My favourite trends for Spring/Summer 2019

Finally, the winter sales are winding down, and we’re already plotting the new season staples to help spice up our spring wardrobes. So where do we start? With fashion trends constantly changing there are so many options that it can get confusing sometimes. That’s why as a Personal Stylist my first job is to keep up to date with what’s coming down the runways and decode which trends to embrace and which we can incorporate into our own wardrobes each season.

I never want anybody’s style to be entirely trend led, but we can’t help but be excited by what the celebrities are wearing – they are always among the first to test-drive the new spring colours and styles, which inevitably leaves us with an eagerness to rush out and add a few new items on impulse. However, we need to be mindful and purchase only considered pieces that we will wear – to reduce the carbon footprint (and the waste of money!) because the shocking statistics suggest that three out of every five items end up on landfill within 12 months of being purchased.  My rules? Don’t buy anything unless you know you’ll want to wear it tomorrow and can think of multiple ways to style it. Work with your personality and never lose sight of your own style! Personally, I don’t wear a lot of pattern, but I love animal print – leopard print is a classic and will always be in fashion, it was everywhere for winter, and now we’re seeing it again this spring, along with zebra, python and snake print. Work it in a blouse, shoes or bag, and it will instantly elevate your wardrobe without too much effort or expense.

So, here are my favourite trends:

UTILITY

We have no way of escaping military-inspired pieces. Take the Boiler suit, the all-in-one wardrobe solution with its oversized cut and roomy fit – fashion and function in one. But don’t be put off, it won’t swamp your figure if you choose one that is not bulky and has a cinched in waist. Roll it up at the ankles and wear with white sneakers and a crisp, layered tee for a dressed down look. Swap the trainers for trendy white ankle boots or with a pair of heels to vamp things up and even throw on a statement waist belt to take it into the evening. You can quite easily team up with neutrals for a safari-inspired look – with a leopard print headband or sharpen with a tailored jacket for the office (preferably not denim). So why not give it a go! The trend moves over into other pieces too like combat trousers, boxy tops and even bags with loads of pockets, zips and press studs. If the Boiler suit isn’t age appropriate aim for the all-in-one jumpsuit – Oasis have a stunning navy button-through easy fit style that I just adore.

 

Monochromatic Looks

We’re in luck! A capsule wardrobe is my thing….and should be yours too. Get to know your ’50 shades of beige’ because it’s the most important colour choice this season, lots of soft muted tones including wool white (Meghan Markle is a true champion of the trend) along with taupe, camel and desert shades all worn head to toe. The use of neutral tones can really help to streamline your outfit and create a very slimming look, it’s also a safe way to experiment with fashion. Simple neutral styles do not have to be boring – you can mix different textures to add interest or add a statement accessory to make your outfit stand out. Taupe is a neutral that everyone can wear and a great backdrop for the new seasons Pantone colours – Blondes can wear it on its own, or with the new season’s ‘living coral’. Redheads need to warm it up with marigold or ‘fiesta’. If you have dark hair and dark eyes team it with ‘jester red’ that compliments your rich, deep colouring and those with dark hair and blue eyes need a strong contrast, like Kelly green or ‘princess blue’. And for cooler skintones ‘Pink peacock’ looks fantastic.

 

 

 

At the first opportunity, I recommend you get your hands on a good quality trench in traditional stone or taupe! I consider the trench coat, like the leather biker jacket, to be a top ten wardrobe essential. I’d recommend, Hobbs or Tommy Hilfiger, but there are lots of cheaper options in Debenhams, Mango, TK Max and Oasis. French women of every age wear it with such flair, but I don’t believe there is any magic to how they do it just a little know how. The way the trench looks best is to wrap it around the body and knot the belt rather than buckle it in its conventional manner. A slight push up of the sleeve, hands in the pockets and off you go. If you have enough taupe already don’t fret, the trench comes in every colour of the rainbow this spring.

The word monochrome means varying shades of the same colour, but we also associate it with black and white – classic black and white is always timeless. A tuxedo is a chic alternative to an evening dress and a look favoured not only by Victoria Beckham but by 90% of the A-listers on the Grammys red carpet 2019.

Trouser Suits

Perhaps the trend that’s easiest to work into your wardrobe must be coloured tailoring. You will always feel chic and put together in matching two-piece sets. The runways saw brightly coloured statement coats and trouser suits, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can either commit to this head-to-toe colour blocking trend – pick your favourite stand out shade and continue the theme with your accessories, or clash to your heart’s content – pair a red suit with a pink top for example or jazzy pattern (animal print) that will give it a more casual edge. You can also break the pieces apart to make even more outfits – think Zara, Topshop, River Island and Next. The industry is moving away from more fluid styles of recent seasons to a sharper silhouette, the result, clothes that look polished, elegant and the new take on power dressing. In an interview, Tom Ford revealed the need to make women feel beautiful, confident and empowered and women in trouser suits project emotional independence and strength. I spotted a fab ‘princess blue’ blouse and trousers combo in Zara so you have loads of options if you are stuck in a ‘uniform dressing’ rut.

 

Ultra-Feminine trend

The style lives on with florals, gingham, stripes, black and white polka dot, frills, ruffles and bows – often oversized worn at the neck, waist or shoulder line. Billowy dresses and super feminine belted midi styles – tiered and wrap styles are a much more forgiving take on the shift. Carefully positioned ruching adds curves to slimmer frames, and those with curvier silhouettes will appreciate its ability to stretch in all the right places.

Layering dresses and jeans – usually, when we think of layering dresses over jeans or pants, we think of a shorter style, but this Spring we’re going more dramatic with longer length dresses. This trend works best with a dress that is unbuttoned in front. Another option is to wear a dress or skirt over a pair of wide leg pants, it not only creates a modest look but a taller look as well.

 

 

THE BEST OF THE REST

Leather – It’s an all-year-round fabric now which means a must have for your wardrobe. From skirts, jackets, skinny jeans and leggings, you can’t go wrong with this trend – you have faux finish burgundy, army green and black, 2 for 1 option at Vera Moda for €40, or the ultimate classic good quality pencil style in Karen Millen.

Wide leg trousers, cargo pants

Paper bag waists – best worn with a fitted top tucked in because they add more volume around the middle.

Oversized Shoulders and 80s style puff sleeves – just be sure to keep the rest of your look simple, so you don’t appear over-the-top.

Fringing, feathers, geometric patterns, metallic, holographic sequins and glossy neon textures

Tie Dye

Stripes – from pinstripes, block stripes or as an element in a pattern mix.

Atleisure Wear – transcends from day to night.

Shorts – suits with shorts, biker shorts – pair your biker shorts with an oversized sweater and boots, or blazer and sneakers.

Midi-length skirts with small pleats – team with cosy knits.

Sneakers with everything from suits to dresses.

Ruby slippers – with a low V-cut and pointed toes (Topshop).

Micro Bags.

Bum bags aren’t going anywhere – you could go old school and wear them at the hip or get creative and style them slung over your chest or around your waist! Or leave your coat untied and wrap the belt around ….

Sustainable fashion – people are becoming more aware of the impact they make in the environment and are choosing fashion labels that are eco-conscious. Marks and Spencer now offer a sustainable cotton range and vegan-friendly shoes and accessories.

 

And there you have it! I believe that you can use your wardrobe to ‘trick’ your mind into feeling good – and ‘spark joy’ as Marie Kando would say. Vibrant tones evoke feelings of happiness and make you feel energised so bring the feel-good fashion into your wardrobe this spring…. And it doesn’t have to be hard work!

Contact Joan at:

Joan Cashman, Colour and image Academy

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Website: colourandimage.ie

Tel: 021 427630 / 087 2249069