The unlikely trends of spring 2020
We had hoped this spring to be flitting around in buttery trench coats, ethereal prairie dresses and tailored short suits (hello those sophisticated two-pieces at Givenchy). And yet, here we are. But the great news is there are some new trends that have come to the fore in lockdown and we’re here for them. Yes, we can’t go out. Yes, we’re dressing for ourselves (or our feed) and only ourselves. But these are fun, comfy and we can’t help but rather appreciate them. Meet the unlikely trend stars…
The matchy-matchy tracksuit
Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski were already making the case for the luxe tracksuit as an outfit of choice before lockdown, but the humble two-piece has taken on new relevance. You can wear a sporty one but the best are tailored and cashmere in tonal shades. While the tracksuit was originally designed for sporting activities (American sprinters in the ‘60s first gained them coverage), nowadays they’re best suited for doing as minimal physical exercise as possible – which coincidentally is perfect for right now if, like us, your main cardio consists of rummaging for snacks.
The pastels
The Spring/Summer 2020 catwalks were a love letter to neon (Valentino’s highlighter shades, Jacquemus’ hot pink and such). And yet, lockdown has got us all reaching for the pastels. Maybe it’s the onset of spring, maybe it’s the fact that we need a bit of calm and order, maybe it’s that we’re craving shades reminiscent of Mini Eggs, either way, the message is if it’s sherbet-y, and it’s matching, and it’s soft and comfy, we’re here for it. Also, pastel coloured nails.
The cult sock
Unless we’re making a statement, rarely do we pay much attention to our socks. But one sock has emerged as the stay-home essential on our feeds: ribbed white Nike socks. Nostalgic, athletic, snuggly and perfect for high-low dressing, everyone’s sporting and snapping them right now.
The attention-grabbing necklines
Cut-out necklines and puffy sleeves were already a trend, but they have taken on new importance in this WFH era. Never before has your top half look been so important, and we’re wholeheartedly embracing waist-up dressing for that rotation of Zoom meetings and House Party revelries. By the same thread, statement jewellery is, admittedly, becoming our obsession.
The soft things
Several supremely snuggly pieces have made their way into the fashion set’s WFH ‘fits. JW Anderson’s felt loafer mules (deliciously Grandad-y and deliciously comfortable), pillow-y clutch bags, actual pillows (actually we’ll take that back, the #PillowChallenge is not an outfit) and silky pyjamas are all taking centre stage. To be honest, we’re rather happy. The more that fashion and comfort combine, the better. Or at least until we can wear those crochet-hemmed dresses and carry those woven, raffia bags again. Spring, we have missed you.