Key Trends for Your Summer Wardrobe

With an industry that moves at a rate of knots, it can be difficult to stay ahead of trends. The relentless pace of innovation can make you feel like you need a new wardrobe each season. But Alice Casely-Hayford, Fashion and Beauty Editor for Refinery 29, gives this advice: “Incorporate [just] a few key pieces each season”. These items should be: “Welcome additions to your wardrobe.” After all, fashion shouldn’t be taken too seriously; we should have fun with it and find our own style. That said, it’s nice to know what’s on trend. This year London Fashion Weekend partnered with VeryExclusive.co.uk, to bring us the key looks for this summer. I thought you might like a quick update, hosted by Lauren Jackson this is what we saw:-

Beauty Botanicals

Florals in spring? Surely that’s nothing new. Certainly Meryl Streep in the Devil wears Prada didn’t think so. But London’s designers certainly know how to reinvent this summer staple. Just consider Erdem making floral his motif, putting them on every conceivable item, bags, shoes and dresses. Here we see graphic oversized florals making their way onto outerwear. Prints are digital, as first pioneered by Mary Katrantzou, and seen here in a diamond formation. The rust colours give a new take on the trend, and new shapes also freshen it up. Probably the newest shape is the bardot. Shoulders out, it’s an elegant way to reveal just a little bit of skin.

Americana

Here double or even triple denim rules the roost. Justin and Britney may have done it in the 90’s but this look is definitely back. The colour pallet is easy: patriotic red, white and blue with a scattering of stars and stripes thrown into the mix. But denim head to toe isn’t as scary as it sounds; it could be as simple as a denim dress. There is a new jean shape this season, the 7/8 length flare. It’s much more versatile than the traditional flare as it can be worn with any shoe: sneaker, ballet shoe or a block heel. You couldn’t have an Americana theme without a hint of Cowboy Yankee. So add a little fringing detail, be it on a bag, skirt or jacket and ensure you have a little suede in your wardrobe.

Pop Art Bright’s

In interiors there is a backlash against minimalism and neutrals with the rise of the Memphis movement again. Fashion also reflects this. Bright, bold and punchy colours have popped up, excuse the pun, everywhere from Christopher Kane to Carven. Here there are no rules: red can be worn with pink, orange with purple, in fact the more garish the better. It’s time to put away your neutral coloured bag and grab a statement bag. Try coloured tassels on your shoes or a leather skirt in brights. And if too much colour scares you, you could always just pick one statement item.

New Romance

This trend is whimsical and hyper feminine with floaty fabrics, delicate lace and texture, allowing all of us to be a modern-day princesses. As you can see, the soft rose is a key colour for this trend, be that in a bag, dress, top or pair of shoes. Cutwork broderie is important, as well as sheer detailing and lace in abundance. And how could I forget ruffles? Be they a small detail on a high-necked blouse or repeated on a dress, ruffles are an essential aspect to this look.

Whether you embrace the trends in full or just add the odd piece to your fashion collection, just remember what Mary Katrantzou said, “Every piece in your wardrobe should tell people something about yourself.”

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All items pictured can be bought from www.veryexclusive.co.uk

Photos by Rod Leon, Ellie Gillard www.eleanorgillard.com & n4mummy