Spring Trends You Can Wear Now
It happens every season: You fall in love with a certain silhouette, a specific color, or that one perfect piece coming down the runway only to remember that there are at least five months before it will actually be available. (Spring 2011’s best offerings will trickle into Bergdorf Goodman and Saks around February—but who can wait?)
Here’s where you have to get creative: With a little digging, instant gratification is just a click away and can tide you over until the new season’s must-haves hit retail. That’s right: clothes for sale now that have hints of Spring '11. (Not knockoffs, of course, since we’ll be buying the items that initially grabbed our attention as soon as we can get our hands on them.)
Check out some of the top trends, then compile each look using our on-point finds along with pieces you already own. Because come spring, you’ll have a whole new set of fall trends to obsess over …
Midi Skirts
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The new hemlines as seen at Chloé, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Bottega Veneta.
After seasons of minis, hemlines have finally dropped. Grazing the calf (or just above), this new “midi” length comes in body-conscious interpretations—see Prabal Gurung’s figure-skimming sheaths—and wispier versions like the prima ballerina-pleated skirts at Chloé. Also look for full, ’50s-inspired shapes and sleek pencil skirts with a longer hemline. And don’t forget the heels, lest you’ll look overly librarian.
'70s Style
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We haven’t seen the last days of disco. From left: Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, and Elie Saab.
Make room in that closet full of sharp-shouldered jackets! Though the ’80s have reigned supreme in fashion for many a season, it’s the ’70s that are really on our radar for spring, most notably at Marc Jacobs’s self-titled collection as well as his line for Louis Vuitton. Think slinky dresses, jumpsuits, plenty of lamé, platform heels, and, when in doubt, Halston. Keep the look up to date with modern hair and makeup.
All-White Ensembles
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Spring’s color palette veered to the supremely minimal. From left: Thakoon, Calvin Klein Collection, and Michael Kors.
While frothy sundresses may not fly in these colder months, there’s no reason to forgo an all-white ensemble like those seen on the Alexander Wang and Michael Kors Spring runways. Heavier fabrics are key here: Wool trousers, winter-white coats—even a lace minidress can work when done right (try it with opaque tights and an embellished cardigan). As for accessories, keep it in neutral—a pair of Miu Miu loafers in pale camel will look chic (just not with the aforementioned dress).
Mixed Prints
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Prints mixed and matched with abandon. From left: Peter Som, Jason Wu, and Marni.
More is more when it comes to this spring trend, seen everywhere from Prada to the typically buttoned-up Jason Wu. Stripes on spots; florals on plaids, tie-dyes, brocades, and digital prints—let’s just say control freaks need not apply. Personality is key to pulling this off, as the fashion victim potential is high. But opting for mixed prints that are small in scale and in the same color family will keep you from looking clownish. Stella McCartney wedges in a mini polka dot paired with a Proenza Schouler dress in a complementary shade is a subtle way to wear this trend.
Wide-Leg Pants
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The era of skinny pants is taking a much-needed breather. From left: Jason Wu, Céline, and Derek Lam.
OK, you may not be ready to relegate your skinny jeans to the back of the closet just yet, but hear us out: In terms of Spring 2011 pants, designers went big—and what better time to try this one out than winter? Katharine Hepburn–inspired wide-leg trousers; polished, flared denim (yes, the bell is back); boyish, low-slung chinos—admit it, your fondness for jeggings is shrinking. As for the upper half, a ladylike, bow-neck blouse will keep things feminine. Now, who wears the pants again?
