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PRINTS, PATTERNS, COLOUR
There’s so much pattern around it’s unbelievable. It’s all about prints this season – spots and stripes and zig-zags. A lot of tribal prints are coming back into the shops again, while tie-dye is going to be very, very big this year on everything: waistcoats, trousers, jackets and t-shirts. Digital prints are going to be really popular too. And don’t forget polka dots – there will be a lot of little dresses around like the one that Julia Roberts wore in Pretty Woman.
If you’re brave enough you can even wear more than one pattern and let them clash like on the catwalks. Meanwhile, layering is a strong trend again this season. My advice when you’re layering is to combine patterned pieces with plain items – this will be more flattering for most than wearing head-to-toe solids.
For colours, nudes, creams and white are important for spring/summ
NINETIES COMEBACK
The Nineties are coming back. Bum-bags will even be trendy again! Thanks to Chloe, double-denim is a returning theme, so you’ll see people wearing denim tops with denim on the bottom as well. There’s also a lot of Lycra, from sportswear to dresses.
For stretch jeans, Levi’s 112 are very good. They’re like skinny jeans but contain a lot of Lycra. They’re really flattering so I recommend them. Again this season plenty of “jeggings” are available for that trendy jean/legging combo.
Continuing the comeback are big, baggy jumpers and oversized sweatshirts. Wear these with heels to make the look extra-glam, instead of with DMs or chunky boots like we would have in the Nineties when the look emphasised a grungy, dressed-down feel.
The boyfriend look is still in, which features the oversized jacket worn with trousers. I think a fab way to make this look more glamorous is to add a statement belt and heels.
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY
This season makeup will include bright colours with a pastel hint to them – think lemon, turquoise and lavender. Pale orange and nude tones will also be popular – Lancome have a fantastic set of peaches and nudie colours.
There’s a big emphasis on nails this season, which is great news – you can polish up your whole look pretty quickly that way. Key colour trends include nude or black, inspired by Chanel.
You can also experiment with eye shadow. My advice is to look to dolly mixtures for inspiration – those candy shades of orange, purple, brown, light green and bright pink are going to be a good bet for spring and summer.
For hair there’s a bit of a boho element, so big plaits are on trend and lots of women will be wearing flowers to accessorise their hairstyle. Finally, legs are a key feature – you’re going to see a lot of legs this year. So tan your legs up and tone them up!
ACCESSORIES
The new shoe this season is super-high, very dainty but sophisticated, and it’s designed for comfort. There’s going to be lots of romance lace on shoes again, as well as leopard and zebra prints making a return as well.
For transition weather, opt for pixie boots in leather or suede, especially in lighter spring/summer colours such as tan or grey. They’ve got quite a nice selection in Marks & Spencer. And for warmer days, thong sandals and gladiator sandals are here to stay.
In terms of bags, the duffle bag is the key piece to have – in leather or suede, in bright colours or patterned. Elsewhere in handbags, embellishments such as studs, tassels and fringe remain strong features.
Sunglasses this season are oversized in bright solid shades (red and white are especially strong) or in tortoiseshell. Big, round frames are on trend, but do be careful you choose a pair that suits the shape of your face. Try on everything in the shop until you find something that really fits.
For jewellery, it’s bold statement pieces again this year. Components that you’ll see a lot of include big crystals, diamond, metal and pearls.
DRESS TRENDS
It’s the drape dress that’s going to be really popular this year. People make the mistake of thinking it’s going to make them look really big, but actually it does the opposite. It makes you look slimmer because each drape is strategically placed to flatter the figure.
It’s great because this is a piece you can dress up or down, for going out or for work. You can team it up with a pair of tights or leggings, or in summer just wear it with flip-flops. You’ll see it in bold solid colours but also in prints, and because the shape is such a statement in itself you can get away with minimal accessories.
Maxi-dresses continue to be popular this season, especially with tribal prints. Digital prints in dresses will also be big – you’re going to see this in every shape and every pattern, and there will be a version in every shop. Again this is great because you can wear the bare minimum in accessories as there’s already lots going on in the dress – shoes, earrings and maybe bangles are you’re ready to go.
