2011 Recap: Top 10 Greatest Fashion Trends of the Year!

2011 was a year of breakout trends. Numerous styles exploded onto the fashion scene with a force; some we loved while others we really could have done without.

Vintage was a big theme of the year, as older styles from the 20s through the 40s ruled the runways. Men's-inspired fashion, reptile textures and sequins also took the fashion spotlight (and occupied a lot of space in our closets as well).

We’ve put together our top 10 favorite fashion trends of 2011. These are the ones that we couldn’t get enough of and hope stay around long after the clock strikes midnight on New Year's!

Color: Explosions and pops of color were everywhere this year. From entire outfits sporting one bold hue (Blake Lively’s amazing cobalt blue Elie Saab pantsuit) to statement pieces doing all the talking, color was everywhere – and we loved it. Colored denim also made its way to the forefront, as red skinny jeans became a wardrobe favorite.

Men's-Inspired Style: Kim K donned a trendy tux on the Kardashian family Christmas card this year and Beyoncé performed at the 2011 MTV Video Music awards in a classy, tailored tux. Men’s-inspired styles took the fashion world by storm as, not only tuxes, but also boyfriend blazers, bowties and other masculine styles gained fashionable notoriety.

70s-Inspired Fashions: Flared and wide-leg pants, floppy hats, fringe, maxi dresses, crochet, flowy blouses, color blocking – the list of 70s-inspired fashions goes on and on. These articles of clothing are some of our favorites - not only because of the incredible comfortability that comes when wearing any one of these items - but also because of the free-spirited nature that one exudes when wearing one of these groovy pieces.

Spots and Stripes Forever: Some of the most classic patterns, such as spots and stripes, truly made a comeback this year. Stella McCartney was seeing spots earlier this year when she designed the breath-taking semi-sheer black dress that Kate Winslet famously wore. Burberry took their famous check pattern and placed it on the outside of coats rather than just on the inside. Spots, stripes and other patterns are uber-trendy and can be worn on any occasion, casual or formal.

Fur: This was one fur-nomenal trend of 2011! It’s an ultra-luxe look but it does function on a fine line. Some people have been known to go overboard with their (hopefully faux) fur looks. Less is totally more where faux fur is concerned so, if you remember that rule, then you’ll pull this look off perfectly.

Glitter & Sequins Galore: This totally swanky look is ultra-chic, girly and fun – possibly being the reason why this trend became so huge for 2011! With sequins and glitter think - the more the merrier. Many designers have welcomed the sequin trend with open arms, putting together stunning creations of dresses, clutches, shoes and many more articles of clothing and accessories donning sequins.

Animal Print Textures: Animal prints were huge this year! It seemed as if everywhere you looked, someone was wearing a leopard print top or carrying around a reptile skin handbag. This look is also very chic, but must be worn in moderation. Pairing an animal printed top or bottom with a bold counterpart will achieve the most attractive look.

Rebel with a Cause: Studs, Spikes and Leather were some of the hottest looks this year. Leather bomber jackets were hot, and Emma Watson wore the Studded Burberry Trench Coat like no one’s business. If you were never a believer in biker chic before, then hopefully certain styles of leather and studded apparel made you a believer this year.

Lady in Lace: Lace was one of, if not THE, hottest looks this year. Kate Middleton became our go-to girl for beautiful lace fashions; from dresses to tops, she wore them beautifully and we envied her (and tried to copy her). The look is uber-feminine, yet still incredibly sexy, making it one of our favorite looks for 2011.

Old-school elegance from the 40s: Perhaps we have the television show, Mad Men, to blame (or thank, rather) for making the elegant styles of the 40s trendy again. Vintage-looking clothing is girly, feminine and offers everyone who wears it a certain elegant poise. These looks are very tailored and clean-cut making for some extremely sophisticated looks.