One of our favourite things to do at this time of year is to start thinking about what we’ll be wearing over the next 12 months. Yes, it may still be jumper weather, but that shouldn’t stop you from compiling a mental shopping list for the upcoming months – if only to get you through the first few weeks of January! And if you’re wondering exactly what the biggest trends will be this year, look no further; here are 5 key pieces for 2019.
Tie-Dye Everything
No longer the sole preserve of art teachers and ageing hippies, tie-dye has been given a glossy makeover thanks to designers like Stella McCartney and Maria Grazia Chiuri (for Dior). Kaleidoscopic tie-dye prints adorned floaty silk cami dresses over at Dior’s spring/summer 2019 show; at Stella McCartney the look took on a tougher charm as tie-dye co-ords made waves on the runway. And the same Cali-cool vibe took over NYFW, with designers employing truly psychedelic tie-dye prints on blazers, t-shirts, sweaters and even trousers. Whether you go head-to-toe tie-dye or just add a touch to your outfit, one thing’s for sure: there’ll be a second summer of love in 2019 (sartorially speaking, at least).
L-R Stella McCartney, Dior, R13 (image source: Vogue)
Square Necklines
Bardot necklines were everywhere last year, but in 2019, the square neckline will reign supreme. Yes, it’s time to start covering up those shoulders again! Whilst the design may have originated during the Renaissance era, its latest iterations are anything but old-fashioned. Flattering and elegant (and, dare we say it, a little easier to wear than off the shoulder styles), expect to see square necklines on dresses (of every length) and crisp cotton blouses as we head into summer.
L-R: Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Alexa Chung (image source: Vogue)
Easy Shorts
Remember when shorts were short? As much as we love a pair of denim cut-offs, they were precarious; too short and they’d showcase a little more than we’d bargained for. And last year’s cycling shorts? Well they weren’t the most comfortable thing to wear, were they? Thankfully, shorts are set to become looser and a touch longer, cutting off at the mid-thigh and fitting just right (hurrah!). So, say goodbye to your booty-hugging short-shorts and embrace an easy, breezy pair of sensible shorts instead. They’ve got a resort-ready appeal that’s perfect for packing light; trust us, these day to night bad boys will be your go-to’s this summer.
L-R: Rejina Pyo, Margaret Howell, Alexa Chung (image source: Vogue)
Pleated Dresses
Pleats have been a firm favourite of the fash pack for a few years now, and they’re set to stay in 2019. This season’s pleats though, are a little finer. Micro pleats – seen at Givenchy, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi and Balmain, to name a few – pack a punch, since they generate more movement and have an unrivalled fluidity. It explains why silhouettes were so bold; big sleeves and high-low hemlines on dresses showcased the micro pleat in all its glory. So, if you invest in one dress this year, make sure it’s pleated to perfection.
L-R: Givenchy, Preen By Thornton Bregazzi, Balmain (image source: Vogue)
‘Utility Chic’ Trousers & Boiler Suits
Utility chic is a term you’ll need to remember this year. The ultra-sporty styles seen in 2018 are set to be replaced by something altogether more urbane; think stone and khaki colours, combat trousers (yes, really) and boiler suits. If what you’re wearing has zips, popper fastenings and/or drawstrings, you’re on the right track. Oh, and if you’re panicking at the thought of combat trousers resurfacing, don’t; these aren’t like the military-inspired ones that were big in the 90s. They’re loosely cut, high-waisted and don’t come with bulky pockets. Just look at Gigi Hadid walking for Fendi (below) if you don’t believe us.
L-R: Fendi, Dries Van Noten, Isabel Marant (image source: Vogue)
