Resort 2011: To Grand Old Reds, Whites and Blacks

These steadfast colors have dominated most resort 2011 shows. The combo pairs fittingly with the structural, menswear-to-womenswear vibe lingering throughout the past few seasons from fedoras to sturdy, leather watchbands, shoes and belts right down to oxford-and-trouser looks. Expect to see more of these three classic shades in the year to come. Looks from Sonia Rykiel, Erin Featherston, DVF and Céline below:

photo courtesy of style.com

photo courtesy of style.com

photo courtesy of vogue.it                                      photo courtesy of vogue.it

Colliding Forces

Ladylike, body-conscious, menswear, draping, military, patterns, and neutrals are all catchphrases for pre-fall 2010. While we acknowledge how important it is to focus an outfit and to avoid seeming overdone, we're still into the New York Fashion Week collections that seamlessly integrate a few of these. In particular, the best looks have fused genders not just by borrowing from the opposite sex but by engaging elements of both. For example, the exposed brassiere and underwire, as in Preen at top left, or the body-con bandages and drapes colliding with militaristic colors, as in Jeremy Laing at top right and Rag & Bone at bottom left, and gray or black suiting, as in Doo.Ri at bottom right. The Mafia Materialist especially appreciates this ladylike menswear when characterized by long sleeves, black patent lace-up or industrially embellished footwear, and metal buttons, all laced with bursts of color and prints.

Photos courtesy of style.com

Heads, Shoulders, Wrists and Ankles

We know you're loving the cozy coats, scarves, fingerless gloves and boots of winter 2010 fashion, but don't be discouraged if you can't seem to fit sexy into the aforementioned outfit (which conveniently enough lacks pants). Don't worry. Betty and Veronica had this dilemma, too. The less skin you flash, the more meaningful what you show off is. Think Thom Browne's floodwater ankle pants are only for men? Guess again. If there's ever been a year of menswearmania, (and your grandmother can tell you there have been many), 2010 is it. Anything you can steal from the guys, do it. And, don't forget: Bold shoulders easily balance short sleeves to expose bare wrists.