The color of the year is Emerald if the designers and current trends are to be believed. The shade is perfect for 2013 with its fresh look, earthly vibe and oh-so-strong a link to summer. The color will soon be seen ruling wardrobes in the forms of dresses, scarves, bags and more. Blue is also going to be dominating trends this year both at home and abroad as hues ranging from navy to sky are used by designers such as Burberry Prorsum, Alexander McQueen, Prada and Fendi in their Summer and Spring collections.

At Pakistan Fashion Week Maheen Khan opened the event with her collection titled “Flight” and showcased a serious of feathered scarves and collars. It seems like Sana Safinaz’s prints, Deepak Parwani’s floral designs and Shamaeel’s vintage themes will be the leading fashion this time as well. Menswear designer Arsalan Iqbal incorporated some Kashmiri embroidery into his jackets while many will be seen sporting Nauman Arfeen’s cultural yet wearable collection. Debutant Aamna Aqeel has brought to the table something new this time around, however, as studs, spikes and gold hues with black and white resulted in accolades for the first timer.

Appliqué and cutwork are what you should go for this year as the traditional styles dominate the Pakistani runways. Lace and beads should also feature on your dresses, whether they’re evening wear or plain old lawn for the workplace.

The Shalwar has also finally made a comeback after being out of the fashion scene for a consecutive two years. The comfy attire is a godsend for all those who have had it with the suffocating churidaars, plain tights and straight trousers. Now it’s time to change your pant styles, ladies!

Warm, medium skin tones with a slightly rosy blush will be seen as the epitome of beauty this year around as well. Accessories in the form of golden chains and bracelets will also help add a little oomph to your outfit.

Wedges are in this season, ranging from workplace or grocery shopping wear in the form of casual Platforms to stylish pump heels for the evening events. This trend is meant to be fun and funky with a variety of vibrant floral prints, hues of neon colors and with customized round, open, buckled or striped fronts perfect for all occasions. Even the wedge heels are decorated with metallic spikes, studs, sequins or beads. Reptile skin high heels are also hot this season!

The 2013 trend for hair is definitely to have a more youthful cut. Bouncy hair with lots of volume and beach curls will go with any look while dead and limp locks are totally out of fashion. Experiments with dyes could also yield some good results this time around.

As far as accessories go, bags are the most important ones that can make or break an outfit. The size, color and style have to complement the rest of the attire or it just won’t do. This year, the hobo bag seems to be a great favorite among the ladies while clutches and baguettes continue to be included in must haves.