10 Trends for Spring/Summer 2016

With winter winding down and spring making its way to us, it is time to think about switching out the winter wear for lighter looks. We revisit 10 of the biggest trends from the ready-to-wear collections on the runways to make things a little easier as you do a wardrobe cleanse for the new season. If you are in a more tropical region, Spring/Summer 2016 looks might work the whole year through and you might have already started.

Leather

One material from winter that will live on into spring is leather. From skirts to dresses, jackets and even tops, leather will be cropping up in an array of colors. Brands such as Burberry Prorsum, Each & Other and Vionnet sported biker jackets while Trussardi showcased a yellow leather dress. Keeping up the trend of colorful leather, was Barbara Bui who rocked leather trousers in both black and pink.

Sheer Sensuality

Subtle sheer fabrics were another major trend to be seen for spring/summer 2016. Soft and sensual fabrics dominated at Givenchy where only certain parts of the body were shown. Similarly, Nina Ricci, Missioni and Akris sent models down the ramp essentially topless save for dark and sheer veils.

Color Kaleidoscope

There is no single stand-out color trend for this season. Brands brought a wide range of shades to the SS16 catwalks, from vivid hues (candy pink at Emporio Armani and almost fluorescent colors at Polo Ralph Lauren) to pastel shades, which were popular with almost all labels. Autumnal tones were spotted too, with camel and gray at Daks, as well as black and white combos at DKNY, Costume National, Margiela, Carven and Balenciaga. However, one noticeably popular color for the season is silver, with Iceberg, Jeremy Scott, Loewe and Iris Van Herpen showing this metallic shade in matte or iridescent versions.

Spring Stripes

While some labels rocked sailor chic – an ideal look for spring/summer – most opted for multi-colored stripes in sometimes psychedelic combinations. Whether vertical or horizontal, wide or super-fine, stripes of all kinds were seen on summer dresses, skirts, tops and pants in catwalk collections from the likes of Missoni, Salvatore Ferragamo and Dolce & Gabbana. Max Mara splashed stripes in yellow and white, Rochas went for oversized bands and Issey Miyake turned lines into waves.

Pop Prints, Quirky Patterns

Designers brought cartoons, drawings, pop prints and quirky slogans to the most feminine of ensembles this season. Jeremy Scott stamped garments with huge cartoon faces, while Lanvin rocked handbag and stiletto motifs and Giamba (Giambattista Valli) used a cheeky lipstick print. This trend offers a contrasting alternative with the season’s sensual and chic ensembles.

Boho-Chic

Womenswear also gets a stylish yet romantic, carefree and bohemian vibe this season, with jumpsuits, skirts and dresses with long, floaty cuts, in light shades or powdery pastels. This look was seen at Chloé, Paul & Joe and Giambattista Valli but in a fairly minor way. Tommy Hilfiger takes things further, matching boho looks with beanie hats, trainers and sunglasses with colored lenses.

Festival of Fringing

Last year’s fringing will be back in a big way for spring/summer 2016, with summer festivals offering strong inspiration for clothing and accessories. Key pieces will be finished in leather and, in particular, suede. MSGM, Roberto Cavalli, Carven, Balmain and Barbara Bui all brought fringes to various items in their womenswear collections. Balenciaga stood out from the crowd with fringed handbags.

Pajama Party

Last season’s pajama trend is even hotter for SS16. Dolce & Gabbana showed off pajama suits with characteristically big flower prints. Blumarine also used flowers as a more discreet addition to its oversized pajamas. Paco Rabanne opted for a lingerie-inspired look, rocking underwear as outerwear with a sportswear feel.

Military Detail

Although less present on the spring/summer runways than for autumn/winter 2015, military detail will continue as a trend for spring. As well as details such as chains and double-breasted cuts, the military look brings khaki shades to this season’s collections, with army greens seen at Rochas, Guy Laroche and Chalayan. Note, however, that camouflage is nowhere to be seen this season.

Short Styles

While skirts keep legs at least partially covered this season, shorts are sure to show them off. Several versions are in line for SS16, with loose-cut shorts and mini shorts at Giorgio Armani or frayed cut-offs at Alexander Wang. Paul & Joe kept things casual with laid-back denim shorts.

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