It’s hard to believe that we’re even thinking of spring, let alone summer!
Although we’ve only just entered February and are most likely spending these zero-degree nights wrapped up on the sofa with five blankets, thermal socks and a hat (which, I’m not going to lie, is me right now) – it’s times like these where it’s actually quite nice to imagine Belfast’s momentous ‘taps aff’-appropriate weather and finally swapping ice-scrapers for ice creams.
So, on that note, what better way to get you buzzed for spring/summer than a run-through of the seasons’ upcoming top trends?
Tie-dye
It’s been a while since we’ve seen tie-dye being sported (unless you’re re-watching That 70’s Show on Netflix like me and it’s made you fall in love with it even more) – but as confirmed by designers Calvin Klein and Proenza Schouler at Paris Fashion Week, tie-dye is set to be a firm stayer this summer alongside scuba textures for the ultimate surfer-girl-chic look. The best thing about this trend is that if you invest in it now, you’ll have plenty of chances to try different combos between now and September. For instance, wear one of these Topshop tie-dye t-shirts now with a mesh long-sleeved top underneath for an edgier (and warmer!) alternative. Then, when the warmer temperatures finally kick-in, wear tucked into mom jeans and a denim jacket to channel those double-denim 80s vibes or with a colour-blocking A-line skirt at the next Belsonic festival.
Both t-shirts: Topshop £16.00
Shirt and trousers: Zara £25.99 each
Dress: Zara £17.99
Patchwork
I think its fair to say we can expect ditsy florals to creep their way out of people’s wardrobes every time someone utters the word ‘spring’. As it has become a little exhausted, some of the biggest names in fashion have made a forward-thinking move by creating a maximalist version in the form of patchwork – a clashing combination of multiple floral, paisley and animal patterns to add extra interest to spring dressing.
Patchwork patterns also work for our current climate – wear with a baker boy or fedora hat, some knee-high boots and tights. Once spring is in full swing, swap for some white trainers and embellished hair clips. You can also match it with an existing colour within the pattern – for example: with the Zara dress below, pair with an oversized burnt orange cardigan or with burgundy suede boots.
The patchwork trend also featured heavily at the Belfast Fashion Week press launch event last Thursday at Panama café, reaffirming that it is certainly worth investing in.
Dress: Zara £29.99
Shirt: Zara £25.99
Sweatshirt: Zara £29.99
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters £49.00
Neon
When I first think of neon, I think of hen do’s and UV fresher’s week parties. Now, neon has had a fresh, sophisticated upgrade – with the high street offering bold block colours, subtle trims, tailored silhouettes and slouchy casualwear to suit those who don’t mind being loud and proud and those who aren’t brave enough to go all-out in-your-face yet still want to have fun with it.
This is a problem I have faced before with this trend when it came back around ten years ago – every piece of neon clothing you could find was so OTT – it was pretty difficult to experiment with and put your own stamp on. However, you can make this trend much more personalised now, and can start off easy by pairing it with a simple black-based outfit for an edgy take and to help the neon stand out.
I can also see this trend taking the lead in regards to swimwear as people are get hyped for summer, which will have us all dreaming of that Ibiza beach life!
Coat: Zara £119.00
Sweatshirt: Topshop £26.00
Top: River Island £22.00
Jacket: Urban Outfitters £50.00
Beige
And at the polar opposite of neon…we have minimalistic beige, but that includes all shades, of course. The ultimate way to achieve this trend is to mix and match with other shades and patterns of the same colour, which will create a chic Burberry-inspired look. Although it may seem like the more boring option of the trends – it is the most polished and sophisticated, which can easily be taken from a clean-cut work-appropriate outfit, to a grungy casual one by simply swapping black court heels for a pair of Dr Martens. The possibilities are endless.
Cardigan: River Island £36.00
Bag: Zara £29.99
Dress: River Island £30.00
Dress: Zara £19.99
You must be logged in to post a comment.