Spring 2011 Women's Fashion Preview

While the temperatures remain chilly, the new crop of Spring 2011 fashions is heading to a store near you. As you think about parkas, cashmere sweaters, wool-lined gloves and indoor heating, the stores have decided it's time for you to start thinking about flowing lace skirts, bold prints, vibrant colors and 1970's YSL- and Halston-inspired halter dresses and flouncy shirts epitomizing that decadent decade.

Lace

From left to right: D & G (Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com); Christopher Kane (Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com); Zac Posen (Marcus Tondo/GoRunway.com)

Feminine lace is back for Spring 2011 in an array of colors and styles. Not to be outdone by what was in the stores in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 promises to keep the chic quality of Chantilly lace, whilst hinting at the provocative side of the bedroom.

'70s Retro

From left to right: Fendi (Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com); Halston (Marcus Tondo/GoRunway.com); Gucci (Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com)

Lovers of vintage YSL and Halston will rejoice upon learning that their favorite designs, which epitomized an era of glamour and intrigue, are back in full force for Spring 2011. Bare shoulders, flowing halter dresses, safari jackets, and peasant blouses are the things to look for. If you can find the original, even better; if not, head to your local vintage/secondhand store to see what has come back around.

Prints, Please!

From left to right: Rebecca Taylor (Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com); Suno (Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com); Rochas (Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com)

Elephants, swans and giraffes! Oh, my! Pineapples, butterflies and animal prints, too! The crazier and more innovative, the better in Spring 2011. If you don't think that you can wear an elephant on your dress, tone it down with a girly and fun floral pattern from the likes of H&M.

Bright Beginnings

From left to right: Burberry Prorsum (Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com); Jil Sander (Monica Feudi/GoRunway.com); Nina Ricci (Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com)

I love beige just as much as the next girl but I have to admit that it wore out its welcome for me in the fall. Fear not lovers of brights, bold colors are back in fashion for Spring 2011. Block colors and/or tonal is the best way to get the most out of this trend. Scared of brights? Take a chance by adding Regatta Blue, Peapod, and Lavender. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Pump up your wardrobe with Honeysuckle, Coral Rose, or Beeswax. If you're still unsure, there's a peony and a silver gray which you can always mix and match with the bold statements above.

World of White

From left to right: Bottega Veneta (Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com); Doo.Ri (Mitchel Sams/GoRunway.com); Kenzo (Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com)

Riders of public transportation beware -- Spring 2011 is head-to-toe white! Where before you only needed to worry about the bottoms of your pants/shorts being ruined, you can now worry about your entire outfit from the moment you step out of your house until you return. Flowy fabrics, crisp white buttoned-down shirts, cigarette pants and pleated skirts are sure to please even the fussiest of consumers.