2011 Haute Attack...

What a year 2011 has been for the fashion industry. It reminded me that fashion is all about self expression, experimentation, and above all, meant to be fun. Lets take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the year's best trends.

...PRINTS CHARMING...

Patterns and prints became the new black. From the enthusiasm of the fashion eccentric you would never guess that we were in the middle of a recession. Fashion gave us permission to be creative again, go with your instinct, and ultimately wear what you feel great in...Who can argue with that?! One can't help but smile when a motley crew of plaid, leopard, and the likes come parading down the street two by two. And all ended happily ever after in the land of Glam Slam!

...COLOR FOR DAYS...

Bold pops of color was every fashionistas' ammo this year. Pastels took a back seat to the electric shades of neon and rich pigmented hues. The color explosion rejuvenated classic silhouettes and breathed life into complexions. From this trend the editorial world proved that color can be a neutral with endless possibilities--all of which permeated into the Fall/Winter collections as well as Spring/Summer.

...COLOR BLOCKING...

The rebirth of color opened the doors to unstoppable color blocking. Blocking aficionados spanned the spectrum by coordinating one color, head to toe, in varying shades as well as by pairing pieces that fall opposite on the color wheel. Stylist Elisa Nalin might just be the poster child for this block party. In reality there are no rules here--which could be the explanation for its warm embrace.

...SNEAKER HEAD...

Sneakers went toe to toe with heels this year. It could be the practicality of comfort to keep up with a busy life (HELLO, we are already at the end of 2011), but I believe it is the combination of style and versatility. Athletic companies attracted the attention of many, even designers like Isabel Marant (who can forget her color blocked wedge sneakers), by reworking their footwear and hitting the mark with popular trends--think color/color blocking. Who knows if kicks are here to stay, but for now my feet thank you for a leveled out break.

...LETTERING IN FASHION...

Those who committed to the sport of fashion this year had the chance to receive the hallmark honor among competitors...ok, not that serious, but many revisited their alumni nostalgia to sport letterman jackets. Who knew that the coveted varsity emblem would make such an impressionable play in the fashion arena.

{all images Tommy Ton for style.com}