Put those NorthFace fleeces down and leave those yoga pants for actual yoga; seasons are a-changin’, girls! We have officially entered into the domain of Spring/Summer ’11 trend zones and no one can really afford to waste another lounge day on the Quad in a tattered pair of denim micro-shorts. If you feel like you are in a style rut, or the thought of showing up to class in last years Capri’s fills you with dread, then it is high time to re-vamp your closets and pack them with the latest Spring/Summer ’11 looks. Understandably, the first hurdle is where to start and how to translate the beautiful (and at times downright baffling) styles that designers parade down runways into wearable chic. I intend to talk you through the key looks for this season and advise ways in which everyday style maidens like you and I can wear them.
Key Look #1: The Year the Maxi Went Sheer
The maxi dress/skirt is nothing new. However, this season designers have spruced this elegant look by making it totally see-through! (Kind of) Everyone from Chloe to D&G rocked the sheer maxi at their shows, and all showed how contradictory one garment can be, being both a maxi and a mini, transparent but opaque, modest yet sexy. This movement towards showing a bit more skin while wearing a maxi has quashed any hint of the Amish peasant-like schoolteacher vibe that the original maxi can threaten. Urban is stocking the easy-to-wear, black sheer maxi skirt, and my advice would be to keep it casual on top with either a cropped shirt or slouchy jumper, as featured above. If you’re still not convinced that the sheer maxi is for you, how about taking baby steps and buying a regular maxi in the mean time? They’re timelessly sexy, dynamic pieces that require minimal effort to pull off. Whether it be bold African prints, or just the one color; slide on a pair of fancy flat sandals in the day, or opt for chunky wedges at night.
Key Look #2: Jump right in
Last year’s romper has blossomed into a full-length jumpsuit for this season. Pretty much anything goes as far as design and shape, however 70’s boho chic is making a big comeback this summer so stay safe with floral and floaty for an all-round on-trend look. Unless you have the body of a goddess, it is probably best to go for something looser fitting. However, aim for a gathered waist or add your own waist belt to add shape to you, and to the jumpsuit. They’re a great alternative to wearing the same old LBD to the bars and can be relied upon to keep your modesty in tact, should things get a little sloppy.
Key Look #3:Biker Babe
No closet is complete without a leather jacket. Fact. If you are the owner of said incomplete closet then sort yourself out and revel in the fact that you’ll be bang on trend for this season. The differences in biker jackets this time around, compared to times gone by, are more attention to detail and an overall more tailored look. Burberry pioneered a line of stunning two-tone, quilted leather jackets with zipped sleeves in a range of colour combinations for their Spring/Summer line. Although I may be promoting fashion forward dressing, if this is your first leather jacket purchase then my advice would be to stay simple; stay black. Contrast the leather with lace, girly prints and summery colours to keep your look fresh and feminine.
Key Look #4: Bright is Right
To anyone reading this- let it be known that I have never been a fan of, endorsed or accepted the colour orange as anything more than the more unfortunate of our two school colors. However, fear not, orange lovers; your day has come- as this season’s bright, bold colors couldn’t be more in if they tried. Even colour clashing gets two thumbs up, but be sure to remain tasteful and classy about it. So please, leave your garish neon tights, KAMS glow sticks and any other similar 80s apparel at home and instead try teaming neon yellows, florescent pinks and yes, even Illinois orange with leather leggings for a chic take on these brighter shades.
Key Look #5: Less is Always More
This is a look that so many easily get wrong, however, when done right, ticks all the boxes. Minimalism is a timeless style that oozes sophistication, elegance and class – something every college girl needs to embody (anytime after midnight doesn’t count). The trick is to keep it silky and sleek with simple separates and neutral tones. Aim for whitewashed palettes and future-friendly utilitarian details like paramilitary straps. If complicated patterns and prints aren’t really your thing, then minimalism is for you this season, as well as being incredibly versatile and flexible, the look can also be accessorized in a variety of ways to suit the occasion.