It’s that time of year where your wardrobe is crying out for an update; your knitwear is starting to look pretty jaded after a long, dark winter and you could certainly do with a pop of colour to brighten your mood. To ease you gently into SS16, below we chronicle four key trends, guaranteed to give you fresh vibes and keep your sartorial swagger perfectly on-point. If you’ve been overwhelmed by the variety of looks percolating down through the various fashion weeks, let us draw your attention to where it’s at: Minimalist workwear, romantic pastels, ’70s tailoring and a nautical frame of mind.
Minimal Matters
Workwear wardrobe update alert! Tailored sophistication is the name of the game for the coming season and this trend is set to take this spring by storm. Soft layering with modern tailoring gives a feminine yet minimalist look. Look for greys, whites and blush pinks. To balance the softness, pair with structured accessories. Clean lines, simple separates and sharp suits combine to create a workwear look that’s as classic as it is contemporary.
Collections that lean towards this particular trend are driven by a sense of femininity and nostalgia, with a focus on luxurious craftsmanship and attention to detail. Keep your palette pretty in pastels, with a mix of soft pinks, blues and yellows, along with white. Easily master this trend with a full skirt or add some soft metallic accessories. Remember that colour is key when it comes to adding a little more romance to your style.
The 1970s trend shows no sign of slowing down for S/S16. Classic shapes are reworked in contemporary silhouettes: jumpsuits with kick-flares, culottes and streamlined bohemian dresses are the focus of this trend. Look for prints in pinks, navys and tan. If you find 70s a little scary, add a tan crossbody bag for instant 70s chic.Team strong patterns in soft, floaty shapes with vintage-inspired extras for a look that’s both whimsical and chic.
Orla Kiely
1. Mona black dotted jumpsuit, €350, LK BENNETT. 2. Linea yellow bag, €340 COCCINELLE. 3. Sleeveless woven top, €270, M MISSONI. 4. Fabia worker flare jeans, €150, 2ND DAY. 5. Kandy black shoe, €125, KURT GEIGER. 6. Coral midi leather skirt, €699, STRENESSE. 7. Antibes Glamour Puss pendant, €119, JUVI.?(Also available online at arnotts.ie) 8. White peplum shirt, €360, ORLA KIELY. 9. Tan bag, €361, COCCINELLE. (Also available online at arnotts.ie)?10. Bay printed dress €700, GOAT.?(Also available online at arnotts.ie)?11. Jani shoe, €85, DUNE.
The Marines/A Bolt From The Blue
The nautical look is back again for SS16. A Breton stripe is a timeless addition to your wardrobe and you can never own too many. If, for some reason, you shy away from stripes, look for navy/black with a white trim. A touch of cobalt blue can instantly freshen up your wardrobe (and colour psychology says that wearing blue can make you feel calm and make others perceive you as more trustworthy!). Update your nautical look with a pop of colour and if you want to remain particularly on-trend, opt for yellow or orange. Whether it’s a classic nautical stripe ora flash of ocean blue, the sea is where it’s at this season.
