From rusty reds to tie-dye, the key looks to have on your radar
Tie-dye emerged as a fashion influencer favorite for summer 2018, and it's a look that was compounded on the catwalk. No longer solely the preserve of art teachers and ageing hippies, tie-dye has had a modern update, At Dior, the brand employed its meticulous craftsmanship to the process to create kaleidoscope versions, sometimes layering tie-dye over florals. Miuccia Prada went for a flouro approach, used to reflect a liberated woman. Stella McCartney's version came in blue and white boilersuits, T-shirts and combat trousers.
If you invested in terracotta shades for summer 2018, you're in luck for summer 2019 as warm rusty reds are still big news. For a truly chic example of how to work it, turn to Valentino where orange and wine colours were seamlessly fused together. Versace chose a sunburnt orange for its impactful satin jacket, as worn by Freja Beha Erichsen on the catwalk. Then there was Balenciaga's Demna Gvasalia deep red cocktail dress, which hopefully signals a hot summer ahead.
Two styles of shorts prevailed on the catwalks - cycling shorts or board shorts. Not everyone will feel brave to wear the numerous stretch styles that were worn with jackets at Chanel and solo at Stella McCartney, so Prada's duchesse satin board shorts - available in muted jewel tones - will provide an alternative. Rejina Pyo's slouchy green style will also prove popular as the weather heats up.
Tuxedos may have been a talking point at the SS19 shows (more of that later), but there was a broader tailoring trend likely to change the way we dress next season. The industry is moving away from the more fluid midi styles of recent seasons to a sharper silhouette - tailored trousers were styled with shirts and belts for a pulled-together look that still feels softer than a suit - Balenciaga, Burberry and Givenchy were just a few to adopt the trouser-shirt line of thinking. It was an accessible take on androgyny and one that women beyond a size eight can really wear. The result? Clothes that look polished, elegant and confidence-boosting.
If you invest in one dress style next season, make sure it has ruching - a romantic take on body-con, and much more forgiving. Carefully-positioned ruching has mighty figure-enhancing potential; it adds curves to slimmer frames and those with curvier silhouettes will appreciate its ability to stretch in the right places. Givenchy balanced ruched detailing with accordion pleating to create a dress that will be at the top of many wishlists next season, while Calvin Klein used it to cinch it in the waist.