The year may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the trends that became popular during 2011 have to. From leopard-print everything to fingerless gloves, 2011 saw the arrival of many fun new trends, as well as the rebirth of vintage trends such as oxford shoes and old-school bowler hats. Keep these fashion favorites alive in the coming year with our guide to the top trends of 2011. You be the judge of which fashions have the staying power to become style staples of the new year!
Did you rock any of these trends this year? Which do you think are hits — and which are total misses? Sound off in the comments!
By Sara Gartman
Varsity Jacket
You don’t have to be a varsity athlete to sport a stylish letterman jacket. Bring your A-game with this retro Knit Letterman Jacket from Forever 21 ($22.80). Guys can rock this old-school style too, with the Contrast Knit Jacket from Forever 21($39.90).
Mad Hatter
After the royal wedding and the spotlight on Kate Middleton’s style that followed, hats became one of the year’s most popular accessories. Beanie or beret, fedora or Panama, floppy or knit, hats are an easy way to add some style to any outfit (or just hide a bad hair day!). Try the bowler-style Glitz hat from Goorin Brothers($55.00).
Leopard Prints
In 2011, the fashion world went wild for leopard prints. From shirts to pants to shoes, you could wear the animal pattern everywhere from top to bottom. Get in on the trend with these Leopard Print Patent Toe flats from Topshop ($40.00).
Lace Dress
Making an appearance in spring and fall 2011 ready-to-wear collections as well as recent resort runways, lace has been an ongoing trend through the seasons. From lacy tops, to frocks, to trim detail, this feminine fabric has been spotted everywhere on catwalks and city streets. Try a lace look with this Sleeveless Lace Dress from Delias ($49.50).
Schoolgirl
Unlike mandatory dress codes uniforms, the schoolgirl trend was sophisticated and stylish. Peter pan collars made looking like a straight-A student one of the year’s most popular styles. Mix up the look and try the Silky Collar Tee from American Apparel ($39.99) with basic jeans and a pair of flats.
Sixties
Bringing back the swinging sixties, ’60s-inspired shift dresses went big this year. Mod A-line frocks are fashionable and functional, making it easy to go form dressed down to dress up with just one look. Go for a groovy get-up in this Shift Dress from ASOS ($64.63).
Bell Bottoms
Say so long to your skinny jeans and stretch jeggings because bell bottoms are back. From the spring 2011 runways to the streets, ‘the 70s-inspired wide-leg pant is taking over. To get the look, try these Stretch Flare Jeans from Alloy ($39.90). Keep in mind to keep the rest of your ensemble simple with a fitted top when wearing wide-leg denim.
Fingerless Gloves
The need for fingerless gloves probably came with the invention of the iPhone. Rock this stylish winter trend for guys with these AEO Fingerless Gloves and the AEO White As Snow Fingerless Gloves ($11.99) for women.
Surf Island Top
One of the most unexpected fashion trends of 2011 was the Hawaiian-printed shirt. The top that was once associated with dorky dads and vacationing tourists went high fashion on the resort runways. Get the look with this Surf Island Top from Roxy ($18.96).
Wingtop Oxford shoes
While guys dug derby shoes this year, girls also sported similar menswear-inspired oxford shoes. Get the look for women with these Wingtop Oxford shoes from Target ($16.98) and these Men’s O&F Leather Fleur de lis Accent Lace Ups from Target ($49.99).
Colored Jeans
Bringing a little bit of color into the dark world of denim, colored jeans have become trend for guys and girls this year. Take a break from blue jeans with these Colorful Skinny Trousers from Zara ($69.00).
January 1, 2012
Fashions