By Rashi Wadhera
Fresh off the heels of every major fashion week, we’re inundated with MUST buy this, which then MUST pair with that, and above all MUST be in this colour. In the name of fashion and courtesy the ever-elusive artistic license, every label has their own rendition of a trend, so trying to pick a stand out piece can be intimidating. We’ve picked the top 9 stand out trends you can expect to see this fashion season, looks to cop and where to shop without busting the bank. Think of this as your personal trend handbook for Spring/Summer 2014.
Five things to know this season: Icy pastels have showed neons the exit sign, orange is actually the new black, silhouettes are less structured {more easy chic}, metallics aren’t just for currency, and bold, brave prints are the only kind of pattern you want to settle into.
More Power to Flower |
Yes, we know spring; florals - doesn’t take a genius. But there’s a slight twist to the perennial floral trend. Every major runway saw a more artful approach to the flower, in terms of its depiction. Painted petals, realistic patterns and more intricate floral detailing have minimalists looking the other way.
Couture: Versace S/S 14 runway
Cop the Look: Floral Blouse, 8teen Style Boulevard, INR 1,499, available here.
Artistic Influence | Majority of the runways saw art as a massive influence. Think portraits, painted murals and printed motifs. An extension of this trend is bold, graphic prints with a giant focus on geometric shapes.
Couture: Prada S/S14
Cop the Look: River Island Splash Print Column Dress, INR 3,500 {approx.}, available here.
This Season's Mesh Up | Perfect for our less than desirable summer, mesh allows a little peek-a-boo action while allowing the skin to breathe. Use for layering over camisoles, or for a more subdued effect, look out for mesh detailing in shirts, jackets and blouses.
Couture: Vera Wang S/S 14
Cop the Look: KOOVS Spot Mesh Sleeves and Panel Bodycon Dress, INR 1,295, available here.
The Length and Breadth of it | Designers went to town with tea-length skirts {somewhere after the midi and just short of the maxi}. Very lady-like and 1950’s reminiscent, you’ll notice a lot of renditions of the skirt: from pleats to sheer paneling - all updates that allow the trend to appear more fresh and modern. For girls with a smaller frame, stay away from too full of an A-line, it will swallow you. Our advice: works best paired with a crop top.
Couture: Masaba Black and White stripe flounce dress
Cop the Look: Nishka Lulla blue crop shirt and skirt set, INR 5,900, available here.
The White Blouse Brigade | Both in terms of runway appearances and audience members' wardrobes, the classic, staple white shirt was one of the stand out trends. Bless their souls, since we already own multiple. Experiment with cutout shoulders or detailed collars to give this look a new spin.
Couture: Balenciaga S/S 14
Cop the Look: Shivangi Sahni, White tie knot shirt, INR 5,400, available here.
Enter the Embellishments | Inspired by DIY projects, designers went crazy with glue guns, sewing machines and jewels. Although you’ll find many an embellished piece of clothing, to try and achieve as many looks as possible, invest in a piece or two of statement jewellery that you can pair with different outfits.
Couture: Louis Vuitton S/S 14
Cop the Look: Pearls Stones Statement Necklace, INR 1,250, available here.
What Suits Us | Allow us to introduce you to the power player of the fashion world - the trouser suit. An ode to androgyny, the look is a softer take on the otherwise sharp suit, and has been adapted to look more playful and feminine whilst retaining its bold spirit. Play around with the look, switch up a well-tailored pair of trousers with a slouchier pair or culottes, and replace the shirt with a more relaxed T-shirt.
Couture: Stella McCartney S/S 14
Cop the Look: Salmon pink power suit, 431-88, Price on Request, Shop the collection here.
Monochromaticism | Although pastels have managed to squeeze out almost every other color palate, the combination of black and white is proving its staying power. Experiment with the color duo across styles, prints and silhouettes.
Couture: Narciso Rodriguez S/S 14
Cop the Look: Laheriya Tee, Rashmi Varma, available at En Inde, Meherchand Market.
A Sporty Situation| Far from racer-backs and camel-toe giving spandex pants, sport-inspired fashion is another look to love. Think baseball hats, tennis-inspired dresses, pleated mini-skirts and varsity jackets. Before the real heat sets in, keep snug in a bomber jacket; they have gotten edgier for spring in colorful prints, luxe textures and sport detailing. Pair with a girly dress to temper a feminine look.
Couture: Victoria Beckham S/S 14
Cop the Look: Pleated Skirt, INR 2,190, available at Zara stores {Select Citywalk, Saket, DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj and Ambience Mall, Gurgaon}