Workwear: We know this isn’t the sort of outfit you want to think of come summer but let us assure you that workwear is going to give your wardrobe a smart but edgy SS16 spin. It seemed the catwalks at London Fashion Week went a bit crazy for this trend; Vivienne Westwood’s Red Label models paraded in pinstripe blazers whereas Daks and Topshop Unique unleashed a heavy dosage of cigarette trousers. If you want a true workwear collection, look to British designer Margaret Howell who created pieces perfect for the office… Sorry, but workwear is so in next season.
‘60s silhouettes: You really can’t go wrong with a good ‘60s silhouette. A-line skirts, shift dresses, a good pair of hot-pants, maybe? It’s the decade that revolutionised our fashion choices and it’s still making a huge impact on Britain’s capital today. Possibly one of our favourites from London Fashion Week, Orla Kiely – the woman behind some of the quirkiest modern-vintage designs – set up her SS16 presentation with a little round of indoor golf and the most enviable of mini dresses and frilly, high-neck blouses.We’re so happy to see this trend stick around a little while longer.
‘70s prints: We all know London is renowned for sometimes being the most quirky of the four fashion weeks and we also know the ‘70s is a huge trend right now… But what if we were to tell you that the ‘70s trend is still hot on the radar and you can get away with the funky prints on offer next year, too? Take inspiration from Holly Fulton with her clashing geometric prints or look to Emilia Wickstead’s carefree, boho jumpsuits.
It was acceptable in the ‘80s: Minimalists, look away now because the ‘80s seem to be back on the horizon. Spotted at Topshop Unique were questionable satin polka-dot blazers alongside loud leopard print coats and blouses with oversized faux fur scarves. Not forgetting J.W. Anderson’s extravagant, puffed power-shoulders in sickly sweet peach and dark blue mini dress Madonna would have worn back in the ever-so-eccentric decade.
Flares: The trouser of the moment is still going strong for your summer wardrobe next season. If you want a more tailored approach, choose Felder Felder as your inspiration with their mannish, wide-legged trousers that are perfect for covering up in the spring, go casual with Christopher Bailey’s boho Burberry slacks or try the sheer approach with Barbara Casasola’s crimped flares.
Take the plunge: Next season is set to be a rather sultry one as London Fashion Week was subject to a serious amount of décolletage. Low-cut, plunging necklines were seen on dresses, blouses – you name it. Thanks to Sunderland-born designer Gareth Pugh, we saw glittery, daring bodysuits whereas at Jean Pierre Braganza SS16, the neckline was on clean-cut, sleeveless shift dresses.
Be more elaborate: Let’s travel back in time, way past the 20th century and then step straight into the Victorian era of the 1800s, which is essentially what a few designers have done for SS16 with ruffles, frills and a whole lot of lace. Mary Katrantzou, GILES and Erdem are perfect examples; whilst one designer modernised lace with camisole vests, another stole their grandma’s curtains and made a beautiful, albeit frilly and floor-length dress in a dated buttery shade, regardless of what you may think, it worked.
Seeing… Stripes: Oh, we didn’t see that one coming… Of course, our favourite deckchair print is making a swift return for summer thanks to Henry Holland’s safari show, Gareth Pugh’s barber stripe dresses, Eudon Choi’s sleeveless jumpsuit. Stripes are here to stay.
True Blue: This calming colour was spotted on almost every catwalk at London Fashion Week this September so be prepared to update your wardrobe with clothes in shades of duck egg blue, powdery pastels and denim which will instantly take you into the new season.
Do you have a favourite trend from London Fashion Week this year? We would love to hear about it, tweet us @fashion_north.
