Glamour MAXImized.

Two things that I think most of us will struggle to come to terms with next season are the new lengths (midi and maxi) and the movement or flow of garments. For the past few seasons we have been constrained in mini / body-con forms inspired by Herve Leger's beautiful creations. As fashion loves to change, the shapes of Spring/Summer '11 are the antithesis of seasons past. Longer lengths and a more fluid feminine silhouette were prominent on the catwalk pretty much everywhere particularly with Marc Jacobs, Rag and Bone and Alberta Ferretti, who all indulged in the new trends. For those of you who are unwilling to let go of last season's shape, fret not, shorter lengths and form fitting garments haven't disappeared altogether. As a sceptic myself, I browsed  through the shows and I now have a reformed opinion. Just look at the perfect craftsmanship and tailoring of the garments below and you will begin to appreciate the understated beauty of next season. I've deceided to focus on the maxi skirt for this entry, but do not fear my petite friends as I have thrown in some midi lengths too. I have included a variety of styles and looked at four key trends so no matter what your preference you can still indulge in the light, understated glamour of next season in this key piece.

Top to Bottom:  Rag and Bone, Alberta Ferretti, Fendi, John Rocha and Marc Jacobs. (Courtesy of Elle.com)

1. Pleats.

Pleats emerged this autumn/winter with a new image. No longer the dowdy uniform of 1990's secretary, the noughties pleat is fluid, feminine and light. Chloe, Halston and Miu Miu all featured beautiful pleated garments for next season from dresses to trousers, while Richard Nicoll's pleated maxi skirt (below) blew me away! The perfect way to transition into spring with a slouchy, light, knitted jumper and boots or pumps (depending on the weather), the pleated maxi skirt should not be ignored this season or next.

I love the buttery cream colour of this Jill Stuart skirt (below), it's so warm but light. Team with fellow neutrals like taupe and beige.

For petite ladies, Topshop have a number of midi length pleated skirts in a variety of colours from last season, the deep blue one featured below is my favourite.

2. Colour-Pop.

Bright and neon colours were huge at Marc Jacobs, Jill Sander and Gucci (who teamed a orange jacket with a purple top and turquoise high waisted trousers!) and it was all genius....

Marc Jacobs.

Jill Sander.

My two choices for the colour pop trend are, an affordable option from American Apparel and Michael Kors' beautiful green creation (not so affordable). Whether worn casually with a crisp white tshirt or making a statement with another bold colour in a contrasting (or clashing) tone this trend ensures that you won't blend in.

American Apparel.

Michael Kors.

White.

White is always a big feature in summer, it's the best colour to show off perfectly tawny limbs. This year, white is colour blocked. Calvin Klein always creates incredible designs in neutral tones and showcased this trend with his stunning collection of tailored seperates and dresses this season. Giambattista Valli whites were more romantic with a softer shape than Klein's constructed  pieces but both were equally spectacular and held the same message, white from head to toe.

Calvin Klein.

Clavin Klein.

Giambattista Valli.

Giambattista Valli.

So as the images above indicate, it doesn't matter how you wear this trend tailored or relaxed as long as you keep the colour simply white. A.L.C's maxi is perfectly relaxed while Miu Miu's shorter length will compliment petite frames.

A.L.C.

Miu Miu.

Prints.

This season prints were varied to say the least, with Louis Vuitton's dark orientalism juxtaposed against Alberta Ferretti's sheer florals. This leaves plenty of room for experimentation and interpretation.

Louis Vuitton.

Alberta Ferretti.

  

Paisley and tropical prints are also big this season but anything goes so enjoy the fashion freedom...

Etro's paisley print.

Tory Burch.

Shakuhachi's floral maxi at http://www.shopbop.com/ is a less expensive alternative to Alberta Ferretti florals.

Blue skeleton leaf maxi from Topshop.

This is just a brief introduction to four of spring/summer '11's key trends and the list above is by no means exhaustive, there are plenty more treasures to discover and discuss at a later date, I'll keep you posted, x.