Having just returned from Pure London after attending the trend presentations for spring/summer 2012, I am able to give you a heads up on a few of the main trends to expect for next year.
Pure London is always a great event to attend as it gives fashion insiders the opportunity to get the low down on forthcoming trends before the onset of the big "Fashion Weeks" in New York, London, Milan and Paris. Courtesy of global trend forecasters WGSN and Drapers magazine, here is a taste of some of the main influences.
Whilst the warmer weather inevitably means that we should expect reworked themes around the holy trinity of spring/summer trends, floral, nautical and tribal, there were also some new twists to look forward to.
Color Blocking
Color blocking came to the fore in 2011 and next year sees bold hues mixed with more neutral tones for greater wearability. Expect to see off-beat color combinations in high-color computer brights, teamed with core neutrals of black, gray, beige and white for a more highly organized, sophisticated feel. Shades of yellow, pink and tangerine provide bold confident colors for spring, along with green tones and washed-out neons. This trend works well with simple shapes and an asymmetric neckline.
Nautical Goes Dotty
Polka dots are spot on for spring/summer 2012 and these give the traditional Breton stripe a run for its money by being given a nautical edge. Large navy, red and white polka dots on playsuits and asymmetric tops give an updated take on the nautical trend. Add a cropped jacket with a rope tie belt, and some penny loafers for good measure.
Stripes still remain a perennial fashion staple, however, in everything from nautical to tribal.
Florals Go Cinematic
Whilst the 70s still remains a firm influence on the runways (although more sophisticated than the boho hippie vibe of 2011), fashion enters a more elegant era by emulating the style of 40s screen sirens. This return to 1940s glamor means longer-length skirts and feminine floral prints on sophisticated flattering 40s silhouettes.
There is a strong sense of nostalgia with retro-furnishing florals adorning midi-length dresses, cardigans and headscarves. You’ll also find chalky pastels and night photography dots inspired by the old films of the 40s.
After spring/summer 2011's love affair with the maxi dress there is also a return to separates dressing, which focuses on floral prints and silks, with flowing printed pants, shorts, skirts and tops. Expect to see head-to-toe prints in matching trousers and jackets and all-in-ones. Headscarves come into their own as a print vehicle.
Tribal Prints and Tailoring
Summer would not be summer without a dose of ethnic and tribal print. Some great color combinations of mustard yellows and browns, and blacks and blues, gives this print a softer edge. You'll see tribal prints in square-cut silhouettes along with sharp minimalism using tribal tailoring. Printed straight leg trousers and Jodhpur pants provide another edgy look.
Some updated key elements to take from these trends are polka dots, tribal prints, asymmetric necklines and square-cut silhouettes. Embrace the color-blocking trend by tempering computer brights such as canary yellow and lime green with nude tones and staple neutrals.
Sources:
- WGSN Trend Confirmations - Pure London, August 7th - 9th, 2011.
- Drapers magazine trend presentations - Pure London, August 7th - 9th, 2011.
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
