How to Update Your Style for Spring 2011: Trends You'll Love!

Wish you had a crystal ball so you would know what to wear, and what to avoid, in 2011? Style in 2011 is all about simple elegance and functionality. Stop wishing and start shopping with this guide to style for 2011.

Trends to Check Out

When it comes to choosing the right colors to mix and match in your 2011 wardrobe, you'll want a few selections in camel, beige or cream, such as a camel-hued coat or a beige blazer. With those go-with-anything-choices, you can pair up some of the exciting and energizing new color trends. Rosy red is definitely hot, and will look fabulous matched with the also trendy charcoal gray in the new year.

Consider investing in a pair of charcoal gray dress slacks, for example, and a matching gray blazer. Combine with a red silk blouse, with a beige coat to keep you warm, and you'll have an outfit that will see you through special occasions this winter.

Always wish that your shoes were more comfortable? Then you'll love the way in which low-heel shoes are coming back into style. Stop complaining that your tight shoes hurt, and savor the trend toward Mary Janes and similar styles that will remind you of the "Glee" girls.

Accessories to Admire

Get earrings to envy: long, dangly ones are back! Just make sure that the jewels or stones adorning those earrings don't overwhelm your pretty face. You have a petite or heart-shaped face, go for a shorter strand of earrings with tiny birthstones.

Bored by your bracelets? Try spicing up your life with a charm bracelet. You'll love the way you can choose a different charm for every special occasion (and don't forget to tip off your loved ones when they ask what you want for your birthday or other "gifting" occasion!).

When the weather is cold, you'll want to battle the chill with matching mittens and mufflers. Outer wear in 2011 will be simple: avoid those fanciful tassels and go with sleek lines for your accessories, particularly with regard to a muffler or woolen scarf. Make sure that the colors you choose match your clothing; otherwise, when you remove your coat, you just may experience "color clash!"

Basics to Buy

Do go for a matching blazer and slack outfit, such as the charcoal gray combination noted above. Make sure that you have a few different blouses that can let you change your style in an inexpensive way. For example, you might want a red silk blouse, a sweater top in a paisley pattern of soft blue and gray, and a pink button-down cotton shirt that all go with that basic blazer and slacks.

With shoes, you'll want to have a pair of low-heeled gray pumps to match that slacks outfit, as well as a more casual pair of shoes in a different color, such as beige Mary Janes. If it's snowing much of the winter, low-heeled boots also are in style in 2011, but choose a pair in basic black to go with any outfit.

It's almost impossible to go wrong with a beige or cream-colored coat. Just make sure that the length is long enough to cover your dresses and skirts. And speaking of those items: yes, the "basic little black dress" still is in fashion, although the length in 2011 will be slightly longer, depending on the occasion. You may want to opt for a charcoal gray skirt that you can pair up with that gray blazer to dress up more on occasion without sacrificing your budget.