A Look Back: The Best San Francisco Styles And Trends Of 2011

In 2011, the fashion world saw many trends translate from the runway to the streets, and San Francisco was one city stepping up its game in the style stakes.

Coral/orange hue accessories and separates

With designers such as Rachel Roy, Christopher Kane and Jil Sander pairing bold colors with neutral shades, it came as no surprise when San Francisco residents began accessorizing with one of the most beloved colors of the year. From large envelope clutches, sheer blouses and nail color polishes, to the essential city scarf, the coral/orange shade was seen across the style wheel throughout 2011

Bold and bright handbags
From the affordable to high-end designer luxury purchases, handbags went bold and brighter in 2011. Handbag designers such as Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade and DKNY all highlighted this trend and gave customers candy-colored accessories, while budget-friendly options could be found at ASOS.com and Target.

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Hours: Mon - Sat 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Animal print fashion

Givenchy brought back the animal trend in 2011, proving the much-loved print from last year was staying around. San Francisco fashionistas and several celebrities, who turned up in the city in 2011 to promote their own brands, were spotted in animal print. MTV presenter Alexa Chung was seen wearing her own leopard print ankle boots designed by Madewell, and the Kardashian sisters showed up in their affordable Sears Kardashian Kollection, which featured several animal print pieces.

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Hours: Mon - Sat: 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Blazers

With the blazer's ability to turn a casual outfit into smartened office attire, it came as no surprise that San Francisco women were seen dressed in blazers in basic shades such as black, navy and white throughout the year. Worn over tees or blouses and paired with shorts, summer skirts, jeans or wide-legged pants, the blazer's versatility was a hot trend in 2011. Great options were found in J.Crew, Gap and Bloomingdale's.

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Hours: Mon - Sat: 10 a.m - 8:30 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

GAP's white tee
San Francisco brand GAP is known for its fabulous basic apparel, and the GAP basic white tee was a favorite in 2011. Affordability, quality and the wide selection of GAP basic white tees made it easy for customers to customize the tee to their own personalities. Whether worn basic with layers or accessorized to add flair, the GAP white tee was a big seller this year.

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One of the best sights in San Francisco is the versatile fashion spotted around the streets. Residents can take the same basic apparel or accessory piece, and in seconds, make it look like an individual fashion item. With designer stores, off-price departments, thrift shops and small boutiques, San Francisco is a gold mine for fashion. The best of styles and trends can easily be found on any given day, and 2011 was an exceptional year.

What was your favorite fashion trend during 2011 and how did you wear it?

Parmeeta Ghoman, a freelance writer specializes in style and lives in California. Find some of her work on Examiner.com.