The spring/summer '11 collections were literally a breath of fresh air. And since winter has departed in most places and spring is just around the corner, we want to help you kick start the season in the most inspiring and beautiful trends. Adding these basic necessities to your wardrobe will ease your transition from winter to summer.
From the biggest department stores, to your local malls, to the popular high street shops and of course online stores, you'll be able to find these key pieces anywhere.
Here are some easy ways to step into your new spring/summer wardrobe:
Cover-ups like sheer sweaters and light jackets are great investment pieces. Remember this trend is at its most wearable in understated styles in earthy colors.
Tunics are one of spring's upcoming essentials. A lot of designers have brought them back to the fashion scene with contemporary, clean cut tunics making them great layering pieces over skinny pants or flares.
Flowers are not just blooming in the gardens; they're also blossoming on the spring collections. Fashion has fallen for floriculture and this year, the prints are pretty intense. The nice thing about these prints is that you won't need a lot of accessories to style it.
Palazzo pants are THE trousers to wear for day and night. Just make sure that they are high-waist and wear them with a light loose blouse and some chunky sandals. If you love 70’s style, this look will definitely be your thing.
After an extended disappearance, long hemlines make a debut this spring. If you thought they were dowdy and boring, think again.
Handcrafted items are especially important this season, as seen on the runway at Emilio Pucci. Add a crochet top or tunic to your closet to be instantly on trend.
Never say never when it comes to suits. They are an essential asset to every woman. They can be worn during fall and summer. Chanel always prevails in this category, making the most stylish yet classic suits for all occasions.
Midi dresses and skirts arrive back to the scene. Very 1970’s era. The simplicity of the midi gives plenty of space for amazing accessories to show it off.
Pastel blazers are not to be missed. They look sophisticated and feminine worn with a pair of jeans or a skirt.
Sky high heels in bright jewel colors such as emerald green, orange and purple are a must. Perfect statement pieces for when you want your shoes to make the talking.
Top-handled bags are timeless pieces. Choose one in burnished saddle leather, antiqued hardware, or braiding.
Midnight blue is the new black. After so many seasons of black tailoring, Giorgio Armani dedicated his whole collection to the new color. Accessorize it with gold jewelry for an amazing combination.
Colorful scarves. If you thought that their purpose was just to keep a chest chill away, you need to think again. These days, everyone’s upping their neck game, either elegantly tied or artfully slung over.
Accent your look with a touch of leopard print or snakeskin depending on your preference. A breezy leopard print scarf or snakeskin clutch are great examples.
– Nora Al-Bahar. Images: Net-a-porter.com
