Fashion trends for 2011

Shoes

It's a new year and with it comes changes to our wardrobe. As usual, Flair will keep you in the loop. Here are the fashionable predictions for 2011.

Last year's fashion collections have already predicted what the fashion trends will be in 2011. As it relates to our feet, don't go spring cleaning your shoe collection just yet or plan any shopping sprees. Here is what your lovely pretties should be clad in to keep them fashionable.

Platforms: Yes, ladies you will still be standing tall this year. It seems the fashion world hasn't had enough and platforms are still relevant.

Colour: It seems we will never be contained in a black and white world. Bright, bold colours will still be adorning feet this year.

Animal prints: They should all have a disclaimer 'no animals were harmed in the production of these shoes'. The snake and leopard prints are still chic.

Accessories: Shoes are not just to protect our feet but to make a statement. Buckles and zips will pop on our feet again this year.

http://www.womenfashiontrends.com/2010/05/2011-shoes-trends-for-women/

Clothes

To be fashionable in 2011, you don't have to try too hard, just take a trip into your mother's '70s collection.

This year, we will definitely see fashion styles from the past, but with a modern twist along with some new creations.

'70s Sophisticated

The fashion of that decade is back. Think high-waisted, wide-leg pants or flares, smartly belted in. Or neat bow-blouses, especially with billowing or bishop sleeves. Silk and satin are also back. For those more daring, a pair of hot pants is the ultimate 70s item.

By night, go with the look-at-me shimmering fabrics and cuts that hug the body tightly or are sensually draped. Choose high-sheen fabrics with a 70s disco-inspired edge, anything with a metallic thread. Also, add a ruffled neckline under a brocade blazer or tuxedo jacket, paired with a sharp pair of pants.

Biker fashion

Ever watch one of those movies and seen all the bikers dressed in leather? Sexy, right? Well, you can show off your curves in biker wear because they are hot, hot!

But, remember, we live in the tropics, so tread lightly with this one. Go for a cropped biker jacket which will be perfect with a ruffled mini dress, or leather-type leggings.

Lace

At the end of last year, we saw the invasion of the lace.

While it is not a new trend, it continues into 2011. You can add your own little touches to make a fashion statement.

This year, it's lace all over, but especially about antique-styled lace. Generally, go for a wider net, a more unique pattern and a sturdier fabric, rather than a thin stretch lace.

Punk Fashion

The punk look emerged last year and will continue in 2011.

This trend features the military, gothic and grunge look. Hence for 2011, no matter what you read, the punk-fashion trend should be less about an overall theme and more about mixing punk elements with other seasonal trends. For example, something ultra-feminine with a punk-rock edge.

Stripes

Stripes are still hot for 2011, but go for more blue and white navy inspired ones. Black and white stripes can still work, but remember you don't have to limit your stripes to your clothes, you can rock a striped hat or shoes as well.

www.fashionising.com/trends

Accessories

For
Spring 2011, the predictions are that accessories will be bold overall.
Keep your eyes out for these trends weaving their way into your
wardrobe.

1. Large bold necklaces will be made even grander by layering.

2. Get ready for over-the-top rings

3. Pearls - faux pearls and real pearls are in

4. Grey and silver

5. Eco-friendly materials, for example wood and bone, will craft some of your pieces.

Information from www.sweetwaterdesignsat.blogspot.com and http://ezinearticles.com.

Men

Men are becoming more fashion conscious, and some did well in 2010, so in 2011, they can't afford to slacken up. Flair hit up a few websites to find out what the '11 trends are.

Casual

Skinny
jeans are done (thank God). Instead, you're looking for a pair of
flared jeans or trousers. These are slightly wider than a boot-cut, but
with a slimmer thigh and waist that make the hemline even more defined.
Chequered shirts should be in, with various chequered patterns. Cartoon
characters on accessories and shirts are already out there.

FORMAL

When it comes to suits, slim-cut is the thing.

For
single-breasted suits, go for sleek, cut slim- to medium-size notched
lapels. The upper button should be positioned around your navel and the
breast pocket accommodate nothing more than a pocket square (as opposed
to an elegantly folded pocket handkerchief).

Double-breasted
suits are back. They're now designed to accent and to heighten the
perfect masculine shape: the V-shaped, well-worked body.

If
you're going to buy one off the rack, go for suits that broaden the
shoulders and slim the waists. Go for the 'Kent' cut, named after a
style popularised by the Duke of Kent. It's a cut where a longer lapel
line extends into the waist. This small detail makes you look taller and
give you a trim waist.

Waistcoats
are popular again, so the three-piece suit is back in style. But the
trend calls for cohesion of the colours; every piece has to match.

And
we can't leave out the bling. The jewellery item of choice will be
chains but not of the gold variety. Think full length in an assortment
of styles.

Information sourced from www.fashionising.com, www.articlesnatch.com/, http://men-fashion-trends.com and http://en.moda2011.net/fashion-2011.

Bags

For some time, women have bid farewell to the days when handbags were just used for 'functional reasons'.

Transcending
from then to now, handbags have gone on a journey that have now made
them the perfect accessory to complement and even to complete a look.
They haven't lost their functional abilities, but designers have managed
to incorporate fashion and style to go with functionality. Today there
are handbags designed to suit various occasions, using countless colours
and styles to appease different tastes.

They
are said to be a reflection of a woman's personality and sense of
style. So with 2011 here, may your bags represent you in style!

Here are some trends to watch out for this year.

Chain-Strap bags
and clutches

These
types are more for an evening or night out. They can be paired easily
with a simple dress or even a pair of nice clean-cut jeans (dressed up,
of course). For these bags/clutches, minimalism in terms of dressing is
what goes best with them.

90s shoulder bags

These
were the 'it' bags for offices back in the days and they have made
their way back, but, of course, are a bit more fancy. Quite comfortable,
the shoulder bag comes in different styles that can be worn to the
office and even on a very casual day.

Hand-held bowler bags

The
hand-held bag comes in different sizes and shapes, again made to suit
different settings such as the office. And as the name suggests they are
literally carried by the hand. With the straps being short, this allow
the hands to firmly grip them.

Cross-Body bags

Highly
suited for more casual settings, these bags add a little flavour and
edge to your look. Perfect if you are just up and about and do not need
much to carry around. The straps come in different variations such as
chains and leather.

Buckle-Front Bags

Bags
that come with a flap fastened with buckles aren't only there for
security reasons but to make a fashion statement. Coming in very elegant
and chic designs, they vary in size even as small as a handheld clutch.

Additional sources:

http://www.fashionising.com and becomegorgeous.com.

- Latoya Grindley