Many a spring/summer season sees stripes, especially within a nautical theme. For Spring 2011, the look will be about Navy & White specifically dominating a look. The key is about drawing attention to the stripes in the outfit over and above everything else.
Remember the fanny pack? Well, forget it. A hot new women’s accessory trend for 2011 can’t be known by that name now. We’ll call it simply the belt purse, or pouch. What’s important about this trend is that it is worn higher up to create a more sophisticated shape, rather than on the hips where it appears to be more casual and too functional. But if you must let it hang low, it should be elegant. The strongest style for 2011 and the best suited is leather because it makes a elegant statement.
Pair it with a long, flowing maxi dress. Add tassel detailing for a luxury bohemian touch. For evening, consider it with a moderate cocktail dress, where the pouch is perfect for lipstick and a credit card.
Along with the 50s and 60’s revival come the 70’s glam. It is about high-waist pants with elegant blouses by day, and flowing shiny dresses for evening. The look serves as the epitome of sophistication, and chic glamour. Diana Ross in “Mahogany” is a good example of this style trend. The pant have wide legs, blouses have bows and are seen in silk, and satin. For evening, the dresses are long, and flowing with shimmering fabrics that create drama for the occasion.
Accessorize with platform shoes, leather satchel bag for day and a small bag with a long strap for night. Wear lots of jewelry: bangles, beads, bracelets and rings.
Lace dresses and skirts are probably the biggest trend for 2011. Although there are various types of lace the focus should be on more ornate examples, with a wider net and a unique pattern. Also, a sturdier fabric is preferred over a thin, stretchy one. Lots of black is seen for rocker/punk/mod styles, even during a spring day. The key is light weight and unique patterns.
Think London of the 80’s revisited by the future. The fabric and the layering make it feminine; lace, sheer material combined with lighter weight leathers and studs create the look. Balmain and Balenciaga spring collections are great examples of this style trend.
The punk era was about youth rebellion and came primarily out of Britain. Biker jackets, safety pins, ripped jeans, studs, t-shirts with holes in them and Doc Martins are key elements and the source of inspiration designers tap into to update and recreate.
Plenty of floral patterns can be found in collections for the upcoming season from names such as Michael Kors, Burberry and Christian Dior. Tulips, roses and other flowers make an impact and serve as the emphasis on rayon, chiffon, and silk. Cotton jersey and knits are served in pastel tones as outerwear, day dresses, light sweaters and tops. Bright colors and pastel shades dominate; see lots of yellow, and orange. The shapes are loose and carefree for day, and form-fitting for night time. The silhouettes are fluid and come alive in the wind. Sheer lightweight fabrics are the key.
Any fan of Mad Men will appreciate the inspiration that it has made in women’s fashion. The look doesn’t feature pencil skirts, or tiny mini dresses that were prominent in the later years and part of the “mod” movement. It is more about the early sixties that shifted from the 50’s. Among the most obvious items are the flowing feminine dresses that were the staple for housewives. They were usually simplistic yet stylish. Lace patterns, and broad plaids are among the variations seen in the full skirts that were also part of this era.
Involved in media and marketing professionally, editor of A Silent Flute
and a writer, record collector and DJ.
Today, since it’s a little warmer than usual, I’ve made the switch from full on winter layers and all that to something a bit more chilled out. I’ve got one of those work-shirt numbers on, but it’s engineers striped, from LEVIS. POLO Rugby chinos in a lighter-than-usual khaki, and a pair of POLO cookie boots. Some say their kind of corny, but I like them and they’re not three-full-bills expensive. Outwear-wise, a vintage ORVIS brown and green navajo print fleece shirt jacket. Probably one of my favorite vintage finds. Oh and some VALENTINO sunglasses, clubmaster frames.
I’m at my desk, but about to head outside and enjoy the sunshine.
Brightness prevails for Spring 2011, but not the hues expected. In addition to the usual pastels, and vivid colors shown on the runways white makes a statement of its own. Designers such as Ann Demeulemeester, Gianfranco Ferre and Celine show white at its best.
For Spring 2011 a new shape is formed. Shirt tail hems, or tapered hems are shorter in front, and longer in the back. This hem effect is created just for fun and whimsy; a way to play with clothing. Expect to see a variety of fun dresses for spring and summer 2011 featuring this hem line.
