The new spring fashions have already hit the runways, and we’re seeing a lot of great designer fashion accessories and clothes you can add to your closet.
Cat-eye glasses and sunglasses: Cat-eye glasses hit the scene back in the ’50s (Audrey Hepburn wore them in Breakfast at Tiffany’s), and kept their popularity throughout the ’60s. From that point on they were mostly reserved for those paying homage to those earlier decades’ style, but now they’re officially back in vogue. (Giles Deacon and Paul Smith both featured them in their recent lines.) Grab a pair of regular glasses, shades, or both.
Wide-leg Trousers: This is probably one of the most comfortable upcoming trend of 2011, featured by Marc Jacobs and Tommy Hilfiger, among others. Paired with the right top and shoes (heels always look great with them), wide-leg trousers — especially high-waisted ones — can make anyone look fabulous.
Full skirts: In another nod to comfort, full, knee- and shin-length skirts swept the runways (again, in Marc Jacobs line, as well as Suno’s). These are a great way to look classy and elegant — pair them with the cat-eye glasses and you’ll have a super-cute ’50s-inspired look — and can be worn with an assortment of tops and shoes (though flats tend to look best with them.) Another great footwear option is…
Kitten heels: Kitten heels are perfect for those of you who have trouble with the height of most heels but still want to wear them. They typically don’t surpass a couple inches and curve inward at the heel to provide more stability. They were featured last season as well as for this spring, so expect to see a lot of these designer shoes for women.
Belt purses: Basically the cooler younger sister of fanny packs, belt purses are another designer fashion accessory that’s been popping up all over the runways (in the likes of Dianne Von Furstenberg and Jaeger London’s lines). They’re much more stylish than fanny packs, coming in an array of shapes, sizes and colors, but serve essentially the same purpose. They’re perfect for day-to-day life; most can easily fit a wallet, cellphone and makeup, as well as a few other choice items.
Dolman sleeves: Yet again, proof that 2011 might be the one of the most comfortable years in fashion this century, designers have been gravitating toward looser, somewhat boxier tops with dolman sleeves. Karen Walker, Yigal Azrouël, Vena Cava and Rag & Bone all featured them recently, so you’re sure to see them everywhere.
The color palette is pretty much all over the place. A lot of designers used fruity colors — bright oranges, pinks, greens and yellows — but just as many went with neutrals and pastels. So when it comes to colors, use your best judgment, and remember: there’s no reason you can’t mix it up. Pair a bright full skirt with a pair of pastel kitten heels, or wear a neon pink belt purse with some tan trousers. Just keep it classy! With this year’s batch of designer fashion accessories and clothes, it won’t be hard.
