Patterns, prints and textures

Spring seems to be busy playing peek-a-boo this year. Inclement weather aside, fashionistas across the globe are prepping for temperate climates and a wardrobe to match. If you’re wondering what they’re stocking their closets with, apart from hazmat suits a la Tyra Bank’s airport style, we’re bringing you the global update. From colour palettes and prints to patterns and fabrics that will reign supreme this season, here’s a comprehensive guide for dressing in this new decade.

Colours

The Pantone colour of the year 2020 is classic blue and we couldn’t be more thrilled. The versatility that can be derived from shades of blue is limitless. You can combine or pair with this primary hue in many shades. Inspired by our plastic endangered oceans, turquoise, muted aqua and deeper blues reminiscent of the sea at night can be accented with reds/shades of the sunset while playing further on the aquatic aesthetic through silhouettes (more on this later).

Neons are also here to stay, turning down their popping intensity for the summer sun by going sorbet.

Sunsets, the magical hour during which the sun transforms the sky into a dynamic art installation, have always inspired fashion and this season the atmospheric hues of fiery red, burnished orange, bruised purple and pale magenta will feature heavily in collections. Look to Korean street fashion for a masterclass in block colours and pairings.

Prints

“Florals, for spring? How ground-breaking!” Meryl Streep’s iconic line as Miranda Priestly (in Devil Wears Prada) is a great reminder to branch out and experiment with prints. Especially this season with its print galore; ranging from mismatched polka dots, vibrant chaotic geometry, retro psychedelic and bright geo-tropical prints; it’s all about mixing, contrasting and creating an individual look and feel for yourself. If you really want to cement your status as a style queen, master mixing and matching prints. If you’re looking for inspiration outside of the western hemisphere, the Africans have an undying love for print and intrepid combinations they wear with oodles of attitude and panache.

While local designer lawns already overdose on pretty prints, break-away from the pack this season but pairing your lawn with loose prints from fabric stores. Pair your typically feminine floral shirts with more androgynous geometric pants and checkered dupattas for a look that is unique and very, very cool.

Patterns

You’ve got the colour palette and the prints but what about the silhouettes? This season is a retro ride with the seventies inspiring a revival of sharp tailoring, suits, strong shoulders, wide leg pants and higher waists. Utilitarian dressing is here to stay so expect lots of pockets (ladies, rejoice, our prayers have been heard by the fashion gods), drawing string details and refined safari suits. Slip dressed with slits are paired with voluminous trousers, pleated skirts and midi, bodycon dresses will have you feeling flirty and feminine if dressing like a sports star isn’t your style. Internationally, cropped trousers are making waves on the runway – think crisp, pants cut-off above the knee. Button downs with big, bold collars are fantastic wardrobe staples that work well day and night, transiting effortlessly from office wear to private party appropriate.

Textures

Denim, tulle, organza, silk, feathers and leather. This season is all about contrasting textures and fabrics, sheer panels and detailing and silk. Think organza overcoats, tulle skirts to layer with and baby doll slips that can be worn on their own or combined with cotton t-shirts and button-downs. Raffia, an organic material derived from palm trees is also starring as the eco-friendly apparel option this season – featured in dressed, skirts, beach bags and accessories, this earthy (sometimes scratchy) fabric is a great way to incorporate an earthiness into your dressing. Another fabric that has local history and is great for summer is raw cotton which can be used for breezy, boxy tunics and loose fit trousers.

This trend report wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the lace-comeback. Paired with leather for less warm weather or on its own, delicate, dreamy lace is coming at you this season!