Fall/Winter 2012-13 runway looks (left to right): Lanvin, Roberto Cavalli, Emporio Armani

This winter, structure, it seems, is completely out of order. Boxy, oversized coats take the place of form-fitting silhouettes as designers from Viktor & Rolf and Fendi demonstrated with their Fall/Winter 2012-13 collections. However you stray from the structural norm this season, with a subtle peplum or a complete mash-up of geometrically inclined pieces, be warned: it’s about to get graphic. We’ve broken down four ways to try the graphic fashion trend, at every comfort level.

Graphic fashion trend lesson: Beginner
The peplum top
Winter 2013 runway trend inspiration: Lanvin, Roberto Cavalli, Emporio Armani
How to wear it: Given the hourglass silhouette the peplum forms—high neckline, slim waist, flare at the hips—don your jazziest statement necklace or a thick brocade belt to accentuate the flattering structure of this look.
Where to wear it: A naturally versatile piece, wear with cropped slim pants and a low heel for the office and swap in with a pencil skirt and slingback heels at night.
Graphic warning: Low—slightly more Marilyn than your natural frame.

Fall/Winter 2012-13 runway looks (left to right): Stella McCartney, Balenciaga, Alexander Wang

Graphic fashion trend lesson: Beginner
The sweater
Winter 2013 runway trend inspiration: Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, Balenciaga
How to wear it: Knitted, faux-fur lined or embossed with wallpapery brocade, the sweater is worn best oversized and with a pleated skirt and heels. Add a buttoned blouse underneath for a classic Cher Horowitz effect.
Where to wear it: A timeless schoolgirl look that works for day (bonus in chilly office settings) and vamped up with a bright red lip, motorcycle boots and leather gloves when night falls.
Graphic warning: Medium— the boxy outline created requires careful silhouette consideration elsewhere to avoid a frumpy grandma look.

Winter 2013 runways: Graphic fashion trend

For a graphic way to break out of the mold in winter 2013, read on to the next page…

Fall/Winter 2012-13 runway looks (left to right): Viktor & Rolf, Jil Sander, Lanvin

Graphic fashion trend lesson: Novice
The coat
Winter 2013 runway trend inspiration: Jil Sander, Viktor & Rolf, Lanvin
How to wear it: A few sizes too big with a similarly oversized collar, in a textured pattern or animal print. For an instant, always classy coat, the seamless, boxy look in blush pink at Jil Sander—worn with pretty pumps, only— took our breath away.
Where to wear it: Any place your coat takes centre stage—breeze through a night of flash pop-ins to various soirées, if only to proclaim when the host reaches for your coat: “No thanks, I’ll keep it on.”
Graphic warning: High—doesn’t matter what body-illuminating outfit you have underneath, the coat is the first thing they’ll see. 

Fall/Winter 2012-13 runway looks (left to right): Burberry Prorsum, Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone

Graphic fashion trend lesson: Expert
Mixed fabrics
Winter 2013 runway trend inspiration: Marc Jacobs, Burberry Prorsum, Rag & Bone
How to wear it: Pick your favourite fabrics—tweed, knit, leather—in the hottest patterns—animal print, floral, stripes—for a glorious, harmonious mash-up of winter’s best runway trends.
Where to wear it: Something about this artsy look screams gala—call it the fabulously costume effect of pairing a paisley tweed suit with a colourful knit scarf, and capped off with a plush top hat.
Graphic warning: High—who are you under there?

Read more:
Top trends: 12 amazing ’60s graphic prints
London Fashion Week: Christopher Kane Spring 2013
Spring/Summer 2013 Trend Report
Spring 2013 fashion: Top 10 runway trends