A look back at 2012 in fashion fads

Whether it was tiny Union Jacks, tuxedos, stripes, crystal flowers or caviar pearls, nail art went from the subculture sidelines to becoming an everyday indulgence, and not just for flamboyant pop stars like Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga. The boom was due, in part, to nail technology advances, including new, easy-to-apply nail decals and gel-color manicures, which allow for long-lasting decoration, including gradated glitter and stripes, as well as crystal and charm appliques.

Whether it was tiny Union Jacks, tuxedos, stripes, crystal flowers or caviar pearls, nail art went from the subculture sidelines to becoming an everyday indulgence, and not just for flamboyant pop stars like Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga. The boom was due, in part, to nail technology advances, including new, easy-to-apply nail decals and gel-color manicures, which allow for long-lasting decoration, including gradated glitter and stripes, as well as crystal and charm appliques.  (Christina House / For the Times)

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From smoking slippers to neon nails, the year in fashion fads.

Barely there

Hollywood stars also played peekaboo by wearing gowns with sheer panels and cutouts, none more so than Kristen Stewart, who turned heads at the L.A. premiere of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2” in a sheer corseted Zuhair Murad gown and wore several more nearly nude looks while promoting the film in the following weeks. The sheer trend has translated to the street in more subtle forms, among them sheer chiffon shirts and sleeves.  (Michael Buckner / Getty Images)

Neon

The year was so bright, you had to wear shades. Hot-hued jeans, Cambridge Satchel bags and nail polish were among the most popular traffic-stopping items.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Leather and lace

Naughty and nice, leather and lace were both big trends, even better when worn together. We shopped for leather motorcycle jackets and pants, which were available everywhere from Proenza Schouler to Forever 21, and lacy T-shirts, sweat shirts, blouses and tops. It was all about mixing hard and soft. Pictured is Pink in leather.   (Christopher Polk / Getty Images)