top trends 2011 .. style watch: 2011's top trends

top trends 2011 .. style watch: 2011's top trends
Las principales tendencias 2011 .. estilo del reloj: 2011 de las tendencias principales
Trends Top 2011 .. Montre: 2011 de Trends Top

By: Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi

No one can deny that 2010 was a seriously good year for fashion. But with a new year on the horizon, it's the top trends of 2011 that have our full attention. If you track back to any of our Fashion Week roundups, you'll see that there were plenty of trends to get excited about. And now, with spring right around the corner (well, almost!), we're circling back to get you up to speed on what you need to prep your closet for. So, without further adieu, here are the best and biggest trends of 2011...and yes, we're already on the hunt for pajama bottoms.

1. That '70s ShowFrom the wide-leg trouser to the sexiest classic halter top, the '70s are back (again!) in a big way.
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Above, from left: The '70s trend on the spring 2011 runways at Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, and Tory Burch.
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Above, from left: The '70s trend on the spring 2011 runways at Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, Thakoon, and Rodarte.

2. The Return Of MinimalismPhoebe Philo started it at Céine this year, but for 2011 it's all the other silky, simple separates, neutral tones, white-washed palettes, and future-friendly utilitarian details like paramilitary straps that have positioned this trend as a Big One for 2011.
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Above, from left: The minimalist trend on the spring 2011 runways at 3.1 Philip Lim, Richard Chai Love, Yigal Azrouël, Rag & Bone.
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Above, from left: The minimalist trend on the spring 2011 runways at Alexander Wang, VPL, Rag & Bone, and Calvin Klein Collection.

3. Going LongDowdy or not, fuller, longer, smarter looking skirts, dresses, and their maxi siblings have been giving minis a major run for their money. Call it a grown-up moment; You can bet your bottom dollar that, come spring, those thighs of yours will be staying nicely undercover.
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Above, from left: The long skirt trend on the spring 2011 runways at Diane von Furstenberg, Jil Sander; Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein Collection.
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Above, from left: The long skirt trend on the spring 2011 runways at DKNY, Givenchy, Dries van Noten, Proenza Schouler.


4. Printed MatterEven if everyone is copying, we still can't get enough of prints. And spring/summer basically turned up the volume: think bigger, louder, more playful and expressive than ever, from the sweet fruit prints at Suno and Prada to bold animal prints that were...well, everywhere.
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Above, from left: Burberry Prorsum, Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler, Prada.
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Above, from left: Givenchy, Diane von Furstenberg, Suno, Z Spoke.


5. Block Party—The palette for the season was super intense with bright orange, turquoise, honeysuckle pink, and yellow dominating. A lot of designers played with pairing multiple intense colors together, which provided a beyond bold effect.
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Above, from left: The bright color trend at Peter Som, Karen Walker, Christopher Kane, Rachel Roy.
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Above, from left: The bright color trend at Jil Sander, Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurung, Z Spoke.

6. Pajama GameLoose and lovely loungewear inspired many a runway with drapey weekend trousers, matching printed tops and bottoms, and nightgown-esque slip dresses. While this might be one of the tougher trends to pull off, it offers an interesting nod to the shift in modern sportswear...sexy, casual, and very appealing.
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Above, from left: The loungewear-inspired trend on the spring 2011 runways at Karen Walker, Vena Cava, Thakoon, and Ralph Lauren.
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Above, from left: The loungewear-inspired trend on the spring 2011 runways at BCBG Max Azria, Proenza Schouler, Karen Walker, D&G.
top trends 2011 .. style watch: 2011's top trends