Fashion Trends

If you've started keeping a keen eye out for oriental pieces, then your next craving may be inspiration on how to style them. For as a trend into 2012 it's all about subtlety, not stepping out of the house looking like you're headed to a costume party dressed as a Geisha. Enter Elle Sweden with a shoot that's a pretty good start, incorporating simple flowing silks and fluttering kimonos, styled with the right degree of subtlety, rounded out by fresh orchids as hair accessories and a beauty look that's softly exotic yet very much played down.

The one thing I would be careful about here (bar for the impracticality of the chunky geta-style shoes) is over-investing in obi belts. Though they certainly fit with an oriental-inspired look, it's a little too soon to go back down the obi path, unless your piece is particularly high quality or unique. A fabric sash or contrastingly modern belt can work just as well against a kimono in 2012.