Clothing and Apparel

Fashion trends for summer 2011 are all about romantic looks with a laid-back 70's flair.  This season, the clothes to go for are those that are loose, breezy and comfortable with made in bright colors.  Wide pants, particularly high waisted wide pants in fun colors like tropical coral, emerald green and regatta blue have now transcended from the runways and onto the streets.

Mini dresses are also going to trendy casual outfits this season. Aside from being worn on top of a pair of shorts or straight pants, they can be worn on its own, perfect to show of those slender looking legs and your perfect tan.

If you are looking for something more elegant and sophisticated to celebrate a night out with friends or with your special someone, maxi dresses continues to remain in fashion.  For this season, maxi dresses are now designed using lighter fabrics with bright flowery prints and cuts that allow them to look lighter and more flowing.

Dark colored skinny jeans will remain popular, particularly those that are along the indigo and charcoal color spectrum as well as short ruffled skirts and dresses with flirty necklines.

Jewelry and Accessories

If the clothes are becoming lighter and more romantic, the words best to describe jewelry and accessories for summer 2011 are "big" and "bold."  The key in choosing the right accessories and jewelry pieces for this season is to make sure that they are eye-catching yet stylish at the same time.  Wide cuff bracelets and bangles are perfect for casual outfits while a single necklace that makes a bold statement would look great for evening wear.

Charm Necklace and Bracelet Set

Aside from making sure that the jewelry pieces and accessories do not overpower the entire outfit, probably the biggest challenge petite fashionistas may have when it comes to these types of jewelry pieces is to find something that fits the profile of what is a trendy jewelry piece or accessory without getting lost in it, if you know what I mean.  One trick in creating this look is through the use of charms like the necklace and bracelet set from Juicy Couture shown above.  The charms not only give a touch of volume to the jewelry pieces, but also serve as a statement all on its own.

Makeup Trends

The choice of makeup to wear can easily make or break your entire outfit, so it is but fitting to get to know what are the hottest makeup trends for summer 2011.  Since the jewelry pieces and accessories are quite bold this season, the makeup to use should be more on the natural, "barely there" look with focus on nudes, pinks and those that give off a shimmery and pearly glow.  The use of bronzers and highlighters should be kept at a minimum to keep that fresh, all-natural look.

Since this is the season when the temperatures can be rather sweltering because of the sun, it is a good idea to choose foundations and makeup base that are light yet waterproof.  This is to make sure that not only will your pores not get clogged.  Waterproof makeup will ensure that you will look great and beautiful when going out for a dip with your friends.  Also, make sure to apply a good sunblock before applying your makeup.  That is because chances are, you will be spending most of the summertime outdoors which causes you to be exposed for longer hours under the sun's harmful rays that can cause premature aging and skin cancer.

After all, if you are constantly tugging at your pantyhose, adjusting your bra straps, or removing that uncomfortable wedgie, how can you possibly concentrate on the task at hand? In fact, if you are more concerned with how others see you and what they think of your latest fashion endeavor, how can you possibly earn their respect or perform your work duties?

Unfortunately, it is simple enough to commit a few fashion blunders without even realizing it. Sometimes, it is easy to fall into the trap of following the advice of another, even against your better judgment. Other times, it is just as simple to rush around in a mad frenzy and inadvertently put on the wrong combination of fashion clothing and accessories.

The fashion no-nos that women make are basic, simple mistakes. Avoiding these fashion mistakes can go a long way to presenting a well-dressed, put together woman. Several areas of dressing are discussed below with tips on what is appropriate and what is not.

• Uncomplimentary colors - The colors of clothing that you wear should be complimentary to your skin coloring. Wearing colors that clash with your skin tone will not put you in the best light. Try to select colors that do not you’re your skin look sallow or pale. Moreover, the colors that you combine in an outfit should be complimentary to each other.
• Clothing that does not fit - One of the worst fashion mistakes is to wear clothing that does not fit you. Even if your outfit that is too large or too small looks good while you are walking around, it might not look so terrific when you sit down. Clothing that is too small might lose a button, pop a zipper, or split a seam when pushed to the limits. Clothing that is too large is going to bunch up, making you look larger than you actually are.
• Stained clothing - Stained clothing should always be avoided unless you are mowing the lawn or cleaning the gutters. Seriously though, donate stained clothing to the needy unless it is terribly stained. In that case, simply toss it out. If your clothing is plagued with underarm stains, try a new deodorant/antiperspirant and invest in some underarm shields.
• Inappropriate shoes - Perhaps the biggest fashion mistake that any woman makes with her shoes is not knowing when to toss a pair of shoes away. In fact, shoes that are dirty or worn can ruin an entire outfit, no matter how well put together the rest of it is. If you purchase an expensive pair of shoes, they typically hold up better and longer. No matter what type of shoes you buy, take care of them by cleaning, polishing, and repairing them whenever necessary. Your shoes should match your outfits in formality. The color of your shoes should blend with your skirt or slacks. They do not have to be the same color, but they should be complimentary or neutral in coloring.
• Inappropriate makeup - The makeup that you wear during your workday should be subtle, lightly-applied, and complimentary to your outfit. Makeup worn at night can be darker and more thickly applied. However, it should still compliment the clothing that you are wearing. The best rule of thumb is to consider carefully the location or event that you will be at and whether the makeup you are considering is appropriate.
• Inappropriate accessories - Workday accessories should lean toward the conservative styles. In this case, less is usually better. One ring, one necklace, and a single bracelet or watch are all that you need to liven up your outfit. Anything more than that and you are sending a statement that you want to appear flamboyant and garner all the attention to yourself. Additionally, your belt and purse should be complimentary colors to the rest of your outfit. Although women are no longer limited to purses or handbags that match their shoes, a little bit of blending colors does not hurt.
• Inappropriate clothes - The clothing that you wear should be appropriate for the occasion. In fact, a fine line exists between overdressing and under dressing. Try to find it and stick to it. After all, just because you look absolutely wonderful in a particular outfit does not make it appropriate for every single occasion.
• Poorly done nails - Your nails are very noticeable, especially if you talk with your hands. On workdays, your nails should be polished with subtle colors, filed neatly, and kept at a short length. The color of your nail polish should be a neutral one so that it will not clash with anything that you wear throughout the week. Chipped nail polish should be corrected at the earliest possible moment. For personal outings, follow the same rules with the exception that any shade of nail polish is good.
• Inappropriate leg wear - When in doubt as to the color that you should wear upon your legs, opt for something neutral. If you are wearing pantyhose or stockings, the color should blend with your hemline. Conservative patterns and colors are best for the workday. Personal outings are the perfect time to try something new and colorful, provided that your leg wear does not clash with your outfit.
• Visible lingerie - Slips that hung below the hemline of the dress or skirt used to be referred to as “showing a little snow down south.” Nowadays, slips are available in an entire medley of colors so that saying isn’t quite as accurate as it once was. However, the point should be taken that showing off your lingerie to the public eye is not a good idea. When you purchase your lingerie, make sure that the style and size that you buy actually fits you well. If your bra straps are slipping off your shoulders constantly, adjust them. Additionally, your bra should lift your bosoms up and the back of the bra should not be inching upwards every time you move. If your slip is too long, hem it or select a different one. If your flesh bulges out from your panty lines, they are simply too small.
• Highly noticeable roots - All too often, women become comfortable with showing the roots of their hair. After all, it can be a tedious process to have your hair done on a consistent basis. However, short of poorly cut hair or dirty hair, there is very little else that is more unappealing than a woman with her roots showing.

Remember that all women are entitled to a few fashion blunders now and again. Pay attention to the ones that you make and learn from them. If you are having a really difficult time deciding what to wear, peruse through a few fashion magazines or websites so that you can pick up a few more tips that are helpful.