Whilst the start of the year can feel like a horribly gloomy place, it can also be the perfect excuse to look ahead as to what the year has in store. And while the world goes crazy over Boris and Brexit, and Harry and Meghan moving stateside, yet another couple of months of winter can pose a slightly bleak start. So instead I just pour another gin and eagerly anticipate what delights the new season will bring and fill up my clients’ summer wardrobes.
In this new decade, throwaway trends are becoming increasingly unfashionable, and we are all looking for clothes that will have a lasting impact notably with the inevitable capsule wardrobe. The spring summer 2020 runways were notably more commercial than usual, with a focus on classic legacy buys rather than the previous impractical, whimsical and artistic creations, we once saw. Instead collections seemed to be more realistic and wearable. Something right up my street and a much-welcomed stance for those into sustainable fashion.
Whilst the waistcoat and Bermuda shorts are items we’ll be seeing a lot of on the high street (not my bag!) these are my personal favourite, effortless and low maintenance trends to invest in for Spring Summer 2020:
THE NEW TRENCH
By no means a surprise, trench coats look set to be hugely popular this spring. This wardrobe classic was spliced, diced and cleverly restyled. Fashion’s love affair with trench coats are totally justified with its practical, dependable, goes with-everything outerwear option. This season it comes in fresh colour ways and finishes. Still a classic style,
some showing more feminine finishes, from pleats to prints – that’ll soften the often androgynous staple.
SUMMER LEATHER
Don’t be shy when it comes to coloured leather, petrol blues, rust browns and lipstick reds were fair game on many of the catwalks. The leather shirt being the most staple and accessible item to add into your summer wardrobe. Think modern staples with simple lines.
TROPICAL NIGHTS
We have Jennifer Lopez to thank for this one, thanks to her plunging Versace dress which broke the internet back in 2000. But that wasn’t the only jungle-leaf print to makean impact for spring. Fendi and Dolce and Gabbana wowed us with some luxuriant green leaves whilst Marni’s abstract blooms, tropical prints have been flowering during SS20, with palm trees and vivid colours invading dresses, jackets and footwear that will get us reconnecting with nature.
IT’LL BE ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT
Well during the day as well actually. Wear head to toe for that fresh start feeling, my personal purchase will be a white summer dress, style I’m not sure of yet but perhaps something floaty for Santorini (not yet booked, I’m just putting it out there to the universe!)
DOTTY FOR YOU
Polka Dots were another print the catwalks were awash with. If you think you’re seeing spots whilst out shopping, you are. No longer twee, think more of a cool and elevated look from dresses to blouses, heels and headbands.
LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
If ever there was a good time to do Neon it would be now. The highlighter pen shades neon green, pink, yellow, orange and turquoise were on offer from many of the designers.
MAKE A STATEMENT
With your collar or neckline! Wide, pointed statement collars appeared on coats, shirts and blazers, with many using zesty or contrasting colours to really exaggerate the lapel. If Victoria Beckham and JW Anderson are backing this, something tells us it’ll catch on. Then with necklines is was all about the square, showing off as much décolletage and shoulder as you can, thanks to the ’90s minimalist resurgence. Think scoop, square and slashed necklines.
So that’s my round up of the most accessible and investment worthy trends of Spring Summer 2020. I may tap into a couple of them to add into my existing capsule wardrobe to update it slightly. If the thought of it all is a little overwhelming or you feel you just need a bit of guidance over your spring summer wardrobe you know where I am…
Working as a Buyer and Image Consultant for high street fashion chains as well as high end designers, including Amanda Wakeley, Cleo now runs her own personal styling and shopping service, helping real men and women to take control of their wardrobe.
