Spring 2011 Accessories Trends

Geometric Prints Stripes may be a favorite (see below), but why be so safe? Step out of the ordinary with dizzying squares, abstract swirls (like at Versace), and spiraling circles (like at Chanel). Geometric prints adorning a bag are a great way to start, but don't be afraid to incorporate the designs into everything from jewelry to sunglasses to tanks. Just keep it to one pattern at a time in complimentary colors to avoid looking like geometrically-challenged mess.

Stripes As soon as the weather heats up, stripes come into play. They're the quintessential pattern for summer with their diagonal bands of colors reminding everyone of nautical outings, July 4th barbecues, and bright beach umbrellas. For the Spring 2011 season, stripes are popping up in the unlikeliest of places - namely on the wedges and heels of sandals (like at Prada & Haiden Ackermann), but these summertime favorites are always welcome on beach totes (like at Jil Sander & Fendi) and canvas clutches (like at Proenza Schouler).

Animal Prints & Textures Animal prints are on trend for just about every season, so take it up a notch by adding texture, whether it be to a bag (like at Burberry) or a pair of strappy sandals (like at Emilio Pucci & Matthew Williamson). Other new takes on the animal trend: oversized prints (like at Rochas), sequins & embellishments (like at Viktor & Rolf and Dolce & Gabbana), and peek-a-boo prints (like at Lanvin & Givenchy).

Butterflies Springtime means rain, rain means flowers, and flowers mean butterflies. So why not add them to your accessories to remind yourself & everyone else of their beauty? Alexander McQueen led the pack with gorgeously adorned wedges, while Chanel added jeweled versions of the colorful flier to bracelets & necklaces, and Marc Jacobs' obi belts were vaguely reminiscent of the butterfly shape.

Buckles Add a bit of hardware to flat sandals (like at Michael Kors) or even booties (like at Marios Schwab) to stand out without going overboard.

Low Platforms Need a little height, but uncomfortable in high heels? The problem is solved with the new low and flat platforms inspired by Japanese sandals. These easy-to-wear shoes were seen all over the runways, from strappy block-heeled sandals (like at Anna Sui, Marni, & Stella McCartney), minimal wedges (like at Chanel), and even oxford styles (like at Prada).

Flat, Black, & Strappy A new staple for any summer wardrobe is the flat black sandal, preferably with lots of straps. And they're more versatile than you'd think: try a basic, utilitarian style (like at Bottega Veneta), an organic, earthy style (like at Burberry), or a shiny, dressy style (like at Proenza Schouler). The right pair can take any outfit from day to night in an instant.

Multi-Toned Express dimension & versatility with a pair of multi-toned sandals. From brights (like at Christopher Kane), to black and white (like at Marni & Thakoon), to neutrals (like at Fendi & Calvin Klein), there's a pair for every style & occasion.

White A warm weather essential, the bright white sandal easily adapted to the season's biggest trends. Wrapped sandals were seen at Versace & Erdem, geometric platforms at Chanel, and buckled peep toe booties at Alexander McQueen. Choose white sandals to brighten up a floral sundress or strapless cocktail mini, and add white jewelry to make it pop all the more.

Wrap & Lace Up Say goodbye to strappy, knee-high gladiators. It's time for wrapped up sandals and laced up boots. Go casual in black flats (like at Derek Lam & Proenza Schouler), rebel chic in tied up wedges (like at Rick Owens), ultra modern in black patent (like at Versace), tribal in braids & ikat prints (like at Donna Karan & Missoni), dressy in whimsical colors (like at Christian Dior & Marc Jacobs), or hippie chick in knee-high lace ups (like at Anna Sui & Emilio Pucci).

Menswear-Inspired Classic menswear-styled pumps & flats aren't just for dressing up winter ensembles, they're also perfect for sprucing up flirty sundresses & worn-in jeans. The usuals were on the scene: tasseled high-heeled booties (like at Viktor & Rolf) and flat oxfords (like at Junya Watanabe & Richard Chai Love). However, a few newcomers like Marni's fringed sandals & Jean Paul Gaultier's cut-out work boots stirred up the scene.

Peep Toe Boots Like menswear-inspired shoes, boots aren't just for winter. Bring them into warm weather with a must have peep toe to let your tootsies breathe. Choose neutral and natural colors (like at Derek Lam) and crocheted or woven details (like at Chanel & Gucci) to give them a light, airy feel that's perfect for spring and summer.

Embellished Embellishments are on trend every season, only the styles change. For Spring 2011, think bright rosettes (like at Oscar de la Renta & Nina Ricci), bad girl chains (like at Oscar de la Renta and Dolce & Gabbana), and romantic ruffles (like at Viktor & Rolf).

Embellished Cross-Body Bags Make a statement by adding hippie cowgirl fringe (like at Roberto Cavalli) or rebel-chic studs (like at Anna Sui) to the new it bag: the cross-body. Amplify the effect by choosing one in neon brights (like at Christian Dior).

Bright Clutches Whether it's metallic (like at Gucci), candy-colored (like at Burberry) or blinding neon (like at Jason Wu & Miu Miu) an ultra-bright clutch is just the bag to turn a hum-drum sundress into a showstopping stunner at any party this summer.

Multi-Toned Flap-Front Bags It's hard to pick a favorite color sometimes, but no worries. The classic flap-front bag, whether as a clutch (like at Prada & Versus), a messenger (like at Stella McCartney), or a tote (like at Thakoon), came alive on the Spring 2011 runways in clean, sleek neutrals and brights balanced carefully with black.

Messenger Bags The predecessor to the cross-body bag, the messenger has always been popular with school-bound kids and teens, but that doesn't mean they can't be fashionable. Opt for one in an earthy neutral with few embellishments and a zip-top or buckle closure (like at Anna Sui) to avoid a juvenile look.

Oversized Bags Warm weather means beach trips, vacations, picnics in the park. In other words, there's going to be a lot of stuff that needs a place to go. The solution: a one-size-fits-everything tote. The best choice for a go-anywhere oversized bag: sturdy, woven construction in a neutral or earthy color (like cream, olive, or tan) with simple details like a braided handle or stitching. For the eco-conscious, it's easy to find these bags made with organic or recycled materials, and for a special occasion, an oversized clutch fits the bill perfectly.

Woven & Crocheted Bags Keeping on trend with the earthy & tribal themes, bags with woven or crocheted construction or details are a great choice for summer. They evoke a sense of lightness & a bit of the homemade (how fitting for these economic times). Whether it's woven details on a classic shape (like at Hermes & Stella McCartney), glammed up crochet on a slouchy tote or clutch (like at Dolce & Gabbana), or home-grown beadwork (like at Marni), there's a style for every occasion & personality.

Circle-Shaped Sunglasses Popular in the 1960s with the likes of John Lennon & Janis Joplin, these little round shades have made a comeback. They are perfect for bringing out your inner hippie rock star (like at Anna Sui) or adding a bit of vintage flair to free-spirited ensembles (like at Rochas).

Retro Sunglasses From 1950s cat-eyes (like at Christian Dior) to 1960s space-age (like at Marni) to 1970s oversized (like at Dolce & Gabbana) to 1980s wayfarers (like at Fendi), shades from every decade are being reinvented with a modern twist, offering something new and unique for every old soul.

Funky Sunglasses Let's get weird, really weird. If circle-shaped and retro sunglasses seem too safe, then don't be afraid to go out on a limb with ornate curlicues (like at Prada) or surprisingly modern yet strikingly unique shades (like at Thakoon).

Statement necklaces Oversized look-at-me necklaces have been on trend for a few seasons now, but for Spring 2011 they took inspiration from Mother Earth in woodland motifs (like at Proenza Schouler above and the large leaf necklace at Lanvin), big beads in earthy colors (like at Marni & Oscar de la Renta), & tribal fringe (like at Anna Sui). These statement pieces are perfect for bringing life to a basic tank top or sundress & adding dimension in complimentary colors.

Black bracelets In stark contrast to the neon brights and whites that accompany warm weather, a bold black bracelet can really turn heads. Most designers for Spring 2011 kept them simple (like the tribal style seen at Rick Owens & the modern cuffs at Derek Lam), but flashy adornments aren't out (like at Chanel and Rag & Bone). A general rule: on the beach, keep it simple; out on the town, bedazzle away.

Oversized bangles Like the statement necklace, these pumped-up bracelets came down the runway in earthy tones and textures (like at Donna Karan & Louis Vuitton), but they also came in dazzling brights (Giorgio Armani) and all glammed up (Oscar de la Renta & Fendi), making them perfect for any occasion. Oversized bangles look great alone, but when two or three are stacked together, you really make a statement.

Woven Sunhats These hats are always popular in warmer weather because their woven straw construction is lightweight and their wide brims protect your hair & face from the sun. Stripes and tribal patterns (like Prada & Missoni), along with woven hats in bright colors (like Marc Jacobs), make a statement, but neutrals (like Carolina Herrera & Yohji Yamamoto) are always on trend and make the perfect topper for any outfit.

Crocheted beanies & berets These skull-hugging hats aren't just for the winter - bad hair days happen in warm weather, too! A crochet construction gives beanies & berets a lighter look & feel, especially when in floral patterns (like Anna Sui), brights, and neutrals (like Junya Watanabe).

Bucket Hats Another popular hat style for spring & summer is the bucket hat, kind of like a mini version of the wide-brim sunhat. These hats are great for any event: bright, floral-accented ones (like John Galliano) for weddings & special occasions, and neutral, canvas ones for a day at the beach or sailing.

Obi Belts The biggest new belt trend is the obi belt - inspired by the sashes worn around the waist of a kimono. These belts are typically much wider than a normal belt, with either a sash or mini-belt closure. Like any other belt, the obi belt is incredibly versatile. Wear it to cinch your dress (like Alexander McQueen, Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs, Jonathan Saunders, & Haiden Ackermann), your coat or jacket (like Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera & Burberry) or your top (like Donna Karan, Fendi, & Gucci).