MANHATTAN — 2011's top fashion trends were set by the bold.
The city's streets served as a runway for a steady stream of fashion trends in 2011, from linear graphics to blazes of color, and from man purses to lean leggings.
Graphic nautical stripes, animal prints like leopard spots, and the clean look of black and white ruled silhouettes for suits, outerwear and shoes. Street Chic noted the motif taking over many women's wardrobes, from coats to totes, and from pumps to ballet flats.
Big bold accessories also spoke volumes, starting during the warm summer weather and lasting long into New Yorkers' winter wardrobes. Street Chic also spotted more whimsy during the warmer months such as polka-dot strappy shoes and neon oxfords, a mixture of high and low jewelry and statement ethnic pieces. For men, 2011 continued the popularity of a most interesting trend, the "man purse," which made a special appearance at Fashion Week.
Sheer and minimalist styles mixed with long leggy looks that showed off many variations on the shift dress. Color blocking was also still significant this past year, and highlighted the citrus and jewel tones in both men's and women's looks.
For men the year's must have was the varsity jacket and brightly colored cropped trousers.
