Spring/Summer 2011 Trend Report

**Although this article was written many moons ago, Mid-February, I am still receiving requests for it to be published on blogs, in EBooks and newsletters, and for websites… The latest trends are obviously something every style-savvy gal wants to know, so here you go- enjoy!**

If ever a time came to mix some true vintage pieces into your wardrobe for added exclusivity, this would be it. For those daring enough, a vintage discovery can be an inexpensive way to add excitement to your wardrobe, and with fashion making an overpowering reference to 70’s attire, taking this step and unearthing something individual to you couldn’t be easier.

Flared trousers are by far one of the most recognizable fashions of the 70’s. Early decade trousers had a slight flare but reached wide bell-bottom proportions by about 1975, and now they return to us with a number of contemporary twists; including high-waisted interpretations of this retro classic that are loose fitted about the knee.

Since we have become so accustomed to skinny jeans and leggings it felt only natural that the fates of fashion sent us something new to fawn over. This is not to say that your skinny jeans are “out”. Quite the opposite, they remain a fashionistas favourite and show no signs of shifting.

This trend also expands to include wide leg trousers. The resonant, angelic tones of a ‘Hallelujah’ chorus rang in the back of my mind as I wrote this piece. Wide leg trousers are one of my favourite garments. They are so versatile and undervalued. I have had slim, curvy, young and mature women try a pair of these trousers and love them! So I was ecstatic thinking of the choice that will come about following the collections of John Patrick, Akris and Christian Dior.

Worn with heels, platforms, nautical stripes, or a wide-brimmed hat, wide-legged trousers look the business. But my preferred look has to be when worn with a voluminous loose-fitting blouse in either a sheer or satin finish, tucked into your trousers freely with a skinny belt- phenomenal!

And while on the topic of belts let us touch upon one more trend- tassels (particularly seen on belts). Tassels have also been publicized through other hosts such as bags, shoes, dresses and hats.

This season isn’t all about ‘Saturday Night Fever’. In fact the spring trends of 2011 continually reference an earlier period- the 1950’s.

Think Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, one of the most notable wearers of Cat Eye Sunglasses – the 50’s eyewear phenomenon, in addition to Marilyn Monroe, Barbara Windsor, and Dame Edna Everage (of course). This trend had been forecasted last season once the likes of Prada and had showcased these frames, and now other designers have hopped onto the bandwagon including the likes of Paul Smith, Hilfiger and Giles Deacon.

Other trends influenced by this decade include the use of wide-brimmed hats, kitten heels and the continued popularity of flat ballet shoes. But what do you wear your flats with this season? Another 50’s classic- Capri pants (or just roll up for skinny jeans above the ankle).

For me here, ‘Grease’ was the word! And of course the most recognizable way to wear capris (as any true Pink Lady knows) is with ballet pumps or kitten heels as previously mentioned, or to team them with nautical stripes or a feminine shirt (two further trends set to scatter the high street in many different guises). However, the renewal of Capri pants has brought about a reoccurring trend- Biker Chic; this time exposed through leather or linen capris worn with studded leather jackets, military-style boots or simple ankle boots... And on this occasion I felt the more masculine T-Bird fashion had it (I’m always a chump for any punk/rock themed trend).

Clogs are another popular shoe style this season, and although not the most glamorous sounding trend, platform or chunky heels can be worn by most who dare to try them.

Maybe you feel as though I have lost the plot at this point, encouraging my readers to wear clogs of all things, but between the 1840’s and 1920’s the clog was in its heyday in Britain particularly associated with the industrial North of England (my neck of the woods), so a mention of this Nordic classic was a must.

And so I digress… Whether preppy, rocker, urban, bohemian, romantic or jet-setter there will be pieces available for everyone to make their own. But remember, “ simply because Prada, Marc Jacobs, Burberry Prorsum or any other high end fashion designers sent an assembly of primed and preened size 8’s donned in drop waisted chiffon dresses down the Autumn/Winter runways does not mean that same (highly expensive) garment will look the same on you. Such designers cannot tailor their work to every shape, height and size, in fact the majority focus on sizes 4 or less. If you, like the majority of women today are honored enough to own a womanly curvaceous body then knowing your stuff can make you look utterly jaw dropping. Thus returning to the core intention’s of my service; to teach you all about your body shape, how to utilize the sources and budget available to you and ultimately know what looks good on you.” (Quote taken from my Guide to Shopping Etiquette, sent once you have joined my newsletter via http://www.lukesutton.net/ )

To read this article of my website http://www.lukesutton.net click the following link,

http://lukesutton.net/#/springsummer-11-trend-report/4548727176