It is official. Spring has sprung. It may not feel like it as you are walking down the street, bracing yourself against the wind, or looking out of the window from your desk at the gloomy grey drizzle outside, but as of now it is springtime! And you know what that means. It is finally time to shelve the chunky knitwear along with the scarves and gloves and start concentrating on a spring and summer wardrobe.
I always feel like it is important to build a good mix of basic staples along with some trendy pieces so I have something for every occasion. For me, building a spring/summer wardrobe starts with getting the basics right, like having a collection of high-quality jersey dresses available in Peter Hahn, which provide a great base to work in some hot accessories and heels. That being said, some of the spring and summer trends for this year have got me even more excited for the hot weather. The ’70s revival that first surfaced last year is continuing on into 2016 and many of the trends for this summer pick up where last year left off.
Suede was a popular material last summer and is back again this year. It may seem counter intuitive for the spring and summer season, but everything from trench coats to dresses has been given a rustic makeover thanks to the soft leather by designers like Rebecca Minkoff or Olivier Rousteing. I gave the trend a (faux) spin in this little black dress.
The off-the-shoulder cut is another trend that was big last year and is back again, although in a more slouchy, nonchalant kind of way. Combined with a halter-neck design, the slouchy off-the-shoulder look creates an X-shape that was all over the spring/summer 2016 Givenchy, Jason Wu and Derek Lam runways.
Last summer there was only one shape of bag to be carrying and that was the bucket bag. Designer Mansur Gavriel’s rendition made it the bag of the summer 2015, but now there is a new shape in town: the Half Moon bag. Victoria Beckham, Michael Kors and even Mansur Gavriel all sent bags in this shape down their runways. Personally, I can’t help but feel this bag looks a little more practical than the bucket bag, especially considering that the only truly fashionable way to carry it was to hold it by the straps, rather than slinging it over your shoulder.
When it comes to footwear I am happy to report that the comfortable shoe trend is going to continue. Sneakers remain on-trend, but as we move towards warmer temperatures, flat mules will be popping up more and more (and thank god, because as beautiful as the heeled versions are, no one can walk, let alone run in them in real life).
This year’s summer trends are incredibly diverse so I think there will be something for everyone to choose from. Personally, I am so ready to hang up my wool coat in favour of a floaty trench.
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