Rachel Wells picks some of the hottest trends for 2011

From Studio 54-inspired jumpsuits to Joni Mitchell-style maxi dresses, 2011 promises to deliver its fair share of 1970s fashion references.

Marc Jacobs led the charge for 1970s styles when he showed his Marc by Marc Jacobs spring 2011 collection in New York in September.

Take your inspiration from Mitchell, Lauren Hutton and Charlotte Rampling circa 1970 and you'll be on the money.

MINIMALISM

The trend for pared-back, minimalist looks pioneered by the British fashion pack during their spring-summer 2011 collections last October will continue to be a fashion favourite in 2011.

Hannah MacGibbon for Chloe, Phoebe Philo for Celine and Stella McCartney opted to show clean, restrained clothing in plains, with few prints and little embellishment - a look that will dominate 2011 wardrobes.

Minimalist favourites will include neat swing coats, tailored pleat-front trousers, cigarette pants, unfussy A-line skirts, cotton wrap dresses, crisp cotton shirts, neat tunics, slim-fitting pencil skirts and man-style jackets and vests.

LEATHER

While leather jackets have been a wardrobe staple for men and women for decades, in 2011 our love affair with leather will reach a whole new level.

This year, we saw leather rise in popularity and in 2011 it is set to hit fever pitch with soft leathers being fashioned into all kinds of garments, from skirts and shorts to tops and dresses.

THE RETRO LADY

In 2011, vintage, ladylike looks take their inspiration mostly from the 1940s and '50s. Channel the secretaries and housewives of Mad Men - think wiggle dresses, tight-fitting pencil skirts, sweaters, circle skirts and the women of Coney Island circa 1950, all neat sundresses, buttoned-up shirts and capri pants. It's a fun mix of housewife chic and ladylike glamour.

PRE-LOVED-LOOK KNITS

One of my favourite trends for winter 2011 is knits that look pre-loved.

That is, woollen jumpers or cardigans that look as if they have been passed down from older brother or father to daughter or picked up at the local op shop.

Such knits can be worn with a simple pair of skinny jeans or leggings or dressed up and worn over a ladylike sundress or tucked into a prim circle skirt.

OTHER TRENDS

Texture - including fringing, feathers and faux fur - military looks, plaid, the trench, lace, pussy bows, jumpsuits, blazers and tailored jackets, suede, slouch trousers, animal prints, ankle boots, flares, clashing prints, jumper dresses, brights, circle skirts, winter shorts, pencil skirts and folksy maxi skirts and dresses.