A Guide to Spring Fashion Trends for 2011

Want to know what is hot this spring then read Moda Operandi’s Lauren Santo Domingo’s guide to this spring’s trends:

Stripes: The ubiquitous sailor stripe is not going anywhere. Stella McCartney started with a shift toward bigger, bolder stripes last fall and Prada firmly staked this trend in fashion history. Big bold stripes in jarring colors are the way to go, and the really daring will wear stripes with other stripes, patterns and lots of color. (P.S., get on this trend right away, because NEXT season is all about the polka dot!)

Clutch: The It-bag is now the Was-bag. Get out your dust covers and store those big caryalls. The fashion flock this season was tucking their cellphones, Chanel lipsticks and fashion show invites into minimalist clutches for day. The bold and the beautiful are leaning towards clutches of similar description. Celine is offering cobalt blue, yelllow and orange. (Extra-credit: This Cobalt blue is THE go-to color for Spring!)

Full Skirt: Worn by day, the long skirt—whether full or pleated—is completely at ease anywhere. I like to see this silhouette paired with flats; the juxtaposition of the two make it a more casual and languid look. Wear with an oversized blazer, a belted cardigan or even a bomber jacket to complete the look.

Neon: Many fashion insiders compare Fashion Weeks to a traveling circus…. This season, the colors definitely resemble the Big Top. This trend is for the girl who does not want to wear the ubiquitous camel this season, for the girl who can just cross ‘minimalist’ off her to-do list … only she’ll use a highlighter to do so …

Accessories: Costume jewelry is having a moment. It seems that Coco Chanel’s old adage to “take one thing off before you leave the house” has been replaced by “put everything on before you leave the house.” And please, while you are at it, do break all the rules and mix big and small. Gold and silver. Costume with fine. House of Lavande and Eddie Borgo are great spots for costume jewelry.

Statement Sandals: Losing the platform is about as liberating as it gets. This summer will mean a vacation from those turbo, sky-high shoes that tortured feet for seasons past. This spring, one can lean towards high heel sandals with kick but without having to lean against something for balance. What a novel idea!

Red Lips: Move over stains and gloss. Lipstick is having a moment. Ditch your mother’s lip liner, though. I recommend taking some time to try out the best shade for you. The red lips, like the girl who wears them, are never boring.

Power Suits: Men’s suiting does not mean wearing neutrals and tweed (although don’t get me wrong, that will NEVER go out of style) but this season’s suiting is more high voltage. Colorful pants and jackets are to be mixed and matched.

Throw Some Shade: For me, nothing signals the start of spring more than sunglasses! And if ever there was a season for sunnies this is it. And anything goes …

All this information was provided in the Goop newsletter by Lauren Santo Domingo is the Co-Founder of Moda Operandi, a members-only private trunk show.