Hey friends! I’m still getting settled into the new apartment and am without Internet for the time being. In the meantime, welcome a guest post or two!

Women’s fashion for summer 2011 is all about being bold and making a statement. Styles from the past are coming back with a face-lift and offer promises of artistic charm to the women who wear them. 

1970s Inspired

The ’70s are making a strong comeback this year with bold-colored jumpsuits, high-waisted shorts and pants, and macrame and crochet popping up in nearly every fashion. Jumpsuits worn with a belt tied high at the waist will create the appearance of long legs on even the shortest women. Often showing up sleeveless this season, maxi dresses are a light, breezy, and boho chic blast from the past. Floppy-brimmed hats are always in style and offer a classy shield from the sun. Earth-colored chunky jewelry is flattering with daywear, while disco-inspired silver pieces look chic with nightwear.

Prints and Colors

Prints are big this season, with floral making an especially big impact on women’s fashion. Other popular prints include paisley, ethnic-style, and anything exotic. The colors of the season are bright and loud, with neon showing up on everything from belts to bathing suits. Orange is the popular statement color, while yellow, turquoise, and fuchsia are close on its heels. Black and white stripes are also trendy.

Biker

The biker trend features lots of leather and metallic hardware. For a cool summer evening, a leather jacket in caramel or pink offers striking sophistication. Leather leggings paired with lace-up heeled boots create a look that’s edgy, yet flattering. Bags and belts are pairing biker metallics with military-inspired canvas. Short skirts are neutral-colored and contain quilting detail. Avoid too much of a good thing: Keep leather accents and accessories to a minimum to make the biker-look appear effortless.

Handbags

Clutches, handbags, and short-strapped purses are all over-sized and colorful. These small items pack huge punches with neon colors, exotic skins and fabrics, and chains and metallic hardware. As part of the biker inspiration of the season, decorative zippers and large clasps are appearing on bright leather handbags. Evening bags are just as large and colorful but with a bit more of a feminine touch, often incorporating lace or floral patterns.

1960s Inspired

Although the ’70s are having the greatest fashion impact on 2011, the ’60s refuse to be left behind. The soft, girly look of the ’60s is showcased in knee-length skirts and ruffled blouses. Prowling their way back into ladies’ hearts, kitten heels and cat’s-eye glasses are reappearing. The repopularized little black dress is a fixed reminder of Audrey Hepburn’s fashionable influences on the ’60s and beyond.

Other fashion options for the summer of 2011 include capri shorts, belt bags, one-shoulder dresses, boy shorts, preppy styles, gladiator sandals, feathered jewelry, tail-hem skirts, and anything in retro prints. The styles of the summer season are extremely versatile and allow fun experimentation. Any one of these looks will make a woman appear modern, vogue, and ready to enjoy a good time.

Noelle Towler is an entrepreneur, self-confessed accessoriser and the creative soul behind Accessory Heaven. Noelle loves to write for women, helping them express their personality through their accessories – with handbags, necklaces and other beautiful accessories. Through Accessory Heaven, she’s bringing high quality products and fashion advice online empowering women to express their unique creativity while supporting innovative, unique, local and emerging artists. In her spare time, Noelle is the founder of Invite Life – an online youth development website.