Spring Fashion Trends & Summer 2010 / 2011
Southern Hemisphere

Here's my take on spring fashion trends for 2010 and summer 2010/2011 for Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. I've focussed on identifying shapes, lengths, colors, patterns and embellishments. I also identify the main fashion themes.

I hope this information will help you review your wardrobe and plan the updates it needs to keep your look current. 

My dominant impression of new spring fashions is interesting shapes formed by softly draped or folded fabrics or by ruffles. This is a great trend for correcting figure flaws and creating flattering body shapes, by checking where the folds fall on your body and the effect they create.

Floral prints are also a strong trend. Even for those who don't generally like florals there are some that are so abstract they might work for you this season! Take care to choose a print that is flattering for your body scale.

Spring Fashion Trends (Summer too): Main Style Elements

Dresses

Dresses are still a major trend for both day and evening wear. Lengths are still mainly around knee length: anywhere from an inch or so under the knee to mini. Another trend is the full length or ankle length maxi for smart casual day wear as well as formal evening wear.

There's still a wide variety of dress styles available, meaning there's one to suit every body shape. Dresses are where many major spring fashion trends appear. You'll find texture created by detailing such as softly draped fabrics, pin-tuck pleats, neckline ruffles and ruching. Interest created with asymmetric styles such as one shoulder or detailing just on one shoulder.

For those who prefer a simpler look, there are still shift, sheath and shirtmaker styles to choose from.

Skirts

Skirts are still mainly straight or slightly tapered. However, there is a greater variety of styles this season. The soft draping trend also appears in skirts. There's also some hemline interest with asymmetrical or convex styles.

The main lengths are the same as dresses, that is: below knee length to mini. There are also casual maxi skirts available -- floor length and ankle length. These are mainly softly flowing, not too full, in jersey-like fabrics.

Pants, Trousers and Shorts

Straight and skinny or straight and wider. Some tapered styles. And cropped styles too. Cropped pants are great if you're tall with long legs.

A minor fun trend that continues is jump suits with either long pants or shorts.

Short styles include mid-thigh lengths with cuffs and just above knee length, straight styles.

Tops

The draping detail trend continues in tops with neckline details, including tucks, ruffles, folds and pin tuck pleats. 

There are also tops embellished with costume jewels, beads and sequins to add a bit of a sparkle for the festive season.

You'll need some plain tops too if you like the statement necklace trend.

Accessories

• Shoes include pump-styles and ballet flats. Look for ballet flats with interesting details such as metallic finishes, bows or studs. Sandals include many thick strapped gladiator-inspired styles, both flats and heeled. Heel heights really do seem to be coming down. There are still toweringly high heels and flats too, but more choice inbetween the two as well. Toes are pointy, almond, round or peep-toe. Heels include wedges, stilettos and stacked heels. There are also high-heeled wooden clog-styles with wooden platforms.
  
  I love the 'nude' look in shoes. That is, shoes or sandals that are close to your skin colour. It makes your legs look longer and your calves slimmer. It may also mean that you can get away with straps going up your ankles when you might not otherwise be able to!

• Necklaces -- statement pieces include long-line necklaces and bib-like styles! A long-line style can be challenging to wear since it brings attention to our stomach, an area many of us wish to distract from rather than call out! If that sounds like you, try a shorter version that falls between your breasts or a bit higher.

Spring Fashion Trends: Main Style Themes

Feminine

With all the ruffles, florals and floaty fabrics soft, feminine looks are easy to create.

Military Fashion Theme

This style has made it's way into just about every clothing item: jackets, cardigans, tops, skirts and casual pants. The styles and detailings are drawn anywhere from the middle ages to contemporary military looks. And include army, navy and airforce. Look for gold or brass buttons, epaulets, piping details, sailor stripes and khaki colours.

Man Styles

Especially in jackets, pants, shorts and suits. Add a masculine looking blazer to a feminine dress to add an edge. Jacket styles include shorter (high hip length), fitted, man-styles.

Spring Fashion Trends: Main Fabrics

Fabrics

As you'd expect, all the lighter weight spring and summer fabrics are back and some luxurious ones too...

• Soft silks and silk-like fabrics
• Cotton 
• Linen 
• Floaty chiffon 
• Tulle
  
• Lace -- as a trim, a panel or a complete garment

Also look for embellishments in the form of sequins, costume jewels and beads.

Fabric Prints

Many prints are popular this season. The strongest trends for spring and summer are...

• Florals -- small to large, realistic and abstract
• Spots
• Graphic prints

Fashion Colours for Spring and Summer

The monochrome light neutral look has been popular on the catwalks. However, this is a look that does not suit many due to the low contrast level created between the outfit and your skin and/or hair it can make you look tired and washed-out, so take care!

• Black -- the old favourite is still here!
• Grey -- a wide choice of greys. Try charcoal instead of black for a softer look
• Gold and silver -- in fabrics, especially with metallic-looking fabric finishes, buttons and within patterns. And in shoes, bags and jewellery.

The black and greys are punctuated by a range of great colors with shades ranging from light to dark, intensities from muted to clear and bright. Something to suit everyone...

• Pinks, corals, watermelons and oranges -- a selection of warm to cool, dark to light
• Greens include lime, olive and khaki
• Blues include cool and bright electric blue and pale denim and warm teal blues
• Yellows -- both cool and warm, including camel
• Browns and tans
• Light neutrals include white, apricot, sand and taupes