Fashion followers know that the real first signs of spring are the sandals, frocks and sunglasses that are now beginning to appear in our favourite store windows. If you plan on indulging in a little shopping, here are the top five spring pieces you’ll need this season.

Wide-leg jeans
If you can only add one new item to your wardrobe this spring, make it a pair of wide leg jeans. The 70s are back with a vengeance and designers from Derek Lam to Celine and Dries Van Noten are embracing the classic bell-bottom silhouette this season. Not to mention trend-setting celebs like Katie Holmes, Rachel Bilson and Kate Moss. Chic and oh-so easy to wear, pair them with a button-up blouse or even your favourite tee and you can’t go wrong.

LWD (Little white dress)
You can give your LBD a much-needed break because 2011 is the year of the white-hot little white dress. From sweet and pastoral to edgy and off-kilter, this spring innocent little white will no longer be taking a back seat to ubiquitous black in the fashion hierarchy. Sexy, chic and yes, even a little rock ‘n roll, the little white dress was the star of spring runways, showing up at Derek Lam, Jill Stuart, even Alexander Wang who is famous for his love of black.

Round sunglasses
Another sign that the 70s are back for spring: the return of round sunglasses. From small and round (a la Lennon) to big and oversized (think Mary Kate Olsen) these retro shades were all over the runways courtesy of designers like Proenza Schouler, Peter Som and Diane von Furstenberg and are sure to be this season’s ultimate style statement.

More spring fashion trends on the next page…

Don’t forget to check out our Spring/Summer 2011 trend report here

Sheer fabrics
Spring fashion is all about showing a little skin—even when you’re covered up. Sheer fabrics and peek-a-boo looks continue their reign this season so if you didn’t indulge in the see-through trend last year, now’s your chance to flash a little skin without giving it all away. Whether it’s a touch of transparency in the straps of a dress or the float-y feminine layers of a chiffon skirt, the sheer look need only be as risky as you dare.

Flatforms
A cross between a flat and a platform, the new and wondrous flatform stomped its way down spring runways (on the feet of some very happy models, we’re sure) and to the unadulterated delight of sore-footed fashion lovers around the world. Endorsed by the likes of Michael Kors, Phillip Lim, Derek Lam and Chanel, these cheeky sandals will give you the lift you seek without the aching arches.

Check out our Spring/Summer 2011 trend report here.

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