Before the year ends, it’s only fair to recap the many trends that graced both the runway and the streets. It has been quite a year, with the news of Alexander McQueen’s death adding bittersweet notes to the year’s trends. All that aside, here are some of the most noteworthy trends of this year’s fashion diary.

The most dominant colors of the year were mostly muted or basic. Orange and red were two of the bolder hues seen fronting the runways; however, the colors that really stuck with everyone included friendlier nudes, such as camel, blush, and white.

Roland Mouret A/W 2010 

Fur may have stepped down, but animal prints remained on the prowl. Name your favorite spotted or striped wild animal and you’re bound to find it as a popular print in the past few seasons. Designers went wild with this trend as they used animal prints for casual wear, office attire, and even more formal ensembles.

Fendi A/W 2010 

Chambray and denim became staples all over again. And not just as jeans, too. Denim and chambray became a favorite fabric for skirts, button-down shirts, shorts, and jumpsuits. And as if that wasn’t enough, different shades of denim were layered on top of each other, breaking all known rules about denim etiquette.

 
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2010 

As if in preparation for battle, designers flooded the runways with fatigue-inspired ensembles. Albeit not the first time, this trend became another fashion favorite for this year as it made for very comfortable attires all year round.

Oscar de la Renta S/S 2010 

Retro has also invaded the metro. Yes, the world of fashion always draws inspiration from decades past – and this year is no exception. Full skirts and modest shirts buttoned up to the collar became a pleasant challenge to pull off.

Dries Van Noten A/W 2010 

The bodycon dress became a hit. Flaunting the female body like no other, the bodycon dress became the one item that every woman coveted. Although not always flattering, it became all the more in demand as only those who had the guts – and arguably the figure – to wear them were the only ones who could pull off the look.

Jill Stuart S/S 2010 

This year’s trends are a mix of casual and luxe, providing just the right balance. And if you still haven’t tried the above trends, do so before the year ends – just say you’re trying to be fashionably late.

Just a few whistles back, less seemed to be more. Now, the tables have turned – and rich fabrics, opulent trimmings, and plush patterns have pushed the faint-of-heart aside.

Gold, red, velvet, satin, royalty: all these words swim in one’s head as this season’s runways herald, not for the first time, the return of luxury in fashion. Whether it be sheen or texture, a fabric’s stand-out richness is preferably flaunted. And this time, going over the top does not only mean overdosing on color. In fact, this season’s histrionic statement does not involve the usual nauseating cacophony of colors. Instead, the richness of fashion is expressed through a muted choice of color, fabric, accessory, and mold.

Seen on the runways of Ralph Lauren were fabrics that spoke of decadence, such as velvet in dark shades of red. Balmain wasn’t far behind with brocade blazers and gold gowns, lending sophistication to what would have been an overdone ensemble.

Ralph Lauren A/W 2010 

Altuzarra injects a sense of the contemporary by playing with asymmetry. Thigh-high slits did not diminish the resplendence of long, red gowns from the Altuzarra collection.

Altuzarra A/W 2010

The late Alexander McQueen’s line, which was only about three-fourths done, was finally released by his team – and the collection is worthy of a queen’s attention. Full-length and cropped dresses, with gold sewn-in patterns, were made even more regal by the apparent attention to detail.

 
Alexander McQueen A/W 2010  

Lanvin reinvented the rock vibe by adding a dash of opulence into the glam factor. Attires stood out in rich black fabrics, coupled with funky accessories.

 
Lanvin A/W 2010 

Perhaps fashion does have a split personality. Even with the revival of minimalism just a few seasons ago, it seems that maxing out is just a gold coin-toss away. Or maybe the allure of kings, queens, princes and princesses is one that is too primal in all of us that the idea of looking regal from head to toe is just something we can’t resist.

It may be a little hard to swallow, but going all out in terms of splendor is what’s on every fashion-minded person’s agenda this season. In more ways than one, it satisfies that desire we have to dress – and perhaps live – like royalty.

It takes more than a pretty face, a gorgeous body, a great walk, and a fab pose to become a model. But what does it take to become a top model? These models know for sure! Find out who the top models are for the year 2010:

Agyness Deyn. She’s definitely a top model of 2010, what with her quirky short hair and her unique choice of clothes. She struts the streets in ensembles that would have been difficult for us regular Janes to pull off. She’s unique, she knows it, and is unashamed about it.

Freja Beha Erichsen. She's one of the top models for 2010 because she represents androgyny while staying beautifully female. She is comfortable with having a boy's physique and is lauded for being cool about it. 

Lara Stone. She deserves to be one of the top models of 2010 because she has her flaws but chooses to flaunt them. She is known for having a gap between her two front teeth, which actually became an endearment more than a nuisance in her career. And for someone who can fit into small clothes, she has been blessed with a chest that we can only wish for.

Gisele Bundchen. Gisele makes it to our list as one of the top models of 2010… and she makes to everybody else’s list. After all, she has the highest salary as a model, ever. But that’s no surprise, what with her great tan and devil-may-care hair. Gisele has been an ambassador for Christian Dior, Versace, and Valentino, among many others – you know she has staying power because she’s not a new face but she’s definitely going to be around for quite some time.

Miranda Kerr. But who doesn’t love this Victoria’s Secret model? Deserving of being called a top model of 2010, Miranda also believes in saving the planet and living an earth-friendly lifestyle, which makes her a role model as well.

Kate Moss. The list of top models of 2010 will not be complete without the iconic Kate Moss. She lives a model’s life, which has become both her strength and weakness. Kate Moss is a favorite not only because of the trends she has set, but also because she gives hope to us more petite women (she’s only five feet seven). This list of top models for 2010 will be sorely incomplete without Kate Moss. She doesn’t just model fashion; she lives it!

It seems that every magazine has been advertising "Military" inspired trends and colors for this fall. Forget about the brand new array of trends that this is sure to result in, do we really want to spend late summer and most of fall clad in greens, browns, blacks and grays? That seems a bit depressing, and that color palette is most certainly not flattering to all. Moreover, most males are oblivious to the latest trends and are likely to be somewhat confused by this latest set of styles.

So what is the best way to handle this? Go pink. Yes, defy the styles that every fashion-forward designer, magazine, and female has lauded as the next big thing. Its a great way to stick out in a crowd: be clad in pink as your friends look ready to ship out on a sub. Guys will be drawn to the feminine look and you will attract far more glances and attention that those around you.

Now, this does NOT mean you should run out and buy pink camo, or pair a pink sundress with a pair of those military-inspired lace-up boots spotted on runways. Opt for softer pinks rather than bold ones, and pair them with browns and grays. You can never go wrong with brown in the fall and gray is always good for the winter, regardless of the latest trends.

For example, add this pink Brooks Brothers button-down or this pink blouse by Leifsdottir.

Avoid heading out like this model at all costs:

Yes, Summer may be about sun and strappy sandals, but fashionistas everywhere know: The latest designer shoe styles have already begun to sashay onto the quickly-converting runways of Fall 2010. Straight from the runways of elite footwear fashion, prepare your shoe closet for striking slingbacks , a interesting take on colored suede as well as the fresh reinvention of platforms and those wooden clogs. One thing is for sure; these neoclassic styles spotlight “sexy” in a whole new way. Check out the 10 best trends in footwear, styles for Fall '10 you really must have!

 

Above: All eyes on the pumps  Platformed Mary Janes strut the runway at Anna Sui (above) and Prada Fall 2010.  Pick up the Miu Miu's patent bow spectator Mary Jane shoes, available now at Saks.

Want-It Trend #1: Fall's Peep-Toe Platforms

More than a few stylists have okayed peep-toe pump wearing in cool weather during recent years. Is it just us, or are these peepers being given an especially snappy presence for the upcoming season? Natural wooden stacked heels are a bit fresher and boheme than vampy stilettos. The newest toe-bearing shoes are sporting funky, experimental fabrics that you'll find surprisingly versatile.

Earth tones work with denim as well as basic browns and black. Peep-toe platform pumps by Gucci (left), available at Saks. 

Want-It Trend #2: Clogs Reinvented

They're back and more haute than ever. Cold-weather clogs have evolved way beyond just fluffy interiors and pastel suede. Fall 2010 clog shoe styles are looking more polished than ever with slingbacks, booted uppers and higher heels.

Socialite Clogs Alexa Chung (center) made a splash when she paired a frilly dress with clogs at the Chanel couture show early this year.  High boots with plush suede by Tory Burch.  Camo platform clogs by Prada.

Want-It Trend #3: Caged In

Provocative, yet classy.

Pair a closed-toe version of mesh heels with opaque or textured tights for a pretty dualtone display.  Mesh 'n' glitter stiletto booties, right, by Christian Louboutin.

Want-It Trend #4: Suede of Many Colors

Get ready to covet the prettiest suedes around, mixed with embossed printed leather, laces and other ravishing extras.  

Suede like you've never seen  Tan suede scrunch boots on the runway at Michael Kors (below).

     

  
Want-It Trend #5: Buckle Up

The latest look in boots: Buckles at mid-height, ankle buckles and even more metal hardware artfully placed near boots' pointed toes. Kick off in a sneaker boot style or more dressed-up versions in shiny leather or suede.

     

Buckles come in all shapes and sizes. Sneaker-style buckle boot by Ash (above left); stiletto platforms (above right) by Christian Louboutin.  Buckled plats at Proenza Schouler (above center). 

Want-It Trend #6: Thigh High

Couture thigh-high boots may seem like an impractical choice, but rich earthy tones combined with classic shapes of wedges and heels make it easier to let your imagination run wild (and keep warm in the streets)

  

Funky by day, feral by night  Thigh high luxe on the runway at Dior.  Over-the-knee boots with bows by Valentino.     

Want-It Trend #7: Touch & Glitter

Fall's latest footwear features glitz and glamor seen at all angles. Slip on a red carpet pump or even sneaker, drenched with meticulous sequins or velvet.

  

Street to cocktail wear  An instant Fall hit + run.  Keds Sequined Sneaker for Alice + Olivia, Saks.com; Delic Fuschia Glitter Pump by Christian Louboutin.

Runway photos courtesy of Harper's Bazaar and Style.com