Christmas may barely be out the door, but while the weather is still a constant reminder that we are most definitely still in Winter for those fashion fiends among us it’s already time to turn our attentions to the shiny new season collections that are starting to hit the shops. 2011 promises a bumper crop of Spring/Summer trends – with dozens of shows across four cities I would be here all day if I were to try and tell you everything, but I’ve picked my Top 5 trend tips for the forthcoming season so you can get you wardrobe updated in plenty of time before the sun coms out…
The Colour:
Anything goes, so long as it’s brighter than bright - noxious neon shades graced the catwalks across the board. Take inspiration from Christopher Kane, he seamlessly added a punky edge to his jazzed up Princess Margaret-inspired pieces with a fluoro colour palette; my personal fave was the neon yellow lace skirt. I’m the first to admit I’m not brave enough to wear head to toe highlighter shades, but try adding one blindingly bright piece to an otherwise neutral outfit in a nod to the trend. Tangerine, cerise, lemon, lime – the brighter the better.
SEE ALSO: Cacharel’s perfect neon minidresses.
The Era:
The 70s are back with a vengeance, so dust off the platforms and dig out your flares. King of Cool Marc Jacobs channeled some serious 70s diva looks – think big sunglasses, big hair, big hats, big colour and big shape. Key buys will undoubtedly be a maxi skirts, sheer blouses (I’m thinking big bishop sleeves…) and some flares or palazzo pants. Though possibly not the MJ purple satin ones… maybe just denim...
SEE ALSO: YSL for a timeless halterneck jumpsuit, D&G’s ditzy floral maxi dress.
The Look:
Who ever said romance was dead? If the catwalks were anything to go by they were very very wrong. This season will be flirtatiously feminine; think layers of translucent chiffons, pale laces and delicate florals. Take a leaf out of Dolce & Gabbana’s book and follow a neutral palette. Best in show for me was Hannah MacGibbon’s Chloé – balletic inspired concoctions of subtle chiffon in a buttery palette of neutrals.
SEE ALSO: Donna Karan Collection’s desert-hued drapery.
The Fabric:
If you buy one thing this season, make it lace - from neon to neutral, it was everywhere. It took on many guises; delicately lingerie-inspired at Dolce & Gabbana, brightly flirtatious at Erdem, beautifully beaded for evening at Valentino – wherever it was it was the star of the show!
SEE ALSO: Alberta Ferretti’s boho lace maxi skirt.
The Accessory:
Continuing the 70s theme, this season the shoe to be seen in will be the platform, prevalent at shows across the board. Office have the perfect pair in the form of their Man Power style, a delectable brownish red court in store now at £75 – ideal for finishing off winter and strutting into spring.
Hope that's given you a little insight into what you need in your life - and your wardrobe - to make it through to Summer...
Love Laurel x
