Trends to translate – the top eight catwalk looks to steal this spring
Wondering what to wear this spring? Discover our pick of the top eight catwalk looks to steal – and where to find the looks on the high street.
London Fashion Week is upon us. Shows started on 17th and continue through to the 21st February with collections for AW17 (just as we’re getting used to dressing with the drop in temperature for this autumn/winter!)
The SS17 catwalks showed in September. And, even though some designers chose the unorthodox show now, buy now route, the fashion industry wheel wouldn’t turn without the out of season escapism and theatre of fashion shows that keep Paris, London, Milan and New York on their tippy toes twice a year!
It’s the perfect time to think about your spring wardrobe
Now we’ve got through the first month of the year and mid way through February, it’s the perfect opportunity to clear out, cleanse and curate your wardrobe, and then stock up accordingly.
You may not think it’s the ideal time to start thinking about your SS looks but the winter layers will be peeled off before you know it.
So I’m giving you notice now of those trends that you may want to steer away from and leave to the ‘experts’; those being the fashionista who throw on trickier ensembles and look fab in their confidence!
Then there are the trends to embrace. They transcend from the catwalk to give you a gentle nudge out of your comfort zone, and are easier to translate into your everyday outfits for that instant SS update.
The top eight looks to embrace
See here are my top eight catwalk trends – and where you can pick them up on the high street.
1) Floral prints
If you love a print then SS is taking you to the tropics in bold flora and fauna prints with strong colour mixes; so strong that you may need to dilute them with a white backdrop or soften them with a flowy silhouette.
2) Heels
The Flatform stays strong but the kitten heel crept into more shows for next season. Still practical, still comfortable but a little bit sexy – which is refreshing when a sporty aesthetic has become ‘pedestrian’.
- Seen at Dior, Gucci and Loewe
- Reworked at & Other Stories, H&M and Uterque
3) Shirting
The cotton or poplin shirt but not just a regular fit; oh no this is an origami undertaking and not for the style shy.
Tugged off one shoulder, a bralet top strapped over, or pulled and positioned into place that you certainly won’t have time for if a dash out the door is more your morning routine!
Leave that to those with time to languish over their look in a rear view full length mirror. Opt instead for details that add interest; tie sleeves, wrap waist or accent collar.
4) Stripes
No surprise that stripes strike again, as a nautical theme is often reworked every spring season. Seen juxtaposed against another stripe of different proportions, it was the blue stripe that reigned supreme, becoming the plain sailing option for the less style confident.
- Seen at Chanel, Mulberry and Chloe
- Reworked at Mango, & Other Stories and J.Crew
5) Colour
Fuschia pink, yep there was only one shade of the pink spectrum left unturned for the most popular Instagram colour of 2016, the Marmite one, love it or hate it Fuschia is THE colour to add to your SS wardrobe.
However, for the more minimalist amongst us, offset it with a dose of khaki, whether it be a camo muddy green or ‘drab’ light tan it too was seen all over the catwalks. In fact this colour combination of fuschia and camel is one of my all time favourites.
- Seen at Chloe, Valentino and Balenciaga.
- Reworked at Zara and Uterque
6) Hem lines
If you’re not sporting a looser track pant then skirts are having a fashion moment, with fluctuating hemlines being key; uneven, asymmetrical, layered and mainly long. I’m not a skirt person so will need to trade my skinny jean in for the relaxed, Athleisure inspired trouser, or anything with a paper bag waist.
However I do think the new proportion skirts are not as easily incorporated into your every day ensembles, leading you to overthink looks and so I’d give them a wide berth.
- Seen at Erdem, Mulberry and Dolce & Gabbana
- Reworked at Topshop Boutique and ASOS
7) The decade
There’s always a decade that runs unparalleled throughout the shows like a thread holding the fashion houses together. For SS it’s the Eighties, and it’s definitely an influence for after dark.
I’d call this evening look ‘pick n mix glam’ because the fabrications look manmade, the colours are questionable and the overall aesthetic resembles a collection of sweet wrappers. Hard to pull off without the accompanying ‘couldn’t care less’ attitude.
Definitely a head to toe look to steer away from. Just one piece will do!
- Seen at Gucci and Balmain
- Reworked at Mango, Topshop, & Other Stories
8) Romantic
Romance met Ballet with tulle-tastic creations, throw in some ruffles, florals and sheer paneling and you have a look straight from the catwalks of Erdem, Valentino and Dior.
Great if your life is one taxi ride to another, or revolves around images on Instagram. Not one that you’ll see prancing comfortably down the local high street.
Draw out the easier elements of this trend; floral prints, ruffle detailing and sheer paneling. Keep tulle to a minimum, just like the edging on the J.Crew cardigan in our feature image.
- Reworked at J.Crew, ASOS and Mango
