With a new season comes a new wardrobe, but what about those spring/summer trends we’re simply not ready to let go of yet? Just because the weather has taken a turn, doesn’t mean we need to completely forego our fashion favourites just yet, does it?
Well, no! We’re all about versatility here at E5P; let us show you how to make last season’s trends work all winter long.
Athleisure
If there’s one trend that seems to be outlasting all others, it’s athleisure. Defined as ‘casual clothing designed to be worn both for exercising and for general use’ (oh yeah, ‘athleisure’ is in the dictionary now), it’s an industry worth billions. And whilst Christmas may not be synonymous with healthy living (just one more glass won’t hurt, right?), it seems as though our obsession with all things active isn’t going anywhere. So, don’t be freezing your gym membership just yet; you’ll be squatting off those spuds instead of settling down for the big chill this year.
It may not be the season for baring your stomach in a candy-coloured cropped top, but there’s still a lot you can do with the trend. Start by making your leggings extra cosy; fleece-lined styles are a sure-fire way to prevent frostbite whilst you’re bracing the cold. And as for your top half? Turn your bomber jacket into a party-ready staple with metallics or sequins.
Power Dressing
This year, power dressing took over; tailored separates and sharp silhouettes reigned supreme as we all took to bossing it – whether we were in a boardroom or not. Suited styles made waves on the runway and marched right out onto the high street (not since the 80s had the skirt suit seen so much love). The trend is a fitting testament to how women are becoming increasingly empowered to speak up; to make their mark on the world and to carve out their own identities within it. As such, we don’t think you should be packing away your tailored separates just yet; update the look with bold splashes of colour instead. Why not trade in your LBD this party season and go head-to-toe in a fuchsia, red or cobalt blue trouser suit?
Pastels
Nothing screams ‘spring’ quite like pastels, so it was no surprise that sorbet shades made their annual comeback this year. From Millennial pink to Nicoll blue (a pale duck-egg blue created in honour of the late designer Richard Nicoll), the emphasis on softer shades took over. One of the key colours this year was lilac, and it’s set to stay for winter. Pack away your pretty pastel dresses for something a little more snug; bring the trend into your winter wardrobe with some pastel knits and/or a cosy coat instead.
The 80s
There was only one decade worth revisiting this year, and that was the 80s. In fact, the athleisure and power dressing trends can be seen as derivative of this one, though ‘the 80s’ was a trend all of its own too. Specifically, we went crazy for retro cocktail dressing. This look was less Salt-N-Pepa and more Joan Collins in her Dynasty days; it was all about big shoulders and sequins (and yes, we loved it). In fact, the trend isn’t going anywhere, which is unsurprising, given that party season is underway. The key to making it work for winter is to layer up a little more; put on your opaques (patterned tights will give you the 80s edge) and accessorise with some statement jewellery. If there’s one word to remember when planning your Christmas party looks it’s ‘bold.’ That’s the 80s way.
Checks
Proving that checks offer year-round versatility, the spring/summer catwalks were awash with picnic blanket prints. Admittedly, we’re still wearing our tartan checks from last winter, but what about the summer styles we bought into? Well luckily, those Sonia Rykiel-inspired check flippy skirts are still worth holding onto; simply pair with opaque tights, ankle boots and a chunky knit or polo neck top to stave off the cold this season.
