Spring in store
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 02 August 2012 13:25
- Written by Daniël Geldenhuys
Spring. Summer. Okay, stay with me. I know you’re cold and it’s probably raining as you’re reading this, but as far as fashion is concerned, the spring/summer season is upon us.
It may sound crazy, but by the end of this article you’ll be able to shop the new trends with confidence and maybe (fingers crossed) the rain will let up so you can run to your next class without taking another shower.
Why get into the spring mindset now? All the stores have sales at the moment, which means one, they have their spring stock on the shelves behind all the sale stuff, or two, they’ll be receiving spring stock shortly. So why buy three going-out-of-fashion winter items on sale, when you can buy one great spring item that’ll breathe fresh life into your wardrobe?
But what to buy? Here are five trends to keep in mind so that, when you hit the stores, you’ll be able to keep a clear head and avoid silly impulse purchases (winter stock or Crocs).
The defining trend for the coming season is pretty pastels. Ladies, that means you can get away with wearing something overtly cutesy without being called a girl. Guys, this is for you too. Out are the bright colour-blocking ways of yore.
These days, fashion wouldn’t be fashion without a strong dose of nostalgia. This season we’ll take a strong shot of 1920s Gatsby-esque glamour. That means party dress hemlines will be below the knee, and the guys will rock double-breasted jackets.
Every spring print takes on a new form. Any clothing you buy in an African print is highly fashionable, so now we can be more proudly African than ever. And on top of that, there’s no need to pair your print with something neutral. The vibrant feel of spring ’12 calls for loud print on print… on print. More is more. (Yes, it’s true.)
This next trend is slightly trickier to pull off. Pyjamas. Think about it: pyjama-style silk trousers on a girl could be the epitome of laid-back lux and a pyjama-style shirt on a guy could be very Chuck Bass. Contrast your look with something structured or formal to show that you didn’t actually fall out of bed.
This last trend you can incorporate with any of the above. Do yourself a favour and Google “Chanel SS12 runway”. You’ll find a Parisian wonderland complemented by the most beautiful clothes and Florence Welch emerging from a shell à la Venus. The ocean is one of the most original trends of the season, so if you can’t afford a Chanel pearl hair clip, get creative with shell necklaces, ocean-blue shirts and silver sunnies.
The new season trends are nothing serious. Quite the contrary – designers are sending a message of carefree optimism, introducing some frivolous fun into your wardrobe. Find something that fits that brief, and I’ll bet that half-priced sweater won’t look as good any more.