By Lily Annis: Columnist
As spring slowly unfurls into summer, the warmer days are creeping towards us, and so are the bold, bright summer fashion trends.
This spring, we’re seeing sky blues, but this flattering colour will soon float away to make way for this summer’s No.1 colour of choice. The catwalk is delivering some truly eye-popping colours, the most popular being bright red. This daring colour paves the way for the common theme of this summer’s trends: they are not for the faint-hearted. Read on to see why.
Think octagons, squares, triangles, and conch-shaped curls similar to Prabal Gurung’s inspirational example on the catwalk.
Yes, red is in. Brands like Hermès, Leonard Paris, and Gauchere embraced this bold colour. Models rocked intense red crop tops, looking effortlessly cool, but this bold colour may require a splash of confidence to wear whilst sauntering around town.
If red feels like a step (or ten) out of your comfort zone, try adding pops of the colour as accessories, like a belt from Kettlewell . Not only does this feel more wearable when you’re walking down the street, it also gives you a bit of that cool catwalk edge. If you want to go down the accessory route, red is always stylish when paired with blue denim. Denim is always trendy, and this summer is no exception. Pair a denim maxi skirt with a bold red belt or a crimson blazer.
There were some more subtle looks, and the Paris catwalk graced us with minimalist chic but with a twist. The addition of cutouts in basic dresses delivered unique looks that were far from boring. At Alexander McQueen, we were spoilt by not one, not two, but three cutouts.
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There were two cutouts on either side of the shoulder, and shoulder pads to highlight the model’s broad shoulders. These unique cutouts, although unexpected, added to the boldness of the dress.
The most noticeable cutout, however, was the wide slit straight down the middle of the dress, stopping just above the model’s belly button. This offers a pop of skin and is a sexy but powerful addition to the dress.
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Metallics are also in this summer. This trend has crept up on us, starting first on nails and then moving into accessories (a metallic gold belt or clutch gives just the right level of sass). Now, metallics have branched into clothing.
On the catwalk, we saw metallic gold t-shirts from Ralph Lauren paired with more matte colours like black. You might think that a long black matte skirt would be bolder than a top, but that was not the case. The gold t-shirt carried this outfit, standing out far more than the black. However, Ralph Lauren’s outfit felt like a slightly more subtle look when compared to one of Alexander McQueen’s outfits. The metallic fringing running through this dress made it stand out on the catwalk. Paired with warm gold earrings, this is gold metallic elevated to another level.
Next up is flowers. Florals are always popular in the warmer months; however, this year, it wasn’t just a pretty pattern. On the catwalk, fashion becomes bigger and better, and so did the flowers. Brands embraced massive, almost life-like flowers, which popped from shoulders on dresses.
Roses, in particular, were popular, likely due to their shape, which is intricate from the inside but has outer petals which can give a poofed-up, almost ruffle effect. Roses symbolise love, joy, and beauty, and it was easy to see this joy and fun mirrored in Balmain’s outfits.
McQueen, however, displayed a black dress with a rose flower growing up the dress. The rose was even on-trend, in a bright, bold red. Tory Burch is doing it all – ticking the trend of metallics, skirts, and blazers. This overall look is one of Masc-Fem dressing, a trend which is on the rise. Feminine, flowing skirts were paired with blazers and trench coats which showcased broad shoulders and served to emulate a more masculine figure. It wasn’t just Tory Burch though; brands like Dior and Prada also displayed skirts and blazers on the catwalk. These weren’t just any maxi skirts — this year’s catwalk went for almost see-through skirts. These sheer skirts were possibly the boldest trend to come from this catwalk, and we suggest layering materials underneath these skirts for more practical purposes. But if you’re feeling confident, then there’s nothing to stop you!
Massive earrings are the go-to accessory this summer, but thankfully, not the ear gauges that stretch out your earlobes. That trend mostly died in 2014, and for the sake of our ears, let’s pray it never returns. No, these earrings take the form of funky geometric shapes.
Think octagons, squares, triangles, and conch-shaped curls similar to Prabal Gurung’s inspirational example on the catwalk. This summer trend might still stretch your ears, but what’s fashion without a bit of pain? Plus, they can be as luxurious or as affordable as you wish, with plenty of shops to choose from.
Options include Otis Jaxon Jewellery, Rosie Kent, and Jacquemus for an elegant and sophisticated look. Try Fendi, Liberty London, or Marni if you want earrings that scream statement. Looking for more affordable finds? Try shopping from Etsy, Urban Outfitters, and & Other Stories for some truly unique earrings.
Now for a trend that screams hot weather: short shorts!
Nothing says summer like teeny tiny shorts. Chanel and Dries Van Noten models styled short shorts by going top-heavy with cardigans, layered vests, and accessories like necklaces.
This method allows your legs to really take centre stage as it elongates them. Dries Van Noten’s light jacket is a little oversized, finishing below the shorts. The addition of this jacket allows the model to look a little more covered up, but it is clear the shorts are still the star of the outfit. Pairing short shorts with a long-line top or tunic could offer a more wearable outfit, as it allows for style while factoring in the unpredictable British weather.
So, if you want to embrace the trends this summer, shop for short shorts, funky accessories, sheer skirts, and anything decorated with roses. For colours, find eye-popping red and gold, silver and bronze metallics.
If none of those trends speak to you, try heading down the more minimalistic route, but add a cutout for a subtle, but stylish look.
Remember, fashion is ever-changing, and what’s in style this summer might not be so trendy in autumn.
Have a fling with this summer’s fashion trends, and if you want to go bold, go all out!
Photographer: Drew Collins
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Lily Annis
Lily is a creative writer, content writer, and digital marketer. She is published in Imprint Magazine, Vortex, Flash Fiction North, SmashingBlobfish, Breaking Barriers, and Secret Attic Magazine. She also runs her own business sewing cushions for small animals.