A Fun and Fresh Way to Step Into Spring

This spring, you need only remember four words when it comes to fashion: brights, prints, mid-length and white. According to Style.com, and the abundance of designer collections the site features, these are some of the biggest trends for spring 2011. These trends may appear daunting at first glance – especially when confronted with the wacky banana prints at Prada, but when broken down, the fashions below are a fun and fresh way to step into spring.

Brights

Brights are perhaps the most intimidating of the spring trends, with designers like Jil Sander, Prabal Gurung and Aquilano Rimondi sending head-to-toe colour down the runway model after model. From highlighter-yellow blazers to coral trousers, this trend is not for the faint of heart. However, when given a chance, the style is surprisingly wearable. If you are willing to brave the brights head-on, pair solid colours in similar hues. Keeping your ensemble in the same hue (think jewel tones or eye-catching neons) prevents colours from competing with one another to create a harmonious, cheerful look that makes a bold statement. Colour shy? Try choosing a bright accessory, like the lemon-yellow belt from Christopher Kane below, or a punchy watch. Ice Watch has a great selection of colours at a fair price that will update any look.

Prints

From fun fruit at Prada and Stella McCartney to psychedelic leopard at Blumarine, prints were popping up on countless spring runways. The easiest way to wear the trend? Choose one printed garment and keep the rest of your look solid. Try pulling colours from the statement print for your accessories for a fun, playful look. Want to wear prints at the office? Work in a printed blouse with a solid black or white suit for a modern take on a classic look.

Mid-length Skirts

The newest hemline for skirts hits mid-calf, a difficult length to wear for those of us not blessed with Amazonian legs. Therefore, heels are a must to flip this trend from frumpy to flattering. If you are shorter, keep skirts at the knee or above – these will not shorten your figure. A classic, feminine look, the mid-length skirt is perfect for any occasion – the versatile trend is easily adjusted with new toppers and accessories. For work, pair a mid-length skirt with a classic blouse and pumps. On weekends, wear a simple tee, cropped jean jacket and wedge sandals with the trend for a relaxed vibe. For evenings out, try a sexier top, like a structured bustier-inspired tank or a sparkly cardigan. Remember to keep the shirts fitted – the billowy silhouette of the skirt is enough volume for one look.

White-on-White

The freshest look for spring is head-to-toe white. The best part is that you probably already have everything you need in your wardrobe. Designers from Bottega Veneta to Doo.Ri were showcasing the all-white look, proving that the trend is wearable for work, day and play. The Little Black Dress was replaced by the Little White Dress on runways like Celine and Christian Cota, and the pantsuit was made over in breezy white fabrics, perfect for warmer days at the office. White ensembles look best paired with either bright-coloured accessories, or natural materials, like wooden bangles or a woven handbag, such as the one from Aldo, below. If you are feeling nervous about looking more marshmallow than magnificent, try cinching in your look with a brown leather belt to highlight your waist.

For the Men

Men’s fashion has a relaxed, warm-weather vibe, with white, classic prints, rolled trousers and tailored shorts dominating the runways.

Classic Prints

Plaid, stripes and yes, even Hawaiian prints were all over the men’s runways, proving that these classics can be revived time and again for a new look that is right on trend. Although designers like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger showcased the trend head-to-toe, the look is easiest to wear with just one piece. Try a traditional plaid button-down in casual cotton, or a thin pin-striped short. As for the Hawaiian look, use your discretion. If it’s been in your closet for over ten years, and reduces your spouse to tears, it may be time to invest in an update.

Rolled Trousers

From D&G to Lanvin to Dsquared², all of the designers were rolling the bottoms of pants before sending them down the runway. Unless you work in a laid-back environment, this is clearly not a look for the office, but it is perfect for the weekend or vacation. The trend is best worn with jeans, cargos, or casual trousers – leave rolling suit pants to the professionals.

Head-To-Toe White

Men’s fashion takes a hint from the ladies, with the white-on-white trend moving its way onto suits, sports clothes and relaxed separates. Although more difficult to pull off on men than women, the all-white look is great on the golf course, and works for an updated evening ensemble. Though, with wine and grass stains looming, you may think twice before jumping on this fashion bandwagon. If you dare to wear the trend, pair a crisp white polo shirt with slim trousers for a preppy vibe. For evening, a daring all-white suit looks handsome on a lean silhouette.

Tailored Shorts

The baggy cargo shorts of summers past are just that – a thing of the past. This spring, men are wearing tailored shorts for a casual look that is more sophisticated. The new short can be worn with anything from a simple tee shirt to a suit jacket and button-up, but steer clear of wearing the trend at the office. The look is better suited for golf, a warm night out, or a day of entertaining.