Ready for Spring/Summer?

Sitting here snuggled up in a cosy roll neck jumper, I’m nowhere near ready to wear summer clothes but I am ridiculously excited to uncover the delights of the season ahead.

Knowing the trends and colours up front allows me to; rediscover pieces in my wardrobe, create new outfit combos, put together a considered wish list and therefore shop the coming season successfully.

First, I analyse the catwalk collections and evaluate which trends and items will suit real lives and real bodies! Then, I assess which of the looks will flatter which body shapes. I consider how the new colours and latest colour combinations will suit which complexions and finally, I make a list of what I think the ‘must-have’ pieces will be, the key colour stories and which of the trends will be the season’s winners.

So, here are those lists: The key items, the colour focus and the mood of the season!

Key Items

Tracksuits

Unsurprisingly, with most of us working and exercising from home, sportswear made its way onto the catwalk; but it arrived with an up-styled 90’s treatment. Side stripes, tech fabrications and wide leg trouser silhouettes were key. Sophisticated styling gave it a sassy vibe whilst keeping comfort a top priority. Try a camisole tucked into a track pant with bejewelled flip flops or a fitted track top under a blazer with a ballet flat for an evening twist!

Balloon Sleeves

Frills and flounces have been going strong for the last few seasons, but it’s the gathered shoulders and puff ball sleeves that are still exploding from blouses, dresses, jackets and even tees and sweats. If that’s all a bit too girly for you, go for the flange sleeve (extended shoulder head) or the sculpted Balmain shoulder.

Wide Trousers

I’m particularly excited about the wide leg trouser shape because it is so flattering and suits almost every body type. Flat fronted and high waisted, these delights will lengthen your leg and slim like a dream. Watch out - there will be a plethora of ‘slouch’ pants or, as Zara likes to call them, ‘man’ pants but they are not flattering to all, with a lower waistline and/or front pleats.

If a wide leg isn’t your thing, try a straight leg worn cropped to the ankle for a similar, equally elegant effect.

Trench Coats

I love the dramatic, long-line swoosh of a trench. As a wardrobe essential, it is the kind of thing you’ll have in your wardrobe for years to come that will effortlessly up-style any outfit.

Nicole Kidman rocked a enviable collection of folk inspired long-line coats in ‘The Undoing’. This was a micro trend, that I think is less likely to explode onto the high street, but if you come across an embellished, jacquard or embroidered statement coat in your shape and colours - snap it up!

Wide Leg Trousers/Trench Coat/ Bright Colour

Colour Focus

Bright/Neon Pops

There is nothing like a pop of bright colour to lift our spirits and get us in the mood for spring! And it was delivered in bucket loads with fluoro flashes of lime and shocking pink and primary bursts of sunshine yellow and cobalt blue.

Candy

If brights are a bit overwhelming for your skin tone, sugary candied tones are the main colour trend of the season. Add a chunk of white to those brights to create a softer ‘Mini-Egg’ (without the speckles) palette and wear it head to toe. Tonal dressing (dressing head to toe in the same hue) is set to continue and works a sweet treat with brights and candy shades.

Silver

Silver, the new wardrobe metallic brings a fresh crisp energy. It works a delight as an everyday feel-good accessory; try a silver bag, pump or nail polish to wake up an outfit! Or go all out with a silver sequin blazer and wear it with everything from a little white or black dress to track pants.

Season’s Mood

Minimalism

Sharp lines, smooth finishes and clean edges gave the whole season a 90’s minimal feel. The flowers are crisp, suiting is fuss free, technical luxurious fabrics dominate and neon flashes add a futuristic vibe. White (a colour trend in its own right) epitomises the mood. This is the season to invest in a white anything. Top of my wish list is a white suit (blazer and ankle skimming straight legs) to be worn separately for day to day and together with a heel for those post-Covid parties.

Romance

Femininity rules here! But in keeping with the minimalistic mood, this romantic story isn’t about folklore. However, it is very pretty with clean floral prints taking centre stage and transparent fabrications providing sheer grace.

Bold Florals

The combination of brights and large florals created a mood of it’s own. Strong and contrasting - florals stood out as the print of the season!

So, as the shops fill up with new season goodies, what’s on your wish list? Which items, colours and trends will work for you and compliment your style and existing wardrobe?

If you need a quick style consultation to discover YOUR style or to simply point you in the right direction of what to look for - for YOU: head over to rgpersonalstyling.com/style-me to book an online styling session.

Trends - Spring/Summer 21