The Latest Fashion Trends of Fall 2011

Bright Colors

Traditionally, bright wardrobe colors have been reserved for spring and summer and warmer, cooler shades come out for the fall and winter. This fall, however, is definitely not cooling down in the color department. Bright colors are everywhere this fall from pants and skirts to dresses and shoes.  Earlier trends of the year incorporated these bright colors with color blocking. While you may still see some blocking this fall, brights are now paying less attention to the rules of the color palette. In addition, bright colored pants are also making a huge statement this season. Take advantage of trendy bright colors this season to liven up those gray chilly days.  

Lace Accents

Lace is no longer just for undergarments.  This fall, lace enhances day wear as an accent fabric and the result is truly intricate beauty.  The trend is to let lace replace bare skin or enhance an outfit such as black lace sleeves or a lacey boarder.  To wear this trend there are a few rules to remember. First, stick to lingerie colors such as black and nude when wearing lace this season.  Colors tend to take lace from chic to cheap.  Second,  keep the lace to an accent.  Create an inspired couple by pairing lace with flannel, wearing it under a sporty coat or using it as a border for a Donegal Tweed.  Let the lace enhance your outfit rather than dominate it.

Polka Dots

Polka dots just keep coming back into style and are definitely making a statement in fall 2011. Stella McCartney makes polka dots flirty and girly with sequin-like polka dot discs and Marc Jacobs had polka dot fever on the runway with spotted hats, hosiery, and everything in between.  If you are not quite ready to wear polka dots in runway style, they can be toned down and worn as accent pieces.  Try wearing a polka dot blouse or scarf to add a trendy and playful twist to one of your everyday outfits.  

Chic and Cozy

The brutal winter most of the country experienced left a lasting impression on designers as they created the styles for this fall. Many designers utilize furs, downs, and quilted fabrics to keep you fashionably warm this season. Plush and colorful super-luxe parkas can take on the harsh winter elements and still be appropriate for an evening dress code. True fashionistas can pair their favorite maxi skirt with a warm and cozy sweater for a toasty and trendy look this fall. In addition, furs are getting even more attention for taking on psychedelic dye jobs.  For example, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen created a chic powder-blue chubby jacket and a tri-toned topper from Celine adds spunk and personality to a cozy outfit.