The top 5 fashion rules for 2011
New year, new you. We have your five fashion resolutions for 2011, hot off the spring runway.…
Dear Diary, This year I promise to: quit smoking, stop stressing, resist cocktails, give up cake, be nicer, start yoga, read more blah blah blah. We have a better plan. Forget self-flagellation, and make a few fashion resolutions instead. Infinitely easier and more fun to keep than any detox regime - guaranteed. Just don’t hope to combine the pledges below with any financial good intentions. Here they come:
1) Find a middle ground
After years of minis vs maxis, the midi is having a moment. Don’t be scared. This much underrated below-the-knee skirt has hidden depths – deliciously demure and surprisingly flattering with a scoop neck, waist-cinching belt and wedges. Skinny minnies should go for a straight, shift style, while pear shapes get a clever hip disguiser in the A-line midi. Drop that hem like it’s hot.
2) Invest in my perfect white shirt
Your sensible style pledge of 2011? A simple white shirt. Don’t feel bound to classic button-down styles – the chemis blanc appeared in many guises on the spring catwalks, from crisp boat necks to trailing ruffled sleeves. Viktor & Rolf did it best, with their genius off-the-shoulder white shirt dress.
3) Embrace my inner Charlie’s Angel
Blame that Love Chloe ad – the one where Racquel Zimmerman sashays around in a silky blouse and super wide-leg pants – we’re obsessed with all things 70s. Start by going cold turkey on the straighteners and learning to tong your hair instead. Then break out the jumpsuit and think pussy bow, paisley and pleats.
4) Learn to walk in heels
Not exactly a new resolution this, we admit. But all attempts at kitten heels are officially shelved, as of January 2011. Realising that we weren’t impressed with last season’s wimpy mid heights, designers brought the stiletto back with a vengence. See Versace’s kinky spring 2011 shoes for proof. In other footwear news, brights, prints and platforms are all back on the menu.
5) Go wild
Just when you’d accepted ‘the new minimalism’ (which, frankly, was a bore unless you’re the taupe type), fashion does a U-turn. The spring/summer 2011 runways were a riot of texture, colour, print and drama – put it this way, Christopher Kane cited ‘Princess Margaret on acid’ as his muse. Look to Pucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and McQueen for more bold inspiration.
Francesca Hornak writes for The Sunday Times Style Magazine
