subject: Colourful trends in women's clothing for summer 2011 [print this page] Colourful trends in women's clothing for summer 2011
After the blacks, greys and browns of winter, the vivid colours that accompany most people's spring and summer wardrobes inject some much needed brightness into daily life in the UK. Even when the weather fails to be sunny and warm, the most fashion conscious among us persist in being clad in blazing hues from head to toe. The direction being taken by summer clothes in 2011 looks set to continue this trend so if you're hoping to revamp your seasonal closet, what key pieces should you be looking out for?
The first thing to remember is that feminine styles are still dominating summer designs, as they have been for the last few years. To this end, a few classic tea dresses are a must in your summer wardrobe. Tea dresses can vary greatly in style. Necklines may be high, round, square or ruffled. Some may sport empire lines and a tie-back, while others may come with a zip or belt. Almost always, however, tea dresses will have short or capped sleeves and floral prints. The fact that tea dresses can be found in so many variations, but in the same basic feminine pattern, makes them a universal favourite with women in summer as they can be tweaked to suit an array of figures.
Another style that has become a summer staple for three years running is the sophisticated maxi dress. Many maxi dresses can be found in plain or dark colours and these are perfectly suited to evening wear. However, if you're planning to wear a maxi dress during the daytime this summer, stick to bright colours and patterns. If you're shorter than around 5 feet and 6 inches, you may find this style difficult to wear but don't discount it entirely. Some leading high street brands make maxi dresses specifically for more petite customers, so you may still be able to find a maxi dress that's not too long for your height.
A variation on this classic style that's being touted for 2011 is the sheer maxi dress. Whether this trend will catch on off the runway is yet to be seen, but a well-tailored sheer maxi dress could certainly provide simple yet stylish beachwear clothing if you're going on holiday this summer.
If you don't want to spend your entire summer in dresses, another key trend in women's clothing this year is wide-legged and bell bottom trousers. In a definitive throwback to the 1970s, bell bottoms offer a newly cool alternative to skinny jeans or straight-legged pants and are perfect for a casual summer look. If you're veering towards skirts, remember that - after years of shorter hemlines - they're getting a lot longer this year. Maxi length skirts will be common, but the three-quarter length pencil skirt may be more appropriate for shorter women or those wanting to make an impression in the office.
Most trousers and skirts this summer will come in cream, beige or navy shades. However, pairing them with a striped top - another important trend in 2011 - will add a splash of colour and wearing flat, wedged or heeled sandals with them will complete the summery vibe.
