Spring Fashion 2011: Fun but Affordable Trends

Every season brings us fashions we know won’t go out of style—a little red dress, a leather bag, a tuxedo jacket.

 

And then there are the fabulous little trends that we crave one day and cringe at the next.

This spring is no different—for every romantic neutral there’s a sheer, lacy dress or neon coat that may spice up your wardrobe now, but could taste stale by next year. These are the pieces you don’t want to spend a fortune on, and fortunately, you don’t have to. Steal these trends for a fun flirtation, then part ways guilt-free when it’s time to move on.

Neon

These 80’s brights seem to make a resurgence every couple years, but this season presented a more sophisticated take. Houses like Christopher Kane and Proenza Schouler used these hues on everything from floaty dresses to suit separates, but arresting, head-to-toe neon isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. For a less blinding interpretation, wear neon accessories or shoes with grays and khakis to jazz up your neutrals, like models at Burberry Prorsum.

Nina Rilora Sandals, $65, Zappos

Lace

Designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino wrapped their models in clingy, skin-baring lace for daring dresses, tops and skirts. For a more PG version, wear a lacy tank over a neutral cami and pair with spring’s wide-legged jeans.

Kimchi Blue Exaggerated Lace Tank Top, $34, Urban Outfitters

Sheer

Sheer fabric ruled the spring runways of Alberta Ferretti and Rag & Bone, to name a few, but like its lacy cousin, a little goes a long way. A tunic or mini dress overlaid with a subtly sheer maxi skirt reveals just the right peek of leg.

Pleat Skirt Cami Maxi Dress, $56.90, Akira

Punk

Burberry Prorsum gave us spiky leather jackets and Balmain showed slashed and safety pinned tees, but what kept these attitudes fresh were their pairings with vivid colors. Sling a studded belt over a bright dress for a stylish melding of tough chick and girlie girl.

Round Stretch Stud Belt, $38, Betsey Johnson

Fruit

Perhaps we can attribute it to Rachel Zoe’s favorite turn of phrase, but whimsically minded designers like Miuccia Prada and Stella McCartney went bananas for colorful fruit prints. These cheeky pieces have a pop art flavor and sense of humor perfect for summer.

T-Shirt BCD Smith, $39.90, Mango

Bangles

Not that these bracelets are ever a flash in the pan, but they’re on trend for spring and some of our favorite pieces for their versatility and affordability. You can find bangles that reflect nearly all of the styles we’ve listed here, so whether they’re wooden, plastic, printed, carved or colorful, grab an armful and pile them on to your heart’s content.

Cleo Bangle Set, $6.80, Forever 21

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