Spring 2011: Bright, bold, and frostbite-free
March 18, 2026 3:48 PM
Fashism
A few weeks ago, designers rolled out their collections for fall/winter 2011, and while they were beautiful, I’m not that eager to start thinking about next winter.
As it starts to warm up, it’s hard to picture anything but heading to the beach and the ability to lose the top five layers of my standard cold weather outfit.
It’s been a long, rough winter, even by Antigonish’s standards, and since the end is in sight, here’s how to put some spring in your wardrobe:
Paint it red
Spring is all about injecting some colour back in to the environment, so take a leaf out of Mother Nature’s book and do the same with your wardrobe. Runways last season were littered with everything from bright plums and scarlets to neon yellows and greens.
It’s exciting to deviate from the basic black of winter, so be adventurous and mix and match as many bright colours as you can. For example, find yourself a good pair of purple pants to pair with a red top, and ditch the gloom of last season.
Print shop
Never before have you dreamed of wearing a china teacup, but that is the best way to describe the prints you’ll be looking for this spring. Dresses in flowery patterns of white and blue are a favourite of the season, along with fruit, animal print and anything that looks like it was generated by a kaleidoscope.
The only rule to follow here is to choose a print that doesn’t overpower your frame if you are petite, and choose prints of the same colour scheme when pairing them.
Mute logic
Arguably two of the most well-received gowns at the Oscars this year were a gorgeous shade of lilac, and like the muted purple, any pastel colour will do you some good this spring.
Since most of us can’t afford Givenchy dresses, a loose-fitting silk camisole or blouse will look lovely over a pencil skirt or tucked in to high-waisted pants.
Laced up
This is a trend that is carrying over from last spring, but this year, opt for something akin to a doily rather than curtains.
This crocheted look will give your outfit romance and femininity, especially when it’s in the form of a blouse paired with a flowy skirt. Just be sure to keep those undergarments tidy if they’re visible; ratty bra straps are not meant to be seen.
Below the belt
When it comes to switching your wardrobe from winter to spring, it’s not always a good idea to do it with so much vigor that you end up in shorts in April. You’ll be cold, trust me.
Luckily, the two most popular trends for the bottom half this spring are pants and ankle-length skirts. If you really want to embrace spring, go for a pair of trouser-cut pants in bright blue or red.
As for the ankle-length skirts, sheer seems to be the way to go, but don’t be afraid. It’s easy to find long sheer skirts that are lined, and if you find one you love that isn’t lined, wear a form-fitting skirt underneath.
Hippie shake
While one could argue that the ‘90s seem to be dominating the runways this season, there is no doubt that the ‘70s are also having a heavy influence.
Whether it’s through an oversized headscarf, a floppy hat or a blouse with full sleeves, embrace this trend and probably one of the best decades ever. Bonus: most of the ‘70s-inspired pieces you’ll find will look great this summer as well.
Although the weather seems to fluctuate on an hourly basis, spring is just around the corner. And as much as I love black, the patterns and colours of spring 2011 bring a welcome change. Light layers are perfect for a Canadian spring, so have fun pairing the colours and patterns of the season to create fun and unique outfits.
