The labels, the looks, the inspirations and the icons you’ll be loving in 2011

The Decade

Midi skirts, floppy fedoras, oceans of camel and pie crust frills can mean only one thing: the 70s are back. While the 70s trend has been making its presence felt over the past season, summer is when it really comes into its own with loose kaftans, paisley print dresses and relaxed cotton smocks popping up all over the catwalks. Stella McCartney – never one to turn down the chance to revisit the 70s – showed how to work the relaxed side of the decade, teaming buttoned skirts with simple, loungy t-shirts while the Erdem catwalk saw maxi dresses adorned with super-sized blooms take centre stage.

Erdem in London and Stella McCartney in Paris showed relaxed, 1970s-inspired designs in their catwalk collections...

The Key Piece

Trousers were around last season’s but in 2011, the wide leg will be ruling the roost. Shorts and minis have had their moment, so get used to sleek Costa chic courtesy of the palazzo pant or give a nod to the 70s in bell bottom jeans. YSL have the perfect pair of black, tailored wide-legs while new denim label, Mother, does brilliant flares.

The Print

Happily for flower fans, the prettiest of prints is making a comeback, although it faces stiff competition from the tropical fruit motif. Whether blowsy and overblown or perkily spriggy, the floral print is popping up on everything from bags to blouses.

The Icons

Bianca Jagger, Stevie Nicks and Ali McGraw are the stylistas to revisit this spring, although with a flurry of Wallis Simpson appearances – in a new biography, Anne Sebba’s That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, and on the silver screen in The Kings Speech and Madonna-directed W.E – ruling Britain’s almost-Queen out, is a bad bet. Ali McGraw’s preppy look is one to watch for early spring but come summer, expect to see Nicks’ boho-deluxe and Jagger’s cool minimalism take centre stage.

Bianca Jagger, Stevie Nicks and Ali McGraw channel bohemian 1970s chic whilst Wallis Simpson sports elegant 1930s lines

Making a Comeback

If you thought (hoped) you’d seen the last of neon, then think again. After a season in which neutrals reigned supreme; bright pink, acid yellow and grass green are a breath of fresh air. Look out for orange: it’s in pole position for the title of colour of the season. Wear neons in blocks of colour as seen at Christopher Kane or team with nudes for work.

The Inspiration

Ballet has been under the radar for a while but 2011 will see return in all its frou frou glory. The Diaghilev retrospective at the V&A last autumn got the ball rolling but with Natalie Portman taking the lead in Black Swan, fashion has raised the barre for all things ballet. Think floaty pleated skirts, ballet pumps (hurrah) and ultra tight bodies. Pulling off the body suit means having a good one of your own though, so take a twirl at a ballet fitness class – it’s spring’s hottest exercise trend.

The Name to Watch

Owner of one of the most brilliant names in fashion, 2010 was quite a year for Viking Wong and this year looks set to be even better. Sharp, conceptual and elegant are Wong’s buzzwords and, despite having only graduated 18 months ago, his grasp of tailoring is second to none.

London College of Fashion 2009 graduate Viking Wong is set to make waves with his androgynous yet feminine designs...

The Beauty Buzz

The brand that brought us Particuliere and Jade has done it again. Forget pretty espadrilles, this summer’s hottest accessory is set to be a distinctly gothy polish called Black Pearl. Why do we love it so? Er, well, it’s Chanel of course. That said, Black Pearl is fairly gorgeous: an inky black with a green undertone and the perfect foil for intense neon pieces. Also worth checking out is the beautiful peach shade, Pèche Nacre. They’re out in February but put your name down now: they’re guaranteed to sell out fast.

The Essential Accessory

Step away from the kitten heels and put those spikes at the back of the closet. This season, the only shoe to be seen in is the wedge. Start with a pair of wedge boots for winter and move on to a mellow wooden pair once it gets warm enough to put feet on display. Our favourites are Mulberry’s Edie wedge. Not only do they have a retro 70s shape and cork heel; they also come in purple.

The Fashion Event of the Year

With royal wedding fever hotting up, the big question on everyone’s lips this spring is: who’s doing the dress? Although the name of Kate Middleton’s designer remains a closely guarded secret, expect plenty to love come April 29^th. Whether she goes for fairy tale princess or modern minimalism, everyone loves a royal bride. Plus there’s going to be plenty to see in the pews. No, not Prince Harry; rather Queen Rania of Jordan and Princess Letizia of Spain, both of whom know a thing or two about dressing, plus Dior addict, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

Style royalty Queen Rania of Jordan, Princess Letizia of Spain and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy are to attend the royal nuptials