Sharon Mosley

Chances are that you bought a new pair of skinny jeans or a faux fur vest or something at least a “little” trendy to add to your wardrobe this past year. And if you’re not into edgy style, then you were in luck, too. The classics were back in a big way: camel coats, menswear suits and glamorous full skirts.

Here are the top 10 trends of the year. If you’re lucky, you may find them on sale at a store near you.

— One: Skinny pants. The slim silhouette anchored the bottom half of the fashion story in 2010 with “jeggings” — jeans that look like leggings, another big hit of the year. Knit leggings also made the top list.

— Two: Boots. From ankle “shooties” to thigh highs, boots were the new “shoe” to buy this past fall. Tucked into leggings, they were a wardrobe must-have for young and old.

— Three: Camel. This classic color replaced black as the “go-with-everything” neutral in your wardrobe. From camel coats to camel handbags, this was the color to start it all off. Gray was another neutral that got into gear this year.

— Four: Red. On its own or as an accent to camel or gray, this fiery hue packed a passionate punch. The little red dress was a big hit for the holiday season.

Five: Military might. Whether it was combat boots, storm trooper coats or fatigue jackets, the military touches marched into our closets with style. Even the guys got in on this trend.

— Six: Animal prints. Another classic that gave flair to everything from spotted tote bags to trench coats. Spark it with red. One touch of animal print goes a long way.

— Seven: Fur. Real or faux, the fur was flying this past year. It was the perfect way to fluff up your wardrobe. The fur vest was a favorite; it’s the perfect topper for sweaters this winter.

— Eight: Chunky knits. A great way to wrap up for the cold weather ahead, sweaters made a bold statement in longer tunics and vests — great complements to skinny leggings and boots. The classic Fair Isle was updated in new colors, and the “sweatshirt” top was reinvented for even more comfort.

— Nine: Ladylike luxe. Reminiscent of Dior’s “New Look” in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the full skirt made a comeback, as did bow blouses, fitted jackets and shapely dresses a la “Mad Men.” Toss on pearls, grab your gloves and clutch, and you’ve got the picture.

— Ten: And the rest of the story. There were lots of other trends to hit the fashion radar screen in 2010, including pixie haircuts, socks with all kinds of shoes, floppy hats, “nerd” glasses via Tina Fey and Johnny Depp, winter shorts worn with tights, and black leggings teamed with light-colored shoes.

Love them or leave them. There’s always next year! But there’s still plenty of time to add a top 10 look to your shopping list and hit the after-holiday sales.

(set image) smo122810adAP.jpg (end image) (set caption) The top 2010 trends included military-inspired fashion and accessories, such as this gray trench coat and camouflage scarf from Banana Republic. (end caption)

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM