It’s been awhile, but finally the warm weather is within our grasp once again and what better way to celebrate the return of the sun (think that was the name) then with a wardrobe refresh? Though attempting to predict the unpredictable weather of a British summer may prove fruitless, you can at least rely on this fashion forecast to see you through Spring/Summer 2019. So whether it’s a repeat of last summer’s heatwave or a season of soggy barbecues, rest assured you’re about to be on trend come what may. Read More in Fashion/Style
The Double Breasted Blazer
The larger silhouette’s popularity has been on a gradual incline for several seasons now. The exaggerated double breasted blazer trend however, says ‘fuck it’, and takes a massive, 80’s inspired leap forward. It flatters that classically craved “V-Shape” to the nth degree with a shoulder-broadening and waist-concealing silhouette. It’s appeal over it’s single-breasted cousin is plain to see.
This Spring/Summer 2019 trend is best worn exaggerated: Think colours, textures and oversizing. Be less fussy with the usually strict suit-jacket measurements here. (A little length beyond the wrist bone is fine for example). Just don’t let it swamp you. Aim for it to feel a little larger than a jacket yet smaller than a coat for that authentic thrift look.
The Double breasted blazer is also versatile and perfect for experimentation. It’s able to be dressed up or down. Let the rest of your outfit decide whether you come off as suave or vintage-shop chic. To work the trend best consider embracing the bleeding of smart and street wear. Best worn open, I recommend pairing with a print t-shirt, light or mid wash jeans and chunky trainers. (More on them later). For even greater accessibility opt for checks to really bring the 80’s home.
The Cross-Body Bag
Remember when your parents suggested you wore a bumbag (aka fanny pack) on holiday for convenience and safety you’d be embarrassed? You’d be proud they were so stylistically inclined now. Practicality and fashion don’t always see eye-to-eye but this Spring/Summer 2019 season it’s a different story. The once taboo pouch has finally, with the rise of utility trend, come back with a vengeance.
It might not be the switch ‘Prince’ to the ‘Love Symbol’ was but their resurgence can be partially attributed to their rebranding. “Cross-body bags” as their new name suggests are also worn differently (hint: the clue is in the name) . Instead of wearing the accessory around your waist, it’s now to be hung vertically across the chest. You have plenty of colours and styles variations to chose from but if tried and tested reliability is your game opt for Eastpak. Refuse to bury the hatchet? Give the utility trend an extra “war-core” edge with a chest pack!
The Colour Green
Green. Sage in particular is set to be a huge hit for this Spring/Summer 2019 season. If bright colours are associated with the Spring and brown and burgundy’s with autumn it doesn’t take much imagination to understand the inspiration for this trend: The rich myriad of lush greens of summer flora. Think Safari.
To incorporate the massive surge in the utility trend consider sage work jackets, cargo trousers. If you’re feeling daring enough to pull it off even a boiler suit. There’s not much more utility then that. Zara’s take will also help offset the black and navy comparisons to a mechanics and plumbers you’ll no doubt encounter.
The Utility Trend
Utility. Without a doubt the biggest trend of this Spring/Summer 2019 list (Incorporating several other trends on this list too). Along with cross body bags consider service jackets, cargo pants and perhaps most popular of all: Work vests. You’ll undoubtedly find a variety of shapes and colours of work vest which you’ll be able to tone up or down to taste.
Unless you want to be mistaken for just leaving the construction site though, better remember that less is more here. If your poison is the work vest, let it do the talking in sage or black. Put together with either a t-shirt or sweatshirt teamed with dark jeans or joggers and a pair of chunky ‘ugly’ trainers. Providing you don’t overdo it, this trend is pretty effortless to pull off. If you want the graft done for you, chose one statement piece with an accessory or two (such as a innovative seatbelt inspired belt).
The Chunky Trainer
Climbing in popularity over the last few years now but in Spring/Summer 2019 they’ve come to the fashion forefront. I’m talking, of course, about chunky trainers, aka “The Dad trainer”. (Told you I’d get to them). The nineties/early noughties influence is strong here. Athleisure continues to reign supreme. This “ugly trainer” nostalgia boom can be felt all over fashion shows and streetwear alike.
The more exaggerated in shape/colour the better for this trend, though be sure to only wear what you feel confident in. This trend isn’t set to be leaving us any time soon, however, if you’re looking for longevity in your crepes opt for something slightly less eye-catching (or repulsing) like a simply coloured classic pair of Nike Air Max 90s. Better yet, raid your Dad’s wardrobe… Vintage and all that.
The Return of Tie Dye
As you read the words ‘Tie Dye’ you may already be thinking you’d rather Tie Die (I’m here all week) but unlikely as it may seem, it joins the ranks of fellow unlikely trends to be a season must-have. Tie dye has thankfully been better realised than ever despite being classically considered a fashion faux-pas. It doesn’t have to be all about bright colours either. Heavier, darker tones yielding creative results now also. If you do want to give this trend a go however, make sure to keep the rest of your outfit toned down and minimal. Let the Tie dye do the talking.
The Bare-Chested Suit
Skin. Specifically Bare-chested suits have been an option for women for some time now yet at this years runways it seems the guys are taking a shot at the trend too. It works for some but honestly, it may be the most divisive trend of the lot. A no-marks deodorant is essential for this look if you don’t fancy racking up a serious bill at the dry-cleaners. A wise alternative could be wearing a tee underneath akin to your skin colour.
The Hiking Sandal
Sandals and open toe footwear have stormed the runways this Spring/Summer 2019. Hiking sandals in particular, which like ‘Dad Trainers’ have occupied a chunkier sole, causing fashion and practicality to mingle once more. Sandals have stepped away from being beach holiday exclusives. They are to be worn absolutely anywhere: even the city.
A ‘Man-of-the-world’ vibe is definitely conveyed here. I picture vocalists performing barefoot. You best make sure your feet are well groomed though. Paramount of course as they’re being put on display for the world to see. The cat walks have featured sandals and white socks as a combination too… Though this is a step too far for me, if bum bags can make a resurgence why not socks and sandals too