After eight days of being glued to the shows at New York Fashion Week I have been shown an insight into what next year's fashion holds in store. Amongst the sporty references, monochrome combinations, oversized silhouettes and powerful prints, there were four main trends which I could see standing out above the rest...

1. FIFTY SHADES OF GREY

An S&M influence was clear to see on the catwalks, and although this has said to have been inspired by famed fashion photographer Helmut Newton's iconic black and white images, I think it may also be accredited to the bestselling novel, 'Fifty Shades of Grey.' When even Oscar de la Renta, known for his ultra feminine style, succumbs to using leather and latex, you know next Spring's wardrobe will be all kinds of racy.

Above: Herve Leger By Max Azria

Above: Jason Wu

Above: Oscar de la Renta

2. CUTAWAY

Following on from the previous trend, even more skin was shown on the SS'13 runways this Fashion Week with several designers slicing and dicing their dissected garments.{cke_protected_1}

Above: Peter Som

Above: Victoria Beckham

3. FEARLESS SHEERNESS

Once again, MORE skin! This trend however, is a far more subtle way of showing off your body, with sheer paneling and 'peekaboo' layering.
{cke_protected_2}

Above: J Mendel

Above: Charlotte Ronson

4. BOLD STRIPES

Horizontal, vertical, monochrome, colourful, barcode, prisoner... you name it, the NYFW SS'13 runways had it! There were dizzying zigs and zags in every direction!
{cke_protected_1}

Above: Marc Jacobs

Above: Michael Kors

Above: Oscar de la Renta