Just like clockwork, the year is coming to an end and 2012 is quick on
its heels. This time of year, it's fun to look back and reminisce and
look forward to see what the future holds. When it comes to hot clothing
styles, this past year saw many bold new looks and 2012 promises to be
just as exciting.
Karen Kwinter,
Canadian Living's fashion and beauty editor at large and Robin Keeler, a
fashion consultant for shopping centres across Canada, offer insights
into the clothing styles that were hot in 2011 and which fashion trends
you can expect to see in 2012.
2011 fashion trends shine a spotlight on colour
"The
biggest fashion trend to come out of 2011 was the emergence of bright
colour," says Kwinter. "First appearing on the designer runways as
neons, they softened slightly and during the year became slowly
accepted." Most popular, she says, were hot pink, royal blue and red.
"Colour was easy to add to one's wardrobe at first by adding it in small
doses, primarily to black."
According to Keeler, intense
look-at-me colour such as beeswax yellow, honeysuckle pink and
electrifying orange were the stars of 2011 fashion trends, expressing
what she calls a spirit of passion and energy. "Through their use of
these colours, designers evoked a sense of beauty and renewal, much
needed for those who have colourless wardrobes," she says. "Used
properly, colour is a powerful tool in the development of a strong sense
of personal style."
Other hot 2011 fashion trends and clothing styles
Pantsuits,
capes and ponchos, animal prints, leather, stripes and the ‘60s shift
dress were other looks that gained popularity in 2011, says Keeler.
"Pantsuits are always appropriate and versatile," she says, explaining
that fitted jackets always look great and give the wearer shape, whether
paired with narrow- or wide-legged pants.
"Capes can be
dramatic, elegant or just fun," says Keeler. "They are comfortable, go
with almost anything and are great layering pieces, especially in
transitional weather."
Once considered "wild", Keeler says that leopard
or snake prints are so widely worn in many clothing styles now, they've
become classic. But be careful: Head-to-toe animal print is hard to
pull off, she says, suggesting just one great piece instead of many.
Want
to add a little edge to your wardrobe? Try leather. "Leather, when
embellished with studs and chains, says ‘rocker' … and is never meant to
be worn to work," says Keeler. Instead, she advises sticking to classic
shapes and earth tone colours to integrate leather pieces into your
existing wardrobe. "Again, one great piece will do it -- head to toe is
too much!"
2011 fashion trends and clothing styles also embraced a
beloved pattern, enhanced by colour: Stripes. "When worn properly, and
in the right place, stripes can look absolutely fabulous," says Keeler.
"Bright stripes can add ‘oomph' to your outfits and can take your
clothes from tiresome to terrific."
As is often the case with
fashion, what is old becomes new again. The shift dress made popular in
the ‘60s saw a renaissance in 2011, making it a key wardrobe staple.
"Its simple, elegant lines look great under tailored coats, jackets and
cardigans," says Keeler.
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