If there’s ever a time when people update their ‘look’, it’s in the New Year. Now that the Spring/Summer collections are already popping up in stores, it’s time to get out your battered credit card (it was just Christmas after all) and start considering some gifts for yourself. I’m going to go over 4 of the key trends for the coming season, and see if I can give you a little inspiration! Or at least entertain you with dreams of sunny, warmer days..
1. Ladylike
First up is Pretty & Ladylike, one of the easiest trends that you can pick up on – just embrace your inner girl! This trend focuses on 50s and 60s silhouettes with a colour palette of pastels. Look to the Parisian houses of Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton for inspiration – it’s all about sugary hues and pretty detailing, for example a delicated chiffon, beaded collar or exquisite lace.
L-R: Christian Dior & Louis Vuitton
L-R: Finders Keepers lace shirt, £75; ASOS embellished skater dress, £120
2. Under the Sea
The catwalks were awash (‘scuse the pun) with oceania and sea life, from prints at Issa and Markus Lupfer straight through to models as giant sea creatures at Alexander McQueen. For the catwalk-to-real life look it’s definitely best to go with the printed garments, unless you’re feeling extremely adventurous.
L-R: Alexander McQueen & Markus Lupfer
L-R: Stella McCartney tropical print dress, £955; TFNC scallop dress, £85
3. Roaring 20s
TV series and Hollywood movies have been having a huge impact on historical-related fashion trends recently, and in anticipation of the 2012 release of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, the fashion world has gone Twenties crazy. This was seen on the catwalk in the form of Art Deco designs from Alberta Ferretti and Chloe, through to more glamourous, glitzy looks by Gucci and Marchesa.
L-R: Gucci & Ralph Lauren
L-R: River Island beaded vest, £45; ASOS embellished turban, £20
4. Crazy prints
The fourth and final key trend is crazy, all out, full blown prints. The catwalk looks have used prints in the entire outfit (including accessories), but it is really easy to convert this into an easier-to-wear look for us commoners! Starting with one printed piece in an outfit, and then adding other pieces in different prints (or matching if you are dedicated!) is the idea. Mary Katrantzou is the reigning queen of all-over prints, but to break yourself in gently take a look at ASOS’s mix & match floral pieces (£40 – £65), or a scarf print dress by Topshop (£50).
L-R: Stella McCartney & Mary Katrantzou
L-R: Topshop floral bomber, £48; Versace for H&M fruit dress, £59.99
So there you have it – the central trends for Spring/Summer 2012. What will you buy into?
