Spring fashion barely waits for the snow to melt in 2011, with some new styles that are changing things up in a dramatic way. These 2011 trends are flashy, bold and even might make you do a double-take. Get the low-down on how to make these spring fashions yourself at home instead of draining your bank account this season.
1. 2011 Jeans: Bell Bottoms and Wide Legs
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Wide leg jeans are coming out of the woodwork after letting skinny jeans rule the earth for the past few years.
At the 2011 Spring Fashion Week last September, Derek Lam, Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu and Tommy Hilfiger all showed off cuts that were high-waisted and tapered out for a bell bottom effect at the hem.
You can resuscitate a pair of skinny jeans for the 2011 season by adding denim flares to the seams.
2. Glam Punk Attitude
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Conformity is so 2010. While I don't like to fit the 'punk' look into any certain category (by definition, punk rejects such restrictions) but I'd describe this 2011 'punk' trend as a kind of typical 1980's music video punk.
At Spring Fashion Week in Paris, Balenciaga and Balmain were showing off slouchy white (or lightly patterned) tank tops under zippered and studded jackets. These were often paired with skinny capris or short skirts that were either made of leather or bore bold patterns.
Punk Looks to Try for Spring 2011:
Turn a T-Shirt into a Tank Top
3. 50's Housewife Skirts and 60's Modest Tops
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The full skirts of June Cleaver have been swishing on the runways, complete with a high waist and cheerful pattern.
Oscar De La Renta, Vera Wang, and Jayson Brunsdon all featured full skirts that cinched the waist in their spring 2011 fashions. The patterned skirts did all the talking, as these were almost always paired with simple bodices of modest necklines.
You can make your own full skirts and sun dresses to picnic in this spring.
50's and 60's Looks to Try this Spring:
4. Colors to Dye for: Orange and Chartreuse
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Every Spring we see a new set of hot colors in the lineup. At Spring Fashion Week, two colors were front runners.
Jason Wu and Rodarte revealed styles in a stunning chartreuse that was used to brighten up playful dresses. Oranges that pop were hearalded by designers such as Marc Jacobs, Chris Benz, Carlos Miele. Elene Cassis rocked both of these bright colors in her collection.
The orange is on more of the reddish orange side than a sunny peach color, and they again appeared on dresses and skirts more than any other piece of clothing.
Use simple cold water dyes in the sink at home to try these new hues on light colored dresses.
Dye Tricks to Try:
How to Dye Plant Fibers (Cotton, Rayon, Linen)
How to Dye Animal Fibers (Wool, Silk, Cashmere)
How to Dye Synthetic Fibers (Polyester, Nylon)
5. 70's Sophisticate
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Coincidentally, I was watching Lawrence Welk today for the sheer enjoyment of the glitzed out trends of yesteryear. While not as sequin-coated, this 70's trend is among the same calibur.
We aren't talking the Haight-Ashbury or Saturday Night Fever lot- this trend is the sophisticated woman of the 70's. At 2011 Spring Fashion Week in New York, Ralph lauren, Chloe and Elie Tahari had tops tucked into high waisted pants, and sleek 70's dresses that sported low cut criss-cross bodices.
Try these 70's Looks this Spring:
6. Khaki, Revisited
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The trands last Spring had a lot of neutral colors in the lineup, and it looks like they are back for a repeat performance in 2011. Richard Chai Love, Phillip Lim, and Yigal Azrouël were among designers showcasing this trend during Spring Fashion Week last September.
Try a cream, mocha or safari tan color on a white garment from last summer to give it a new on-trend life this spring. All you need is a pot of coffee.
