The best trends of 2011

Bent antenna by Audrey N. Carpio and Costume drama by Joanna N. Francisco

MANILA, Philippines - Fashion made headlines this year with bridal fashion, lady dressing, shoe obsessions, hyper color, and a range of wearable (and knocked-off everwhere) trends. Here’s our pick of the year’s top looks.

Bold color

Vibrant hues made a strong showing in maximalist mode. Citrus shades and punchy pantones in orange, purple, green and yellow, banished the fashionista preference for black, and became one of the most refreshing trends, literally, to emerge on runways and dominate the party circuit.

Sweet little lace

The lacy dress bridges the divide between sexy and innocent, Victorian and vixen. Again, not your grandmother’s doily but a body-conscious take on an old favorite, with swathes of skin playing peek-a-boo beneath the see-through material.

Mixed prints

Call it eclectic chic or crazy cool, only the best dressers could take on clashing prints with aplomb. Those who dared took geometric patterns, tribal art, stripes and florals, making them all their own. The key to looking coordinated was wearing them in a single or dual color palette, but the insouciance of this look is one only for the masters.

Shade shifter

After years of the regulatory nerd look and the reign of Ray-Bans, unusual, vintage, and quirky sunglasses have been reinstated as the face accessory of the year. Cat’s eyes, moons and retro-futuristic wraparounds look fresh and modern. Shutter shades? So 2000-and-late.

Slouchy minimalism

Think loose, easy-breezy shapes like long, billowy blouses and swingy skirts. Luxurious fabrics and well-cut pieces shone in bright white, sleek nudes, and concrete grays in ensembles that could look simple but were anything but.

Brace yourselves

The elbow’s the limit when it comes to the number of bracelets, bangles and cuffs you can wear on your arm. Colorful friendship bracelets, leather straps and classic chains band together in a harmonious riot. Each bracelet should tell a different story, like rings on tree bark.

Seventies resurgence

In disco rebel mode we embraced the return of free-spirited dressing for decadent nights. The original boho-flair look was Preview magazine’s theme for its annual Best Dressed Ball, marked by ruffled one-shoulder blouses, satin pantaloons, and all-out Studio 54 party glam.

I wanna be sedate

While we get the artistry of those mega-platforms and Gaga ballet shoes on steroids, our toes cry just looking at them. Ladylike shoes and pretty pumps are ironically the rebellious choice of footwear in a season of assassin heels.

Brow wow

Perhaps an homage to Elizabeth Taylor who died this year, the bold brow made a comeback, popularized by makeup artist Pat McGrath. Penciled, trimmed and brushed, the bold brow is anything but unruly and instantly gives your face a youthful exoticism.

Sheer layers

Made modern with playful panels and cutaways, sheer clothing took a whole new life of its own. The big idea was to leave something covered and expose a hint of skin in unexpected places. On spring’s airy shades to fall’s dark layers, filmy fabrics revealed backs, waists and legs, in a sexy new route to ladylike dressing.