Summary of Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Trends

I have finally finished posting my thoughts on this Spring/Summer's hottest fashion trends, which include:

70s
Headscarves and Turbans
Tiny Pleats
Long Skirts
Colorblocking
White
Wide Leg Pants
Fruit Prints
Asian Inspiration
Woven Accessories
Orange
Pajama Dressing
Stripes
Flatforms
Eclectic Mixes
Bright Shifts

For more details on each of these trends click here: http://cbusstyle.blogspot.com/search/label/Spring%2FSummer%202011%20Fashion%20Trends. 

The main theme this Spring and Summer is a retro 1970s vibe -- bell bottoms, wide leg pants, headscarves, and long skirts. Also, don't be afraid of color this Spring and Summer -- colorblocking, bright shift dresses, and bright orange are all on-trend this season. While last Spring and Summer it was all about showing some skin with short-shorts and sheer fabrics, this year it is more about the longer lengths. And while I wouldn't say skinny jeans have gone out of style, I would recommend giving the wide-leg and bell-bottom trend a try this season as they are generally flattering on all body types. Of course, florals are always on-trend for Spring and chambray is continuing to remain popular this season. Happy shopping and, no matter what the current trends may be, remember to stay true to your own personal style!!!

Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Trend: Bright Shifts

Another big trend on the SS2011 runways were shift dresses in bright solid colors (Above: Prada; Michael Kors; Burberry Prorsum; Calvin Klein).  I love this trend because I love color and I love dresses and shift dresses are extremely comfortable.  Plus, the monocolored dress provides a nice background to show off your fun statement jewelry.  Plus, shift dresses are work appropriate but can also be worn casually on the weekend with a ponytail and flats.  You likely already have a shift dress in your closet, but in case you don't and you want to give this trend a try, below are some options to consider:  ASOS cutaway a-line tailored shift dress for $71.72 on www.asos.com; ASOS ruffle front tailored shift dress for $71.72 on www.asos.com; ASOS tailored empire seam shift dress for $80.69 on www.asos.com; Maggy London zip trim jacquard shift dress for $148 on www.nordstrom.com; Tibi zip ponte shift dress for $293 on www.bloomingdales.com; Lilly Pulitzer "Lela" daisy-lace shift dress for $328 on www.bloomingdales.com.

Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Trend: Eclectic Mixes

Another trend this Spring and Summer is to combine prints in unexpected and eclectic ways (Above: D&G; Missoni; Prada; Louis Vuitton).  This has been a trend for awhile now (I think I posted about it for AW2010 trends) and it is still going strong.  Remember that the key to this trend is to pick prints that are within the same color family like how the purple in the blouse above at Louis Vuitton is carried over into the skirt.  This trend is great for younger women who are going for a world-traveler bohemian vibe.  If you like this trend and want to try it out, I have located some pieces that combine prints together and included them below.  Of course, another option is to combine separates that you already have in your closet together.  Below:  DKNY stretch deco print silk twill knotted dress for $325 on www.bloomingdales.com; Floral rendering cardigan for $98 on www.anthropologie.com; Joie "Ashanti" dress for $268 on www.piperlime.com; Theater company top for $124.99 on www.modcloth.com; Donna Morgan belted print jersey shift dress for $118 on www.nordstrom.com; Tribal maxi dress for $29.80 on www.forever21.com; Pippa silk paisley dot printed blouse for $128 on www.bloomingdales.com; Spots and flowers dress for $22.80 on www.forever21.com; Juicy Couture "Ditzy" garden patchwork maxi dress for $258 on www.bloomingdales.com; Joie "Gloria" silk blouse for $208 on www.nordstrom.com; Spanish rose strapless dress for $24.80 on www.forever21.com; Polka dot cardigan for $26 on www.forever21.com.

Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Trend: Flatforms

The biggest footwear trend to emerge on the SS2011 runways were "flatforms" -- platform shoes that are not arched like a wedge sandal.  Flatforms were seen at Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, and Chanel (above).  This trend is interesting to say the least, but probably not something that I am going to run out and buy, although I have found that platform shoes can give me the added height that I love (since I am a shorty) without being overly uncomfortable.  What do you think about this trend?  If you want to give it try, below are some flatforms to consider (or at least the closest that I could find to a flatform!):  Dolce Vita "Layla" sandal for $98 on www.piperlime.com; Elizabeth + James "E-bounce" platform slides for $198 on www.nordstrom.com; Jimmy Choo "Paisley" espadrille slide for $365 on www.nordstrom.com; Dansko "Sara" sandal for $114.95 on www.nordstrom.com; Stuart Weiztman "Alexlo" espadrille wedges for $298 on www.nordstrom.com; Steven by Steve Madden "Sezer" slide sandal for $88.95 on www.nordstrom.com; Kork-ease "Ava" wedge sandal for $134.95 on www.nordstrom.com.

Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Trend: Stripes

Another trend that was featured prominently on the SS2011 runways were stripes (Above: Celine; Sonia Rykiel; Jean Paul Gaultier; Jason Wu).  Stripes appeared on every item of apparel imaginable -- skirts, dresses, pants, and tops -- and in all different sizes and colors.  This is a trend that I would imagine that most women can get behind as it isn't too out-there (like some of the other trends this Spring and Summer!) and striped pieces are generally very easy to find in-stores.  You probably already have a striped item in your closet, but in case you don't and you want to give this trend a try, below are some options to consider:  "Accidentally in Love" striped maxi dressfor $49 on www.piperlime.com; Jack by BB Dakota "Kari" striped skirt for $49 on www.piperlime.com; Marc by Marc Jacobs "Beatrix" striped sweater for $178 on www.piperlime.com; "Maritime" striped blazer for $118 on www.jcrew.com; Wide stripe cardigan for $19.80 on www.forever21.com; Striped "slvls" tunic for $8.80 on www.forever21.com; French Connection stripe bell sleeve dress for $84.27 on www.asos.com.; Juicy Couture cashmere blend slouchy pullover hoodie on sale for $159.99 on www.piperlime.com; Mystree ruffle neck racerback top for $48 on www.piperlime.com; Asymmetrical layers dress for $24.80 on www.forever21.com.

In addition to appearing on clothing, stripes also adorned many accessories on the runways (Below: Christian Louboutin; Tory Burch; Manolo Blahnik; Fendi).  Like the apparel, stripes appeared on shoes and handbags in many different colors and sizes.  

I have managed to locate some fun striped accessories if you are looking for a striped piece to update your Spring/Summer wardrobde.  They are pictured below: Jessica Simpson "Colie" pump for $98.95 on www.nordstrom.com; Coach poppy legacy stripe small wristlet for $48 on www.nordstrom.com; Dolce Vita "Teri" slip-on for $119.95 on www.nordstrom.com; Cara Accessories prepster stripe bow headband for $28 on www.nordstrom.com; Kate Spade New York journal "Maryanne" patent leather shopper for $425 on www.nordstrom.com; Bebe "Natasha" sandal for $109.95 on www.nordstrom.com; Juicy Couture silk rugby stripe "Daydreamer" tote for $248 on www.piperlime.com; Naughty Monkey "Peekaboo" pump for $54.95 on www.nordstrom.com; Oasis striped bangle on sale for $10.76 on www.asos.com; TOMS canvas wedge for $68.95 on www.nordstrom.com.