Fashion’s obsession with the ’80s endures, spanning everything from decadent dresses to power suits. Prints are key (polka dots and florals), and so is a new sense of conservatism.
Scroll down to see all the major trends from the latest fashion weeks, and find out how you can wear them now.
1/8
Colour was all over the runways, but the one hue to assert dominance was vibrant, juicy orange – and its effect is irresistible. The best examples of this trend were solid blocks of colour and one-piece ensembles (particularly leather) as seen at Bottega Veneta, Christopher John Rogers and Prada. When it comes to wearing this hue, embrace quirky accessories and keep your beauty look simple.
2/8
Spring’s unexpected trend, and one tapped into by a wide array of designers, shorts felt most fresh and accessible when incorporated into spring suiting. The look is relaxed yet pulled together; we’re partial to the checked versions from Elie Tahari, Michael Kors and Givenchy – they’re best paired with sandals.
3/8
Polka dots have been on our radar for a while – they’ve been particularly popular with New Zealand designers this season – and there was a rash of them at the recent northern hemisphere shows. We spotted them (pun intended) at Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Dries Van Noten and more. A bold yet classic print, black and white were the most popular colour combination, and the trend ties back to fashion’s continued fascination with the late ’80s and early ’90s – think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, or Princess Diana on a photo call. We advocate layering spots on spots for a decisive, modern look.
4/8
Speaking of that decadent era, the ’80s is still firmly entrenched in the sphere of fashion right now. The latest iteration is bold, beautiful dresses, as seen at Christopher John Rogers, Richard Quinn and Balenciaga. Shoulders are big, prints are bright, and silhouettes (particularly by Rogers) feel fresh. The look is pure glamour; try it out for party season.
5/8
Big dress energy was an overarching theme at the spring shows, with puff sleeves and ruffles aplenty as designers embraced romance and nostalgia. Examples of the trend executed in white had an added layer of purity and naivety – offering a sartorial security blanket and a sense of escapism. The best examples were at Erdem, Simone Rocha and Christian Dior, which all had a cinematic mood evoking classic films like Picnic at Hanging Rock and Daughters of the Dust. We love this look for daytime; let your dress do all the work and keep everything else simple.
6/8
Whether it’s a subconscious or intentional reflection on the current economic and political climate, or a reaction to the more overt trends of recent years, a prim and elegant bourgeois look has emerged. Spearheaded by Hedi Slimane at Celine (centre) with a more literal interpretation of the reference, a paring back of design was also seen at Prada and Chloé, where Miuccia Prada and Natacha Ramsay-Levi respectively explored a restrained, foundational approach to spring dressing. An easy way to approach your wardrobe (especially for work) invest in A-line skirts, silk blouses and a good belt.
7/8
Bright hues weren’t the only colours on the runway this season, there was a swathe of pastels too; we loved those from Marco De Vincenzo (with gelato to match), Gucci and Emilia Wickstead. Flattering and mood-elevating with a subtext of innocence, there’s a reason designers come back to this delightful palette again and again. Wear pastels head to toe, and add a touch to your beauty look for a cohesively sweet yet modern approach.
8/8
More and more designers are exploring a layered approach to dressing through ’70s inspired looks, so the emergence of waistcoats isn’t surprising. A nostalgic, tailored favourite, they lend interest to an outfit without adding bulk. Our favourites appeared at Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs. Add one to your wardrobe now, they’re a great transeasonal piece.
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