MINIMALISM
The trend for pared-back, minimalist looks pioneered by the British fashion pack during their spring-summer 2011 collections last October will continue to be a fashion favourite in 2011.
Hannah MacGibbon for Chloe, Phoebe Philo for Celine and Stella McCartney opted to show clean, restrained clothing with few prints and little embellishment - a look that will dominate 2011 wardrobes.
Minimalist favourites will include neat swing coats, tailored pleat-front trousers, cigarette pants, unfussy A-line skirts, cotton wrap Dresses, crisp cotton shirts, neat tunics, slim-fitting Pencil Skirts and man-style jackets and vests.
BOLD Colours
The great colours mentioned in Pantone’s top 10 colours of 2011 will be big this season. Yellow, lime green, aqua, persimmon, crimson, violet are the new bold colours – gone are the elegant neutrals. These colours are vibrant and versatile – Don’t be shy. Team with softer shades like nude, white or even black basics. A neon lace skirt with a cropped white shirt would look refined and confident. If you are a little shy, then look to introduce these colours into your accessories – replace your red shoes with a bright blue one or your brown lippy with a vibrant red one. Add some spark to your outfits with accent colours that say, “Confidence”!
70’s SENSIBILITY
It’s all about Studio 54! - think high-waisted flares, second-skin Missoni-style knits, maxi skirts, platforms and jumpsuits. This year Anna Sui’s collection ditched the disco look and went for '70s folk, including crocheted granny-square cardigans and ponchos worn over smocks and maxi dresses in an assortment of paisleys and florals. Take your inspiration from Mitchell, Lauren Hutton and Charlotte Rampling circa 1970 and you'll be on the money.
LEATHER
While leather jackets have been a wardrobe staple for men and women for decades, in 2011 our love affair with leather will reach a whole new level. 2011 it is set to hit fever pitch with soft leathers being fashioned into all kinds of garments, from skirts and shorts to tops and dresses.
THE RETRO LADY
Think Mad Men on steroids! Vintage, ladylike looks that show off a woman’s curves will take their inspiration mostly from the 1940s and '50s. Channel the secretaries and housewives of Mad Men - think wiggle dresses, tight-fitting pencil skirts, sweaters, circle skirts and the women of Coney Island circa 1950, all neat sundresses, buttoned-up shirts and capri pants. It's a fun mix of housewife chic and ladylike glamour.
MIXING UP TEXTURES
Mixing up various textures and using texture more to accentuate your wardrobe - including fringing, feathers and faux fur - military looks, plaid, the trench, lace, pussy bows, jumpsuits, blazers and tailored jackets, suede, slouch trousers, animal prints, ankle boots, flares, clashing prints, jumper dresses, circle skirts, winter shorts, pencil skirts and folksy maxi skirts and dresses.
