Our expert fashion director reveals the five key spring/summer fashion trends
Maximalist prints, big bold florals, plenty of pink and the season’s hottest piece of the moment — a bright red dress — were all on display at the Chelsea Flower Show this week. Providing us with a taste of the exciting new fashion trends heading our way this summer, here we explore what everyone will be wearing for the next season to come...
Maximalism
Florals are always ‘in’ for spring — but this season the soft dusty, ditsy prints of last year have been replaced by big bold vibrant blooms and joyful power prints inspired by the new Italian label La Double J. Think flamboyant florals and abstract geometric prints in clashing tones of green, pink and lilac, orange, red and purple and red, turquoise and olive green. This trend is all about being on show; so don’t be shy with your accessories. Pile on big tassel earrings and add a pair of sharp sunglasses to bring some Italian Riviera glamour to an English summer.
The Red Dress
The 24/7 red dress is an absolute must have this summer — it will work hard in your wardrobe taking you everywhere from the park to party. Our very own Good Housekeeping Editor-in-Chief Gaby Huddart led the way at Chelsea in her belted A-line midi dress by Me+Em. Any silhouette will do from mini, midi to maxi lengths — as long as it’s in a lipstick shade of red.
The key to this trend is in the accessories. Stay away from black, navy and grey and go for natural raffia; a little cross body bag works well for day and a clutch will add some evening elegance. For shoes, canvas white pumps or espadrilles will bring a light summery edge for those off-duty days. If you want something to layer, bring a smart edge by adding a blazer or cardigan in neutral tones of cream, camel and blush pink.
Pretty Pink
Think pink all summer long! From suits to dresses, it’s all about pastel candy floss shades this time round, rather than the punchy pop of fuchsia we saw last summer. Fabrics are soft and fluid rather than structured — with feminine trousers suits to silky maxi shirt dresses all dropping their smart, stiff appearance to take on a more elegant feminine feel.
The Princess of Wales led the charge in a pastel pink shirt dress from label of the moment Me+Em when she visited the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday — making this pretty hue the star shade of summer for weddings, garden parties and glamorous events. Head to Wyse for the perfect rose pink trouser suit in the new cult silhouette of wide flared leg trousers and slouchy over-sized blazer. Dress it down with a t-shirt and trainers or add a silky shirt in a pop of sugary lemon or lilac for the evening. Just add pretty pumps or wedges.
Fluid Fabrics
As the temperature rises, cotton and seersucker are always a good idea. However, the new favourites for this season are silk, chiffon, linen and summer jersey bringing a softer side to keeping cool. Try a stretchy summer maxi dress in a light jersey and opt for a bold stripe. Or, choose chevron prints that bring a sporty edge to event dressing (ideal if you have tickets for Wimbledon). My top tip is to go for A-line silhouettes as they skim rather than cling — and try a silky skirt with a light cashmere or merino wool t-shirt. Simply add ballet pumps for a low-key luxury look. Alternatively, a chiffon blouse will elevate everything from denim to utility chinos and bring some romance to evening dressing worn with tailoring.
Monochrome
Minimalists will be pleased to hear that in amongst the vibrant blooms and shouty prints is a a more paired back trend: with black and white bringing a palette cleanser to your colourful summer wardrobe. Keep it chic and simple opting for linen and broderie anglaise to stop it all feeling too heavy. Raffia once again is the go-to for bags and accessories with the black anglaise maxi and a white shirt being the hero buys. Wear with denim jackets or khaki utility jackets for a relaxed edge or with metallics to add night-time appeal.
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