14 key fashion trends to know in 2016
Slip dresses, checks and cardigans, we've decoded 14 key fashion trends you need to know about for spring/summer 2016.
Find out how shoulders have become fashion's favourite new erogenous zone and which influential designer made us want cowboy boots once again.
Ease your way through 2016 with our guide to the soon-to-be huge fashion trends:
For more inspiration look no further than our 20 favourite looks from the spring/summer 2016 shows, many of which are bound to spark catwalk copies, or beat the winter blues with 15 fashion pieces that we bet will bring a smile to your face.
IndigitalSlip dresses
Underwear as outerwear is a big trend for next season (as it is every summer, truthfully), but it was at the Givenchy show that we really fell for its allure. The slip dress was ubiquitous both on the catwalk and front row and who could knock its breezy, understated and effortlessly sexy appeal?
IndigitalSlits
Prepare to bare a little thigh next season, and my does it look sexy. Designers including Christopher Kane, Topshop, Barbara Casasola, Marques Almeida, Burberry and Mary Katrantzou all offered styles that featured a daring split. We’re on board with this one; alluring, but never too obvious.
IndigitalRucksacks
Never did a rucksack provoke such irrational feelings of desire as it did at the Burberry show. It comes in nylon or leather and is personalised with your initials. Models wore theirs slung languidly over trench coats and grungy slip dresses.
IndigitalCardigans
As seen at Saint Laurent and Christopher Kane, wears yours with one of the season’s slip dresses to avoid looking too much like a librarian. The key is to keep them oversized and not too fitted.
IndigitalTracksuits
Forget Vicky Pollard and Sporty Spice, tracksuits are in fashion. Tracksuit bottoms paired with vests and heels have been acceptable style choices for a few seasons now, but an entire jogger two-piece? This is a new entry for SS 16. Add a dressy edge by choosing a style in satin or silk.
IndigitalStatement earrings
If you haven’t embraced the revival of earrings yet, then now is the time to do so. Hoops are back, as are long dangling, bejewelled styles.
InDigitalChecks
Checks in all sizes will be omnipresent next summer. Sienna Miller has already worn this Victoria Beckham look and it cemented our desire once and for all.
Indigital90s
From grungy slip dresses and satin maxi skirts to tracksuits and bombers, 90s was a big deal on the spring/summer 2016 catwalks and it’ll be difficult to avoid as the weather warms up. Your muses? Courtney Love and Winona Ryder for grungy glamour and Rihanna and Hailey Baldwin for 90s sportswear.
IndigitalCold shoulders
This is a neckline that’s set to stay this season. Sexy, elegant and discreet, baring your shoulders is sensual without pointing directly to your chest – and a key focus for designers. On offer this season are asymmetric styles, tops and dresses with cut-out shoulder detailing or pieces that exposed shoulders entirely.
IndigitalAnti-glamour
The prevailing look of LFW was one of relaxed cool. Fashion hates it when you try hard in any way (which is ridiculous considering how hard each of the designers work to create a plentiful collection every few months and how much extra time every one who works in fashion does), but next season will focus on a ragged, unsophisticated form of elegance. Think slip dresses, loose silhouettes, anoraks and dresses, floor-length dresses with flats, clashing mashed-up prints and chiffon skirts paired with leather jackets.
InDigitalStatement sleeves
Whether extra long, billowing or ruffled, statement sleeves are a focus point this year.
Indigital80s
Say farewell to the 70s bohemia of the past few seasons, the 80s has officially arrived. We saw its influence filter through to a lesser degree with the AW 2015 shows, but it’ll be here in a big way come next summer. Think statement sleeves (which are everywhere), Debbie Harry-style tousled hair (Topshop and KTZ), leopard print (House of Holland, Versus and Topshop) and leathers in different shades (JW Anderson, Thomas Tait and Topshop).
Prairie girl
Swap 70s folk for prairie chic next summer – your festival look sorted. At Coach, we were given drop- waists and ditzy prints; at Simone Rocha full skirts decorated with pastel florals; and at Chloe billowing skirts worn with pretty lace skirts. The breezy, light vibe is the same as last summer – just with less of a hippy vibe and with a focus on delicate prettiness.
IndigitalCowboy boots
All we want for every present-based occasion forevermore is a pair of Celine cowboy boots. Sleek, modern and totally badass – now that’s a look that’s difficult to resist.
