Grin and Bare It

Start crunching, ladies. Bare midriffs were all over the Spring 2011 runways. But don't fret too much. This is not the trashy, hip-hugger look which taunted tummies in the early-Britney era. The modern version bares more ribcage than navel and can actually lengthen the leg line with a higher waist. It's not for everyone, but it can work with a few tricks from the pros.

Versace: a solid colour throughout the ensemble will make this look more wearable.

Max Mara: I love the idea of using a slim belt to define the waistline just below a bare midriff.

Dolce & Gabbana: For pretty and youthful, combine a bare midriff with lace, another big trend this season.

D&G: A more casual rendition.

Betsey Johnson: Although the collection left me a bit confused, you can always count on Betsey for her unique mix of pretty and funky that every girl I know loves.

Giorgio Armani: Dark, glamorous and exotic. My favourite use of this diffcult trend.

Missoni: A disastrous example of what not to do. If you want to bare your stomach in Missoni, buy a bikini.

Laced

Spring 2011 sees criss-cross lacing detail as a major trend. Lacing tends to be evocative of corsetry, which immediately brings to mind femininity and coquettish sexuality. It can be an easy, wearable trend to incorporate into your wardrobe; just make sure you use it to reflect your personality.

Lacing can be demure, like this piece from Dolce & Gabbana...

... or badass, like these shredded pants from Roberto Cavalli.

Karolina Kurkova smoked down the runway in a laced tunic and killer boots for Emilio Pucci.



If the above examples are too bold, try incorporating smaller lace details, like the bottom of these pants from Gucci.

Get Loose

Loosely woven sweaters in easy summer colours are a trend for Spring 2011 menswear. Relaxed, sexy and great for layering, these pieces are stylish without trying too hard. But please, even if you have Cristiano Ronaldo's body, put something under (or over) an open weave to avoid looking like a complete d-bag.



Gun-metal grey continues to proliferate all corners of fashion, and it looks great on this crocheted tank from Louis Vuitton. Sharp sandals, too.


Summer knits are the picture of casual elegance from Hermès...

... and Dolce & Gabbana.

For the fashion fearless, a loosely woven shirt under a trench is a slick interplay of texture and structure. Burberry Prorsum posterboy Charlie France dominated runways this season.