Summer and Workwear Trends
As we all acclimatise to the ‘new normal’, there are a myriad of summer trends in the shops that will suit every taste. This season, we are truly spoilt for choice so get out and support your high street while having fun with fashion, I’m pretty sure you deserve it.
Wide legs are back
As we ditch the loungewear and lycra, comfort has become higher up our wishlist - enter the wide leg trouser. Whether it’s tailored (Louis Vuitton) denim (Victoria Beckham), or a silky number (Stella McCartney) we are embracing wide strides this season, the longer the better. Team with a chunky platform clog sandal for leg length without the limping.
Marvellous monochrome
If you are finding the decision of what to wear each morning more than a little taxing on your brain, then reduce the decision fatigue by going monochrome. We’ve seen stunning black and white looks on the catwalks (Chanel, St Laurent) so why not embrace this eternally chic look. Add a single pop of neon to give it a modern twist.
The joy of the dress
The perfect antidote from the droopy bottoms and saggy knees of your favourite joggers, dresses are big this season. - I mean literally big - the maxi is in full flow in all its diaphanous glory. Long, floaty numbers in every colour of the rainbow have wafted down the catwalks (Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino) and will soon be coming to a high street near you.
Think pink!
Move over Chelsea Flower show, there is an explosion of feminine pink in all of the shops. From frothy candy floss to fabulous fuchsia, there is definitely a hue out there that has your name on it. Wear with khaki green to ground the look, or clash with vibrant oranges and reds and embrace the glowing Goddess that you truly are.
Don’t forget the girls
Underwear as outerwear has returned and the bra or bralette is back. Channel the 90’s by rocking a lacy number teamed with a loosely tailored suit as seen on the runways at the Dior and Etro shows, or join the millennials and sport one over your shirt. If you need a little more support then corsets are having a revival too, Alexander McQueen and Givenchy showed us some beautiful interpretations. Try them with a flowing skirt to play with your silhouette.
The belly is in
It’s only going to take the smallest of heatwaves before we see midriff flaunted by fashionistas. Whether it’s cut outs in dresses and swimsuits (Michael Kors) or a 90’s-inspired criss-cross stomach-strapping for the more adventurous (Versace) this is one look that will be embraced by the body-confident, remember it’s not about your age or size, if you feel good you look great - so if this trend appeals to you just go for it.
TWinkle like the star you are
My personal favourite - the sequin - is back and in every incarnation you can think of (Loewe, Elie Saab). Definitely not just for Christmas, we are seeing sequins in all forms from slinky dresses to power suits. Make them daytime appropriate by teaming them with something super casual such as a pair of white trainers and a denim jacket, and enjoy the extra luminosity as they reflect the light back onto your face.
Not forgetting workwear…
fluid tailoring
The new evolution of workwear is a softer, more fluid version of the trussed up tailoring of seasons past. Designers understand that we have got used to living in PJs or lycra, and have come up with drapey suiting options in hardworking fabrics that move with you to keep comfort levels high.
relaxed slacks
The wide-leg features prominently, and don’t be surprised to see the ‘new joggers’ in woven fabrics being worn with blazers and camisole tops for a middle ground that ticks all the style boxes. Oversized shirts and blazers will hide a multitude of sins if you are feeling a little self-conscious after all that sofa-surfing.
travelling light is so 2020
Supermodels know that anything oversized makes you appear slimmer (think mens watches and mens shirts worn by Liz Hurley or Christy Turlington) and this season, alongside extra-wide-brimmed hats - which lets face it, are show-stopping but one of the least-practical accessories money can buy - the oversized bag will be carried by everyone in the know. Now you literally can have your cake and eat it, as you will be able to fit a full packed lunch alongside your workout gear.
It’s all about the details
If this all sounds a little uninspiring, then accessories are where it’s at. Add a bold statement necklace for interest or spice things up with an oversized collar (Lanvin). If you have fully embraced tabletop dressing and are working remotely using apps like zoom, then tap into the statement sleeve trend as seen on the runways at Paco Rabanne. Whether puff, bell, bishop or balloon, these sleeve trends will add a little whimsy to your look, and look best anchored with a pair of on trend boot cut jeans, and let’s face it, if you’re still working virtually no-one will ever know.
