Key trends for this Spring-Summer that you’ll want to wear

The  Spring – Summer 2021 collections were created in exceptional circumstances with designers around the world battling the challenges of lockdown and the uncertainty as to what occasions we’d actually be dressing for. It’s perhaps not surprising then that designers have broadly taken two approaches—some created fabulous, infectious clothes to put the joy back into getting dressed, and others focused more on comfortable loungewear. If you’re anything like me, you’re more than ready to get out of loungewear and looking forward to dressing for a few social occasions when we finally emerge from lockdown, so I thought I’d share with you some of the most wearable trends.

Puff Sleeves

Picture courtesy of Anthropologie

There’s lots of emphasis on the shoulder line, with a return to wide shoulders as well as pleating and tucks. By far the biggest trend though is for puff sleeves.  There are some very feminine styles that will delight those with a romantic style personality but also some bold, over-sized ones that will appeal to those who like something a bit more dramatic or quirky. Puff sleeves can be very flattering on pear/triangle body shapes as they can help to balance out the hips. They’re also great for concealing a lack of bounty in the bust department! If you are full bosomed though, just be aware that short-sleeved puffs will make you look even bustier.

Ruffles

There are ruffles galore!  They adorn dresses, tops and skirts. Ruffles tend to work best on curvaceous rather than straight body shapes and in soft rather than stiff fabrics. The taller you are, the more ruffles you’ll be able to carry off.  Just be aware of where they’re positioned so that you’re not inadvertently drawing attention to a part of your body that you’d rather not.

 Denim

It’s never out of fashion, but this season it’s very much centre stage. There are jeans in every conceivable style (cropped, boyfriend, boot leg, straight leg, wide-leg and flairs) so you should be able to find a pair that works for your shape and proportions. On the whole though, there is a move away from super-skinnies to a more relaxed cut. Denim skirts and shirt dresses in denim are perennial favourites and this season is no exception.  Invest in one of these and it will serve you well for years to come.

Shorter dresses

As well as the floaty, feminine midi and midaxi styles we’ve seen over the past few seasons, there are an increasing number of shorter styles. This is good news for petites who can look a bit swamped in anything too long and loose.  Wrap dresses are a classic wardrobe staple and are particularly good on hourglass and pear/triangle shapes as they cinch in the waist. There are lots around for the upcoming season, often updated with a ruffle or two.

 

Wide leg trousers

Pleated suit trousers - Details of the article 3
Picture courtesy of Mango

Whether cropped or skimming the ground, the wide leg trouser dominates this season. Long gone are the days of the low rise (good news for anyone who is anything less than sylph-like!) with trousers now fitting on the natural waist, or higher. Wide legs are particularly flattering if you’re tall, whether worn with flats or heels. Petites will probably want to avoid the more exaggerated styles and wear theirs full length and with heels.

Oversized blazer

This season blazers are longline, with wide shoulders. On super-tall catwalk models they looked elegant paired with this season’s wide leg trousers but if you’re a little more vertically challenged,  slimmer fitting trousers and skirts will be more flattering. Wearing the skinnies you already have in your wardrobe with an oversized or longline blazer is a good way of updating your look.  An added bonus is that a long line blazer worn unbuttoned can be wonderfully slimming.

All the colours of the rainbow!

There is an abundance of colour this season but the stand-out colour is bold, hot pink. This will be fabulous on those with Cool, Deep or Clear colouring. Try colour-blocking it with cobalt blue or purple if you’re feeling brave or take it down a notch by wearing it with a neutral such as white, black or navy.

For those for whom bold, bright colours are too intense, there are a host of gorgeous sorbet colours from soft lemons and pinks to baby blues and sage greens. These will be particularly lovely on Softs and Lights. Colour-block them for a fun, playful look or wear for with neutrals such as grey, soft white or stone for a more sophisticated look.

What to buy?

Browse and buy from my pick of the new season styles by clicking here.