The start of spring may have officially been a good few weeks ago, but with the entire country still in enforced lockdown due to the Coronavirus outbreak, there have been few fair-weather celebrations.
But while we may be lacking reasons to put *any* real clothes on right now, never mind our favourite ones, there's a lot to be said for looking ahead. And just as we are finding joy in daydreaming about the places we'll go once it's safe to do so, many of us are also looking forward to having fun with fashion again - exploring and experimenting with new trends.
As is the case with every new season, the start of spring got the fashion set harking back six months to the spring/summer 2020 runways, put on in September last year, which pre-empted our upcoming wardrobes. Just as we were waving goodbye to summer and rediscovering our fondness for a roll-neck, along came fashion week to indulge us in a whole host of drool-worthy, summery pieces as brands showcased their SS20 collections.
And while very few such trends will feel appropriate for your cosy, work-from-home wardrobe (other, that is, than no.4, which we'll bet at least half of you are wearing via a tracksuit as we speak...), there's no harm in planning ahead.
If getting dressed for yet another day spent working at your kitchen is failing to excite you right now, why not daydream about what you'll be kitting yourself out in once lockdown is over?
Other than the obvious (is summer even summer without a floral dress/Birkenstock/oversized hat?), you'll also be wearing low-slung tailoring, puffed shoulders, and showing off your bra. Trust us...
Scroll down to discover the 11 trends we'll all be falling for as soon as we start wearing real clothes again:
1. BRA ACCENTUATION
If lockdown is over once the peak of summer arrives, then believe it or not we'll all be dressing a whole lot more risqué. While last year saw the (very brief) resurgence of the exposed thong, SS20 is all about detailing around the brazziere. From exposed bandeaus to sequin accentuation we'll see you and your undies next season.
Spotted at: Christopher Kane, Mark Fast, JW Anderson
2. PUFFED SLEEVES
They saw a subtle revival last year, but in 2020 it's time to make way - both mentally and physically - for the puffed sleeve. Whether the swell is focussed on your shoulder, or more gradual down your arm, we already can't get enough of the puff.
Spotted at: Richard Quinn, Zimmermann, Huishan Zhang
3. WRAPPED ANKLES
If you've been keeping an eye on street style stars over the last few months, you'll have noticed that several have been tying their sandal straps around their trousers. Not a fleeting trend, forecasts suggest this look will be lapped up this summer.
Spotted at: JW Anderson, Toga, Charlotte Knowles
4. DRAWSTRINGS
By no means a new phenomenon, the drawstring was all over the spring/summer 2020 runway. Whether sitting at the top of shorts, at the waist of jackets, or, well, all over... we're into it.
Spotted at: Ashish, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Supriya Lele
5. METALLIC LEATHER
On trench coats, across trousers, and even splashed all over bags, metallic hues - more specifically silvers - were everywhere on the SS20 catwalk. We'd suggest keeping the rest of your look relatively muted to allow the piece to stand its ground.
Spotted at: JW Anderson, Coach, Toga
6. THE NEW TRENCH
By no means a surprise, trench coats look set to be hugely popular. But rather than the classic style, these have feminine finishes - from pleats to prints - that'll soften the often androgynous staple.
Spotted at: JW Anderson, Ports 1961, Huishan Zhang
7. SHEER LAYERS
If the aforementioned visible bra was too much for you, why not experiment with a racy aesthetic via sheer fabrics? Whether you layer a sheer shirt atop a vest or go all out with a sheer dress, it's a great way to play with silhouettes and textures.
Spotted at: Supriya Lele, House of Holland, Richard Malone
8. LOW-SLUNG TAILORING
High-waists have dominated the sartorial landscape for years, but this summer things get a whole lot looser with low-slung tailoring taking centre-stage. Pair it with elegant shoes to avoid an overly-sloppy look.
Spotted at: Roland Mouret, Jacquemus, Victoria Beckham
9. MAXIMALIST ENERGY
Power-prints are back in a huge way this summer, with giant florals, clashing hues, and oversized polka dots taking over this season's runways. N.b. There's no such thing as too much, so go forth and be brave.
Spotted at: Richard Quinn, Mark Jacobs, Erdem
10. BRODERIE ANGLAISE
This summer will see Broderie Anglaise take on a new twist, with more intricate patterns and irregular embroidery making it feel fresher and more interesting. Go full-on via dresses and layer atop deeply-hued lingerie for a sexy take on the cute classic.
Spotted at: Erdem, Kate Spade, Zimmermann
11. TORSO RUCHING
Ruching is often found at wrists or necks, but the SS20 runways predict that it'll be all over our torsos come summer. A great way to add texture and shape to an otherwise simple dress, it immediately makes any piece look high-end.
Spotted at: Roksanda, Rejina Pyo, Supriya Lele
Source: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/spring-summer-2020-fashion-trends