The Top Trends for Spring 2011 You Can Wear

Even designers, who typically show multiple variations on black, are showing bold saturated color this spring. Orange, coral, pink, turquoise and yellow are the standouts so far. They wear best (if youre overeight years old) in strong mid-tones to deep saturated color. NOTE: Do yellow with caution- its tricky to wear near the face because it makes most complexions look jaundiced.

Expect its usual seasonal popularity to be even more explosive this season. White is being shown in soft flowing styles and more structured looks. NOTE: when buying and wearing white garments, pay attention to what shows through. Check your rear view mirror! Pants should be in heavy enough fabric so seams, pockets, and underwear dont show through. Do not wear white underwear when wearing white garments. Wear nude undies.

Kitten heels and pointed toe pumps are a safer, smarter antidote to super steep stilettos, and theyre BIG for spring. Fashionable flats like ballet styles and updated classic loafers never look outdated and now theyre everywhere in leather, skin, and cloth.

The newer styles have higher waists and wider legs and the fabrics are fluid, which means more feminine styles that minimize hips and thighs.

Coco Chanel built a style empire by borrowing from the boys. Stripes have come a long way in the decades since, but the striped jerseys she lifted from war time sailors look as good as ever when worn with chic trousers or layered under cardigans and casual jackets. Look for combinations that range from classic two-color stripes to bold mixes of unexpected colors.

Floral, tropical, animal, and ethnic prints will show up everywhere. Wearing prints or patterns head to toe can be tricky and/or matronly, depending on the garment and the wearer. Resist the urge to mix patterns unless youre absolutely sure youve got it JUST right.

Blouses and dresses in sheer diaphanous fabrics are the perfect way to wear the seasons best prints. Whats underneath a sheer garment is what makes (or breaks) the look. For transparencies to work, they need to be opaque underneath. Camisoles and tank tops that offer some support as well as coverage are perfect for this job.

Goodbye minis. What goes up must come down. The chicest length is between the bend of the knee to the top of the calf. To maximize the look, wear a heel at least 2 high.

The newest jewels are huge cabochon style stones set in more organic settings. Look for statements rings, bold earrings, wide embellished cuffs and bangles singly or in multiples. You can make a statement with one item or mix match and multiply. Remember, its your statement!