Spring Trends DO's and DON'Ts

By now, you should be well educated on the spring 2011 trends since we've been jabbering on about 'em for six months now. But we know that what really matters to you is how you can pull one or two of them off without looking like a fashion victim. The trends might seem tricky to execute, but, well, that's what we're here for. Ahead, how to navigate spring 2011's hottest—and most challenging—trends. 

 

Layered Neutral

DO: Think outside the neutral box. Beiges, peaches, and nudes can come in super-saturated hues.
Somers Chiffon Top, $82, available at Pixie Market.

DON'T: Match your top to your bottoms. The result can be a little Colonel Sanders.
NY&Co Neutral Pinstripe Peplum Vest, $25.86, available at NYandCompany. 

Midi Skirts

DO: Keep it simple with a close-fitting, casual shirt to offset the demureness of the skirt.
Whistles Stripe Midi Skirt, $153.36, available at Whistles.

DON'T: Go full-out Prairie Woman. Avoid denim, ruffled lace, delicate florals, or button-ups.
Anna Sui Ruffled Skirt, $335, available at Net-a-Porter. 

Asian Prints

DO: Be subtle about it, and choose pieces in simple, modern cuts to counter the traditional Asian patterns.
Carven Asia Shorts, $325, available Jades24.

DON'T: Fall into gaudy, Ed-Hardy-esque prints splattered on anything Britney Spears might have worn in her umbrella-lance days.
Lucky Brand Asian Print Henley, $39.53, available at Buckle.

Flares

DO: Consider a jean in a dark wash, with a high enough rise high to comfortably tuck in shirts.
J Brand Love Story Bell Bottom, $178, available at J Brand.

DON'T: Make a trip to 2002 and revisit sandblasting, intentional rips, or teen-appropriate details.
Rich & Skinny Bikini Flare in American Pie, $158.40, available from Zappos.

Crop Tops

DO: Try mixing your prints with a bold crop-top and high-waisted shorts or a skirt. For more tips on getting it right, try our mixing prints guide!
House of Holland Cropped T-Shirt with Leaf Print, $98.62, available at ASOS.

DON'T: Pair your crop-top with a low-rise bottom. You don't want anyone mistaking you for a Video Vixen.
Neff Crop Top, $58, available at Karma Loop.

• 
  Layered Neutral
  
  DO: Think outside the neutral box. Beiges, peaches, and nudes can come in super-saturated hues.
  Somers Chiffon Top, $82, available at Pixie Market.
  
  DON'T: Match your top to your bottoms. The result can be a little Colonel Sanders.
  NY&Co Neutral Pinstripe Peplum Vest, $25.86, available at NYandCompany.
  
• 
  Flatforms
  
  DO: Choose a shoe with a slight curve, wide straps, and a no-fuss design.
  Dolce Vita Liza Wedge Sandal, $157.50, available at Endless.
  
  DON'T: Overdo the trends. Cut-outs and clog details take the flatform to Failsville.
  Camilla Skovgaard Cage Wedge, $568, available at Luisaviaroma.