Styles of Desire
To bring out this coming spring/summer's key message of optimism, floral prints, bright hues and white chic are some of the new trends to watch out for. We suss out 6 styles you can't do without for the coming season.
1. Flower Puff
After our obsession with structured mannish numbers in 2010, ladylike dressing is back with a loud bang. Celebrate womanhood with girly florals! If you are petite, go for smaller prints so as to avoid overwhelming your frame.
2. Cool White
White is the new IN for spring 2011, but unlike the stark look a year ago, add some funky details like metallic elements to give the pristine tone some edge. Work the look with gold or silver jewellery, or with shoes that have a metallic sheen.
3. Sheer Beauty
As with the past 2 springs, lace and see-through fabrics are still a sheer delight. But instead of the previous underwear-as-outerwear kind of look, this season's sheer style is a sophisticated look with hints of skin. Try choosing a form-fitting piece as the base and wear a translucent overlay (in tulle or organza) over it.
4. Extra Volume
Shapeless is in! Discard your micro-mini, body-hugging pieces for loose and voluminous dresses that are comfortable yet stylish. If you are petite, pick a drape that ends at the knee or an inch above to appear taller.
5. Asia is Power!
In recognition of Asia's upcoming influence in the retail sector, this season's fashion bears strong Asian flavours - Chinese floral prints, Japanese asymmetrically-styled kimono tops with bright trims and thick-quilted obi belts. While oriental prints are not something new to us, obi belts and wrap dresses are an attractive mix of East and West. Get hold of a versatile obi belt and pair it up with anything from a draped dress to a shirt-and-pants combo.
6. Pop Culture
To compensate for last spring’s neutral shades, this season bursts with a palette of bright hues – fiery orange is the colour to look out for. The colourful shades are a welcoming relief after the monopoly of monotones in white, black and camel over the past few seasons. Besides, the warmth of orange flatters most skin tones, giving them an additional glow. Bright orange shades suit olive-skinned women, while those fairer can try shades in creamy rock melon. Not comfortable with clothes that loud? Get a pair of kicks or a handbag in the bright hue to spice your wardrobe up instead!
