Spring/Summer 2011

Spring is fast approaching, so I figured why not check out what's in this season. So I logged onto this website called fashionising, which is basically my online bible. I'm on there all the time reading up about what's in, what's out etc. but although I spend all this time on there, it hasn't crossed my mind to check what's coming up in the trends this year. Here's a quck guide on what your investments should be to keep you on trend for S/S 2011.



Sheer maxi dresses and skirts

This trend is new yet old. Last year Maxi dresses + skirts were the in trend and this year, that doesn't change, however the materials do. This year they're going sheer. The sheer fabric makes it very cheeky and quite sexy while the length balances it out with a very demure touch. Maxi dresses give your look a little bit of a romantic spark because it outlines your silhouette and letting your imagination do the rest instead of showing off your body to it's full extent. Celebrities such as Ashley Tisdale, and Rihanna are already sporting the trend. As I am one the petite women of the world I find it difficult to find a maxi dress or skirt that doesn't make me look smaller than I really am so in all honesty i'm looking froward to this summer challenge of finding a maxi dress because I feel that it must somehow be in my wardrobe this season.



Lace
Lace has held on to it's place in the trends for multiple seasons yet we're still not sick of it. It has different meanings to different people, to me lace is beautiful with a delicate aurora. It's a timeless material that will be used for years to come. This season the trend has been given a romantic edge, neutral lace dresses will be taking the high street by storm. Too much lace will make the look trashy so stick to one piece at a time. Kristen Stewart is one of the celebrities that has given lace a modern romantic twist.

Tassels
Looking through fashion websites lately, I have been bombarded by the site of tassels! Tassel bags. Tassel skirts. Tassel dresses. You get the drift. Tassels was once a form of art that signified luxury, this season, they're bigger, brighter and more voluminous than they ever have been. Also now they're not just being made from strands of fabric. Now feathers are being used as tassels too which has given the trend an edgier look. I love the feather idea being used as tassels, it's such a fun way to revamp a trend. Emilio Pucci, Louis Vuitton and Roberto Cavalli made tassels the main focus point, showcasing tops made from tassels, and tassels cascading from bags.

Capri pants
Although capri pants have JUST come into season, I have been wanting a pair since I saw Vanessa Hudgens sporting them in High School Musical 2, pretty sad right? They just looked so comfy, so summery and really sweet. This trend is an opposite to one of the other trends around right now, wide leg trousers. I love how all capri pants are a skinny cut without clinging to every curve, it gives women more confidence to bare a bit more skin in the know it won't advertise their "flaws" to the outside world. They come in a range of outrageous colours but the majority seen on the catwalk are subtle colours such as white, cream, grey, slight gold, or khaki.





Tail hem dresses

For awhile celebrities like Selena Gomez have been gracing the red carpet wearing tail hem dresses, they've also been on the high street for quite awhile too. I recently purchased a charcoal tail hem dress from Topshop, which I adore but I am yet to find a way to wear it without looking like an old granny. This trend comes in a range of lengths which causes a balance between mini to midi or midi to maxi, either way if the front is shorter than the back it doesn't really matter which length you choose it's still right on trend.


Stripes
S/S 2011 has held on to the traditional trend of traditional pattern and given it a modern twist. This pattern turns a blank canvas into a work of art even though there are numerous variations of it. Stripes are quite a powerful pattern because it can give an outfit architectural complexity and a very definite structure. For a basic guide on how to wear this pattern this season skimming through the amazing collections of Besoni, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Prada, Paul & Joe, Jean Paul Gaultier, Isabel Myrant and Matthew Ames. Although each design is unusual and different they're all beautiful.


Playsuits/Jumpsuits

Want the comfort of your sweats whilst still looking fashionable? then this trend is for you! Playsuits + jumpsuits are for all height ranges, even the petite girls + women out there, you can just pair some heels or wedges to give that extra sophisticated height to your figure. However if you already have the height covered then a pair of sandals will do the trick. I love how this outfit used to be associated with the likes of clowns and babies but has somehow evolved into a prima-trend and are now socially accepted as a wardrobe staple.  I adore this purple jumpsuit from Diane von Furstenberg, the simplicity of it is all it needs to make it pop as the colour is already bright + beautiful. I haven't seen many celebrities wearing this trend however I found a gorgeous image of Jennifer Lopez wearing an embellished halterneck jumpsuit.

Crop tops
The 70's era may be ruling the runway and shops, the 80's have managed to jump in to the trend list in the form of crop tops. Personally I don't recommend anyone spending a ridiculous amount of money on this trend because we all know it won't be around for a long time like some trends we've seen and is only for the younger women of the world, (only for 23 and under). However this is a fun trend and is meant for experimentation so get working with those accessories girls!  I'm going to be honest, i'm not a major fan of crop tops and feel that there a vast majority that look very trashy and look like they come straight from the fame era. With the right styling, a crop top can look very chic and stylish. I guess this trend is based more on personal preferences than catwalk trends. If you're confident enough to bare your midriff then I encourage you strongly to do so as crop tops look very cute with hot pants over a bikini at the beach or with capri pants around town. For those who aren't as confident as those lucky few you DON'T need to avoid this revival, you could pair it with a simple tank top to cover the midriff but have the modern style of the crop top. Cheryl Cole works this subtle crop top with sophistication and class.


Hope you enjoyed,
- Kayla