TREND FORECAST FOR SUMMER

Want to keep up with the trends this summer? Trending is constant which can make it difficult to follow. These are the current forecasts for summer 2016 predicted by several trend forecasting companies.

Gothic Glamour

Frequent use of black in styling always doesn't mean it's goth inspired. However, by using gothic aesthetics it is easy to quickly put an outfit together. Black is such a sophisticated tone so don't be afraid to use it! As Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel once explained "women think of all colours except the absence of colours. I have said that Black has it all." Therefore, if you use Black as a base colour (or any dark tone) then you can colour pop!

Colour popping is often used in AW collections in order to give the presentation some vibrancy. This was evident in Rejina Pyo's collection at LFW AW16. Pyo used hot pink eye make up and small sections of bright colours in her garment's designs in order to create this effect. This look can be created through simply adding a boldly coloured accessory to a darker toned outfit.

Luxury Leisure

Sportswear originally started becoming a mainstream trend in the 90s and has made a recent come back. Retro and iconic sports brands have been taken in by young adults. A particular trend that has stemmed from this is wearing statement sneakers. Branded trainers are perceived as a luxury item in contemporary youth culture. It is currently socially acceptable to be seen in both vintage or new branded trainers that can cost between £30-£100. This can be stylised through colour organisation or just simple match styling (e.g. wearing Nike socks with Nike trainers and a Nike T-shirt). This adaptation to the 90s trend was first worn by 'hipsters' and 'indie' trendsetters. However, this has now faded from those groups as the trend has become mainstream.

Romantic Rouge

Passion and fierceness. Red is the one colour that can connote both hate and love. If you want to make a statement this summer then Red is the colour for you. Summer vibes are often represented through softer tones but a bold Red is just as fitting. Summer is romantic, warm and full of life! Don't just settle for pastels, be confident in what you're wearing!

Latin themes are also taking over this summer so there will be plenty of red garments to choose from. Even if you just style a softer toned outfit with a bold glossy Red handbag or Lipstick or both if you like! Aspinal of London's presentation at LFW AW16 featured an incredible varied selection of sleek Red bags. These designs have already begun to filter down into the highstreet stores.

Floaty and Flirty

Think of Marilyn Monroe. Think of the 50s. Think of elegance. These are the key elements of this SS16 trend. It incorporates the same ideals as the 1950's in terms of skirt length, attitude of women (post war) and gracefulness. Floaty or thin fabric that flows with your movement accompanied by feminine medium/high heals.

Personally, I find this trend interesting because of the contemporary take on the vintage context. Interestingly enough this trend has been very popular with young professionals so far which reflects the post war attitude of women in the 1950's. After the war there weren't as many men around to do the jobs that needed to be done. Women were given further value and responsibilities. This was also when designers were liberated from creating uniforms so experimentation with womenswear was common, particularly in the US.