Spring 2011 Fashion Preview

It will be love at first sight when spring 2011 fashion blooms. Change will be in the air, so forget everything you thought you knew, and get ready to flirt with silhouettes that are more feminine than ever. No matter what your mood – adventurous, girly or classic – spring promises to bring forth a new look.  Here’s a preview from Belk of trends and statements you can expect this coming season.

No. 1 Varying Color Palettes

The season’s first palette brings soft mid-tones and sweet pales into play as spearmints and lilacs mimic the first spring blooms. Drench yourself

Flirty: Jones NY Allover Eyelet Tie Front Dress $138.00

in aqua and classic coral and feel the ocean breeze and sand between your toes. This key palette promises calm with an underlying current of excitement.  The second color palette warms up with the weather. Bold hues include vivid royal blue, turquoise, orange, and fuchsia. Bright and brilliant colors work in monochromatic harmony, or simply sprinkled into an outfit through accessories to brighten any look.  The third palette for Spring ’11 boasts safari-inspired neutrals. Khaki will a comeback with nudes, taupe, and an ode to olive worn head to toe. Want to walk on the wild side? Accent your neutrals with a pop of color to make a confident statement of style.  From fabulous frocks to elegant extras, the buzz is all about ease and elegance.

No. 2 Flirty Trend

Take note of feminine flourishes in bows and ruffles and frothy concoctions made from airy crochet, lace, eyelet, sheers and satin. When it comes to patterns, flowers and other botanical inspirations send a delicate floral message with bouquet-inspired dresses and tops. You can perfectly pair with a myriad of 3-D floral accents as well as pearls, luxuriously long necklaces and romantic hair accessories. Complete the look with sweet ballet flats and dainty kitten heels.

No. 3 American Beauty Look

Ladies who lunch will love this season’s twist on tried and true sportswear favorites. Details such as maritime influences, chains, waist definition, banding and piping, all play an important role.

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Yacht-ready stripes, dots and checks are the patterns of choice, while bold gold jewelry, reinvented chains, stacks of bangles and reworked pearls work wonders. Finish your ensemble with statement belts, new pumps, strappy sandals and espadrilles—which work with everything especially longer length skirts. We call it country club chic.

No. 4 Urban Adventurer Persona

Attitude is everything. Balance strong utility pieces with a neo-ethnic flavor such as brass zips, snaps, grommets, metal buttons, epaulets, leather trims and interesting pocket treatments. Ethnic patterns—especially Ikat and woodblock— along with tonal stripes, animal prints and new interpretations on the classic camo create a cultural collage. Textiles take on a work-wear feel: Heavy duty cottons, linens, and distressed denim mesh with softer silks and rayon in an eclectic mix. Up the ante with a trove of tribal treasures such as authentic-looking worked leather belts, bags and sandals. Finish your global getup with metal jewelry, bold necks, a jungle of bracelets, and anything and everything animal.