By Stacia Kindler

We’re officially well into the new year, the holidays are behind us, and we’re all resolving to whip our bank accounts and bodies back into shape. Since most of us would rather go barefoot than think about shopping anytime soon, let’s save the spring 2014 trend alerts for a later date.

Now is a perfect time to recap on the most popular trends of 2013 before you pack up last year’s styles for good. Whether we predicted them or not, it’s safe to say that the trend wheel took us for a spin in all different directions in popular fashion.

The Flat-Buckle Boot ~ Ankle boots, booties, shooties ~ call them whatever you want, but you should have had a pair for a while now, period. However, 2013 took boots to another level entirely, with loads of strapped, buckled and cutout innovations in any color or material imaginable, and they were everwhere. From your cheapest fast-fashion destinations to the biggest brands in the world, even stores I didn’t know sold shoes were pumping out completely unique versions of the flat, embellished boot every time I turned around, dubbing 2013 the year for boots for sure.

The Crop Top ~ For better or worse, the crop top hit 2013, and it hit hard. Not since the ’90s have we been bombarded with so much clothing made to show off that bellybutton ring mom loves so much. “If you got it, flaunt it” will forever be a phrase used in fashion for any offender of underwear-as-outerwear or cropped silhouettes. (I’m with you!) However, it seems as though sheaths and tunics should be given another run. For those of you planning to continue the cropped life, give the look some grown-up flavor and throw on some high-waisted jeans this spring, and no one will mistake you for Miley.

Sneaker Wedges ~ This trend came out of left field last year and grabbed on for dear life, despite the naysayers ~ and there were plenty of them. The juxtaposition of an athletic sneaker and a heel in efforts to form a whole new category of chic footwear was a marriage too interesting for most to even consider. After a while, a few fearless girls took the plunge, and some were surprisingly cute! But not enough for most to put that much thought into pairing an outfit with such an unusual kind of shoe, nor to spend their money on it. Needless to say, I have a strong feeling the sneaker wedge was nothing but a fad of last year. 

Grunge ~ As for the most popular overall look of last year, the first-place trophy indefinitely lies in the lap of grunge. Leather-laden girls everywhere embraced buckles, zippers and even head-to-toe plaid, creating a surprisingly wearable look almost anyone could rock. Cringe not at those leather hot pants just yet, ladies; I would guess this look will be a hit for any of you rock stars to channel for seasons to come.

Whether you hit all the right notes with your trends last year or are already hiding from your rainbow wedged sneakers, it is safe to say that 2013 was one for the books, with unique trends and styles that pushed the envelope.