Spring 2011 Trend Report: Minimalism

 Above: BCBG Max Azria
Photo: Monica Feudi / GoRunway.com
Model: Marike Le Roux

For the always-chic classicists who shy from sequins and wouldn't dare to wear this season's mess of opulent extras, designers offer a more delicate trend.  If your look is more influenced by Jackie Kennedy than Ke$ha, spring's minimalist designs will be the attractive alternative to flashier styles that have dominated runways recently.  

Calvin Klein, who perfected minimalism in the '90s, is the most obvious design house to try, but Phoebe Philo sent down exquisitely simple separates at Celine with equal panache.

Wearer beware: the goal is minimal, not boring, so invest in pieces with impeccable tailoring and luxe fabrics that will last forever.  Finish this effortless look with a fabulous pair of platforms or a single piece of bold jewelry.

Above: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Photo: Monica Feudi / GoRunway.com
Models: Melodie Monrose

 Above: Calvin Klein Collection

Photo: Monica Feudi / GoRunway.com
Model: Lara Stone

 

Above: Hussein Chalayan

Photo: Courtesy of Hussein Chalayan
Model: Juju Ivanyuk

Above: Dries Van Noten
Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com
Model: Maddie Kulicka

Above: Preen

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com
Model: Liu Wen

Above: Narciso Rodriguez

Photo: Monica Feudi / GoRunway.com
Model: Caroline Brasch Nielsen

 

Above: Derek Lam

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com
Model: Freja Beha Erichsen

Above: Jil Sander

Photo: Monica Feudi / GoRunway.com
Model: Yulia Terentieva

Above: Celine

Photo: Monica Feudi / GoRunway.com 

Model: Juju Ivanyuk

Spring 2011 Trend Report: Crop-Tops

Above: Giorgio Armani

Photo: Imaxtree.com and Matteo Volta 

Model: Anna Ilnytska

Much chicer than its 1990s Britney Spears/Christina Aguilera era predecessor, the Spring 2011 crop-top is now suitable for grown-ups.

Worn with a high-waisted skirt or trousers to conceal the less flattering lower ab region, the crop-top du jour is sensible for slim women sans six packs. 

Whether you choose to bare a scandalous amount of skin with a bra top or just a sliver for a more modest approach, the key to perfecting this trend is fabulous posture and a whole lotta confidence.

   

 Above: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Photo: Imaxtree.com and Matteo Volta
Model: Lily Donaldson

 Above: Givenchy

Photo: Imaxtree.com and Matteo Volta
Model: Liu Wen

Above: Versace

Photo: Imaxtree.com and Matteo Volta 

Model: Kinga Rajzak

 Above: Preen

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com
Model: Samantha Gradoville

 Above: Peter Som

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com
Model: Kate Kosushkina

 Above: Betsey Johnson

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

 

Above: D&G

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

Model: Kendra Spears

Above: Mark Fast

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

Model: Ajak Deng

Above: Marc Jacobs

Photo: Imaxtree.com and Matteo Volta 

Model: Maddie Kulicka