Spring 2011 fashion trends: Spring / Summer 2011

Women's spring 2011 fashion trends: key looks

'70s glamour

Just as the '50s and '60s are back, so too are particular elements of the '70s. There are two main aesthetics: '70s bohemian, and '70s sophisticated glamour. When it comes to the latter, think dresses that fall like shimmering water in the evening and high-waist pants with elegant blouses by day. Click to read about the sophisticated '70s trend.

Biker clothing

As of spring 2011 the military fashion trend will have been with us for over a decade. And for that decade it's been great, we've loved it, but 10 years later we have to admit: spring 2011 is the time to move on. The question is: what do we move on to? The answer: the trend that's been living in its shadow, waiting for its moment of glory. And for spring / summer 2011 it's going to get just that because here comes the biker trend.

Punk fashion

Another of the thematic trends for spring / summer 2011, punk carries on from last year to become less of a full blown trend and more one of influence - you'll see its elements impact upon a number of other spring 2011 trends. Which can be a danger: punk fashion is one trend you can't afford to get wrong. Read our guide to punk fashion for spring / summer 2011 to find out what it entails, what elements you should wear, and the looks you should avoid.

60s ladylike

The silhouettes of the 1950s and 1960s make a strong return, with shapes that accentuate curves and foster femininity. A hip-hugging sheath dress with a below-the-knee hem is the ultimate in hourglass dressing, while the full circle skirt and dress remain at the core of the trend. For Spring 2011 introduce fresh colours, prints and light summery fabrics. Click to read about the '60s dress trend.

Women's spring 2011 clothing trends

Maxi dress goes sheer

Every season trends evolve, and every season two trends merge. In that regards, spring 2011 will be no different from what has come before it. What will be different, however, is the season's take on a staple for many women's summer wardrobe: the maxi dress. In spring 2011 it'll merge with another trend favourite to give us the sheer maxi dress trend.

Lace clothing

No, it's not new. But, like all trends that span multiple seasons, it has evolved. Lace influences for Spring 2011 are more to the classic side with quality antique-style fabrics the key to the trend. Less of the allover, stretch lace and more of the unique takes. Click to read more about the lace dress trend.

Crochet & macrame

These are two fabric finishes that could had to return for 2011: the re-rise of 70s fashion, the popularity of nautical, and a love for lace guaranteed it. Find out what clothes and accessories are on trend and how to wear the two fabrics by reading our guide to the crochet and macrame spring 2011 trend.

Tassels

Sometimes a little detail is all it takes to change the feel of a garment. In Spring 2011 one of the most popular trimmings is one that signifies luxury or, at times, the exotic. Adorning everything from handbags to shoes to dresses and hats - click to read about the tassel trend.

Bell bottoms

With skinny pants and jeans now so common that they no longer make a statement it was inevitable that a different style would emerge as a trend. It didn't necessarily have to be this one, but with the come back of all things 1970s it was inevitable that fashion forward people would turn to bell bottoms / flared pants as their style of choice. Follow the link to find out more about this spring 2011 clothing trend including some key styling tips.

Wide leg pants

By now the general experiment with cuts of pants and jeans that aren't skinny should be evident: women's pant trends in spring 2011 are defined by this experimentation with everyone keen to see options for women that simply aren't skinny. Hence alongside the flares are wide leg pants and jeans. What is the difference between the two, and how should they be styled in 2011? Follow the link to find out.

Capri pants

For every trend exists its opposite. So as spring / summer 2011's fashion trends allow us to welcome flares back into our wardrobes, so too does it allow for an opposite style, in the form of capri pants, to make a showing. Click the link to find out about the styles of capris that are in in spring 2011, and what other trends to wear them with.

Tail hems: dresses longer at the back

They've been seen as an alternative to the summer mini skirt or maxi dress for sometime, and for spring / summer 2011 'tail hems' continue their reign as the more interesting alternative to both. Click to read about tail hems including the different styles suited to spring 2011's trends.

Stripes

Stripes are a dominant part of any spring / summer season, though usually, year on year, featuring a variation on the theme. Spring 2011 sees stripes with an unsurprising nautical dominance - but it's a dominance inspired by other key Spring 2011 fashion trends. Click to read about stripes to find out what those other inspirations are.

Jumpsuits & playsuits

They're something of a yoyo trend: one season they're in, the next season they're out. For spring / summer 2011 they're back again, reinterpreted to fuse in many of the season's other fashion trends. Read our jumpsuits & playsuits guide to find out what's in and what's out.

Crop tops

It was 2009 that we last focussed on this look as a trend, and back then it certainly wasn't a trend for the whole year. This is very much a high-summer 2011 look, one great for the hottest of weather and party atmospheres, such as festivals. Find out how the crop top trend has changed since 2009 and how to wear it in 2011 by clicking the link.