Spring Fashion 2011

Where to shop and what to buy this season

What's spring without fashion? Probably something like summer without at least a few long weekends. The weather is nice but where's the fun?

Because I'm far from a Fashionista, I turned to several top fashion experts to get the scoop on the biggest trends of the season. And since there's a little Recessionista in all of us, I asked them where to find the best buys of the season as well.

The three top trends cited by the majority of our panel were:

Wide legged and flared pants
Bohemian-inspired styles, colors and prints
Stripes and other bold patterns (including geometrics and floral prints)

Coral, it must be said, was noted as THE hot color for Spring 2011. Be sure to look for it in handbags, jewelry and apparel.

Other trends mentioned by our mavens were:

60's styles including lady-like dresses influenced by Mad Men
70's looks like bell bottoms, high-waisted pants, crochet knits and maxi dresses
Loosely fitted, flowy tops—especially those with touches of ruffles and lace
Military looks – most notably military-inspired jackets, with metal hardware
Cross-body bags, which are both cool and functional
Whimsical patterns with birds, trees and romantic themes
White, a perennial warm-weather favorite, particularly white denim slacks

Shoes are a great way to update classic pieces. Our panel noted several styles for spring including clogs in various materials including leather and fabric; platforms, yes platforms, although stick to styles that are no more than 3 inches high to maintain a professional look; kitten heels; and strappy shoes in both heels and flats

“Bright colors will be in full-swing this spring, especially when it comes to dresses. Opt for citrus colors – yellow, orange and lime green – the bolder, the better,” says . Keith Fulsher, Chief Merchandising Officer, dressbarn. “If you're a little hesitant to wear bold colors over your whole body, pair neutral bases with bold jewelry and accessories to combine the two trends and make the look your own.”

Fashionista on a Budget

Because retail stores are often regional, but our readers are from across the country and around the globe, I asked our experts for a few suggestions of where to get great fashion for less online.

The overwhelming favorite was www.6pm.com. At their recommendation, I visited the site to take a quick look and was amazed by what I found there: Tons of name-brand merchandise at discount prices.

Numerous other sites were also named for style and affordability including:

“Window shop at higher end brands like Anthropologie, Talbots, and J. Crew,” says Carole Tuttle, dressingyourtruth, “Find the looks you like then go to Target to find similar styles for a lot less money.”

For some of us on tiny budgets, updating our wardrobe may mean only adding one or two new items each season. So I asked our panel of experts what one item they would recommend to instantly update any business wardrobe. Particularly if a woman is going to a job interview or to a networking event.

“Accessories instantly update a wardrobe”, says Lizandra Vega, LizandraVega. “Try a scarf with an interesting print, a bold contrasting color or one that is tied in a unique way around your neck or waist (as a belt). This will show your sense of style instantly, even if you are wearing the most traditional and conservative suit.”

“A dramatic necklace, preferably with colored stones that are flattering to your skin tone and eyes”, observes Scarlett De Bease, Scarlett New York. “A large turquoise colored pendant would add an eye catching pop of color and style to any basic outfit. And nothing gets a conversation going more, than receiving a compliment!”

Tuttle agrees, “Tribal style necklaces and charm necklaces that are in this Spring will add flare and fashion to what can otherwise feel boring and conservative when it comes to your professional wear.”

Isn't that how we all want to look fashionable and professional? Happy shopping!

Additional Reading

About the Author

Annette Richmond, MA is Founder and CEO of career-intelligence.com. Having changed careers several times, including working as a career coach, she has a unique perspective on career management. When starting career-intelligence.com 10 years ago, her goal was to provide a one-stop online career resource. In addition to running career-intelligence.com, Annette and her partner are launching Career Strategies Conference in May 2012. Visit the conference site for more information.

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