend $1,000+ on a sweatshirt, or anything insane like that.

Onwards, here are the trends, from head-to-toe!

HAIR: Sadly, hair is going into a difficult direction - a natural look that takes a lot of work and effort. And styling materials. In order to get the most out of this guide, the most important style tip will be highlighted. Note: If you have curly hair like moi, you're screwed.

• Messy Buns. Thank God that messy buns are still in style, otherwise I'd go insane trying to do my hair every morning. Yes, you can go out the door with a messy bun, and it'll look great.
• Pin-straight hair. Pin-straight hair has never been dominating more often. Long gone are the days of beachy waves and dip-dyed hair. Now, it's all about dead-straight hair.
• Short hair. It's not like last spring, when bob cuts were all the rage. Any type of short-hair will do. If you have super long locks though, don't chop it off. This is a minor one. If you have short hair currently, then feel free to embrace it :3

CLOTHES: Do you remember last year, when skirts and heels were all the rage for the winters? Lucky us, the Hollywood stars have given in to sweatshirts, jeans, and normal boots for this winter.

• Sheer Blouses. We haven't officially gone into winter-mode... yet. So, if you feel like staying warm while showing some skin, go for sheer sweatshirts.
• Comfy Sweatshirts. Yes, you can go out in a sweatshirt and it'll be a fashion-statement. I promise.
• Colored Skinny Jeans. This is a big one - colored skinny jeans have been around for a while, never popular until now, and since it's winter, now is the perfect opportunity to stay warm, and stand out from all the white snow.

SHOES: Shoes are the only thing that have made an official step from summer to winter. So, here goes:

• Uggs. Uggs are reigning nowadays. Seriously, this is obviously the biggest trend of the winter. If you aren't comfy spending $120+ on boots, then there are alternatives. Payless has knockoff Uggs for around $50, and other stores carry Uggs are great prices. See my Uggs style-guide on how to buy, wear, and handle your Uggs here for more.
• Moccasin-style TOMS. If you aren't fully in winter-mode yet, then get a pair of TOMS! These are great, since they can be worn in basically every season, yet are in style right now.

MAKEUP: Makeup hasn't changed a whole lot, there's just one basic rule you need to follow with makeup. Either go little, or go big all the way.

• Light Eyebrows. If you have light-shaded, light-colored, or thin eyebrows, then don't stop - eyebrows are practically extinct this season. However, if you are of spanish descent, and have naturally thick eyebrows, then embrace it. Like this season's rule of makeup states - "Either go little, or go big." There is no in between.
• LOTS of Foundation. Do you remember the times when you would only apply concealer on dark circles, and foundation on your blemishes? Well, those times are over, because perfectly smooth, clear, and single-colored skin is officially in.
• Light Lipstick. Nude colors, or very light pinks are good in this case. However, if you feel like today is a bold red day, then don't stop. The rule of "Go little, or big," applies here the most.
• Smokey Eyes... or not. Smokey eyes are making a bit of a return. Just a bit though. So until it becomes an official trend, avoid the Taylor-Momsen raccoon-eye look.

JEWLERY: The days of large, extravagant jewelry are over. Now, it's all about accessorizing with very simple pieces, and lots of them.

• Thin and Silver. If it's thin, and silver, then there's a good chance that it's a good trend. It applies to all jewelry. Silver stud earrings are easily the best type of earring. 
• Tribal Prints. You can count on the Mayans for more than the potential apocalypse this winter - the Aztec/Mayan patterns are coming in style.
• Multiple little piercings. Multiple little piercings  on the ears are now very-much in-style. Don't go crazy with this one though - a tiny piercing in the cartilage will do.
• Cross necklaces  With all of the end-of-the-world talk, people are getting religious, and this is being exhibited through jewelry. Don't force a cross-necklace if you aren't religious, but if you are Christian, then let go ahead, let the cross hang from your neck :)

That's all! In short, the trends are straight hair, colored skinny jeans, Uggs, and thin-and-silver jewlery. Stay strong, stay pretty, and stay warm this winter!