It's impossible to see into the future, but that doesnât mean we canât try. As we embark upon a new year, here are some of the design, food, travel, sports, technology and fashion trends that experts say will define 2016.
Fashion trends:
that 2016 âwill be a year that celebrates individuality,â including âstrong statement lips and daring short cuts.â
The magazine says Lupita Nyongâoâs metallic blue lips on the Star Wars red carpet in London and Charlize Theronâs Mad Max buzz-cut helped launch these up-and-coming trends.
Wearable tech:
Personal drones were big tech story in 2015, but 2016 could be the year âwearable technologiesâ finally take off, according to analysts Carmi Levi and Erin Bury.
Levy told Âéśš´ŤĂ˝ Channel that smartwatches havenât become mainstream yet because they âcanât do anything that our smartphone doesnât already do.â But 2016, could be the year the industry finds âthat unique use that no other device can fulfill.â
Erin Bury, meanwhile, said that âthe thing that will make watches the absolute killer, must-have consumer device of 2016 is independence -- making sure you can use it without your smartphone and that it offers something unique your smartphone canât.â
She says Fitbit is an example. It was the app in Apple's store on Christmas.
From left, Basis Peak, Adidas Fit Smart, Fitbit Charge, Sony SmartBand and Jawbone Move fitness trackers are shown in New York. (AP/Bebeto Matthews)
Paint colours:
says the 2016 âcolour of the yearâ is Bear Run, which it describes on its website as an âethereal blue that exudes calm and peacefulness, reflecting our increasing mindfulness about the importance of promoting life balance, and reducing mental and physical clutter.â
meanwhile, says Alabaster (a grey-tone) will be popular, because âat a time of interconnected commotion and overstimulation, Alabaster offers a sense of personal solace and revival to weary minds.â
on the other hand, says Simply White will define 2016. âSurrender to the complexity of white,â it suggests.
From left: Bear Run'by Dulux, Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore's Simply White
Travel destination:
Canada AM contributor Loren Christie says that 2016 will be the year of sticking close to home.
One reason for not going far is the 72-cent loonie, which is making travel to the U.S. more expensive than exploring Canada.
On top of that, Christie says the warm start to winter has had people âresisting the temptationâ to book trips to sunny climates.
Meanwhile, some people are spooked about travelling to Europe, after the recent terror attacks on Paris, France, he says.
For those planning to go far anyway, Christie says Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will be top of mind, due to the Summer Olympic Games.
The beaches of Ipanema, left, and Copacabana, right, in Rio de Janeiro, are shown on Oct. 9, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Edible ingredient:
Christine Couvelier, a Victoria-based culinary trendologist, told The Canadian Press that her in 2016 is toast. Among the toast combinations sheâs seen are pickled anchovies and tomato toast and toast with bone marrow.
Couvelier also thinks âcrispy, caramelized, colourful and flavourful vegetablesâ will have a big year.
Donna Dooher, president and CEO of Restaurants Canada, adds that squash is going to go âgangbustersâ in 2016. âThere's so many varieties,â she said. âIt's easy to grow here in Canada.â