Spring is doing what it does best and springing up green all around, once again skies are out and thighs are out, and those of us involved in academia are now final- and fancy-free to focus on other things. Like fashion.
It's May, and whether involved in several grueling months in the academia grind or not, most everyone has shed their winter wardrobes and started bringing back the brights, lights and linens of spring and summer wears. Yes, for months you've probably anticipated that moment––queuing up those coveted cut out swimsuits, bookmarking all the Bjork bun and beach wave tutorials, and collecting all the latest and greatest in off-the-shoulders in Serenity blue, Rose Quartz pink and Green Flash green. Ah yes, May...
...Which means it's time already to start your pre-prep for fall. #whatstrending for spring/summer '16 is already set out to the presses and being seen on the street: Swimsuits are still abundant in store (get one); Grab culottes, wedges, lace-up flats, off-the-shoulder looks, and do your best impression of 1974 meets 1997 (whatever that means to you). And yes, of course, florals.
If you truly want to break ground though, start to look ahead for the fall. Start implementing
1. Groundbreaking
Florals for spring? Not so much.
Pastels for fall? Definitely.
Michael Kors Pre-Fall 2016
Opening Ceremony Pre-Fall 2016
Ulla Johnson Ready-To-Wear Fall 2016
Valentino Ready-To-Wear Fall 2016
Georgio Armani Pre-Fall 2016
2. Flatfoots
Get grounded this fall––fashion is all about flux, and according to both the street scene and runway, heels have had their heyday, and flats are here to stay.
Rene Caovilla
Victoria Beckham Fall 2016
Monique Lhuillier
Zara
3. Seventies On Steroids
We seemed to have jumped in a time warp, encapsulated in a time capsule from 1974 this whole year. From romantic, flowing tops and skirts to chunk-heel silhouettes for shoes and pointed toes, the '70s are still riding high, baby. Designers are most definitely paying homage to the late David Bowie in heels-up-to-there and out-there bold boot from Stella McCartney to Jeremy Scott.
Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2016
Coach Fall 2016
Thom Browne Fall 2016
Rag and Bone Fall 2016
Brock Collection, Hellessy, Milly, Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2016
4. Tinsel Town
From the streets to the runways, this trend is shining bright. First instilled with Gucci's take-off pleated metallic midi skirt, the theme of letting yourself shine continues through this fall from metallics, to sequins, to patents––go ahead, let yourself sparkle a little.
London Fashion Week
Valentino Ready-To-Wear Fall 2016
Gucci Pre-Fall 2016
Erdem Fall 2016
Emporio Armani Fall 2016
5. Caped Crusaders
Capes are making a comeback, trending all over runways in Fall 16 and Pre-Fall collections. This piece ads an immediate air of elegance to any outfit, and with the autumn weather change is a super chic wind shield––Wind-gaurding-um Leviosa.
Marni Fall Ready-To-Wear Fall 2016
Sandra Meynier Kang Fall 2016
Combining the metallic trend and capes:
Sally LaPointe Pre-Fall 2016
Rosetta Getty Pre-Fall 2016
Neil Barett Pre-Fall 2016
I've been an avid advocate of a cape renaissance for years.
Sorry, Edna.
5. Hold Me Tight
Chokers continue their choke-hold in our '90s-nostalgia-driven aesthete this year.
Calvin Klein Fall 2016
Still on the street.
And a statement on the runway
6. Tiers For Sheers
Channeling some '30s Chanel (or Vionnet), fashion this fall is all about tiers and tulle, as seen on Beyonce in her Formation video from Gucci, or in the Valentino Pre-Fall 2016 collection.
Gucci
Valentino Fall 2016
Gucci Ready-To-Wear Fall 2016
7. The Perks Of Being A Wallpaper
Prints aren't over, they're all over.
Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2016
Alexander McQueen Fall 2016
Diane von Furstenberg, A Detacher, Custo Barcelona, Alice + Olivia Fall 2016
Tanya Taylor, Tory Burch, Givenchy, Valentino, Giambattista Valli Fall 2016
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Ultimately, we'll have to see what street style has to say about where the trends take us. But so far, some patterns are definitely popping out--I'd say fashion has pretty fair and flat footing on the forthcoming Fall 2016 aesthete.
