Spring Summer Fashion Trends 2016

Images courtesy Vogue from the Spring Runways 2016 Fashion Report

I find it fascinating that this year many of the official fashion trend reporters (Vogue, Elle, In Style) are reporting that the spring summer collections are designed to express your personality. I think this is another way of saying the continuing trend is for a vast range of fashion choices. If you want to show your bohemian, creative spirit the clothes are available to let you do so. If you want to express yourself as a capable modern professional there are elegant modern classic clothes available. If your personal preference is for soft, floaty, feminine looks the clothing choices are available to create that look as well.

The key, of course, is to understand who you are and how you want to be seen. Not who you were last year or last decade, but who you are now! If you'd like help I'm here to help.

Overall the runway trend towards more relaxed silhouettes and more volume continues. This is reflected in wider leg pants (including wide leg cropped pants), midi lengths in skirts and dresses, A-line skirts and large, floaty tops. And now even sleeves are getting fuller and wider!

My favorite round up of the best spring summer fashion trends this year comes from PopSugar. You can see it here.

Below I've listed some of the trends showing examples of styles already available in the stores.

To update your spring and summer wardrobe use the trends to first go shopping in your own wardrobe. Do you already own one or more of these styles? Can you create new outfit combinations that feel contemporary? For example, try layering a tee-shirt under a dress; or a new combination of top, bottom, shoes and jewellery.

If you review your wardrobe regularly you'll likely only need to shop for a few items. Choose 1 or 2 of the new trends that appeal to you and work them back into your wardrobe.

Remember to create whole outfits now, so you have everything you need to use each item of clothing, pair of shoes and jewellery in at least 1 or 2 outfits. And do think about possible outfits for events and activities for the coming 3-6 months.

The Main Spring Summer Fashion Trends

Bare shoulders

Images courtesy:
Nordstrom (4 images on the left), Anthropologie (2 images on the right)

Off the shoulder tops and dresses are a strong trend this spring and summer. This style adds to the shoulder cut-out style (being called 'cold shoulder' introduced in recent seasons and still available). One shoulder and asymmetric shoulder styles are also available.

The Anthrologie outfit on the far right an example of how to style an off-the-shoulder top with this season's fuller, midi skirt and shiny silver shoes.

White shirts

Images courtesy:
Marks and Spencer (2 images top left), Banana Republic (top right), Ann Taylor (bottom 2 images)

There's a wide variety of white shirts, blouses and tops this season. Look for interesting textures such as laser-cut embroidery.

Slinky slip dresses and pyjamas for wearing out of the house

Images courtesy:
Marks and Spencer, Ann Taylor, Anthropologie

You may be tempted to immediately discount this trend! However, patterned PJ-style pants have been around for a while and are both comfortable and easy to dress up or down. Although wearing a matching PJ-set will be a step too far for many!

I've been wearing slip-style dresses as a skirt or under a too-short dress for a few seasons. The latest trend is the return of the satin or silky slip dress. However, a new twist, that perhaps makes it slightly more wearable, is layering a tee-shirt or blouse underneath. Or wearing a duster-style cardigan/coat over the top, or a heavier weight long-line cardigan.

Creative styling

Combining unexpected fabric, color, pattern and/or texture combinations (leather and lace, sheer and sleek) either within one garment (by the maker), or in creating an outfit. If you have a creative style personality you'll be doing this anyway.

Pleats

Images courtesy:
Marks and Spencer, White House Black Market, Ann Taylor

There are a variety of pleats styles (such as: fine, wide, soft, stiff) mainly in skirts. However you'll find them in dresses and blouses as well.

Ruffles

Images courtesy:
Nordstrom, Ann Taylor, John Lewis

Statement ruffles are back, conjuring up Spanish Flamenco-style dresses, or peasant styles. However, they're not just on dresses. You'll also find them on tops, skirt and jumpsuits (yes, jumpsuits are still around!).

Shiny and sparkly surfaces

Especially sequins and shiny silver.

Try silver sneakers or sandals with white pants for a stylish casual look that adds just a touch of shine.

Stripes any which way

Images courtesy:
J Jill, Anthropologie, Marks and Spencer, Banana Republic

Stripes continue to be a strong trend. New options include stripes in multiple directions within 1 garment, bold verticals, variable widths and multi-colored stripes

Florals are also a strong pattern trend. Especially botanical-look prints.

Victorian

Style elements include: high necklines, ruffles, black, sheer fabrics, lace, midi and maxi skirts and dresses, laced sandals, velvet

Wrapped styles

Images courtesy:
Marks and Spencer, Ann Taylor, White House Black Market

This style, that suits so many women, is now more widely available. Look for wrap dresses, tops and also the return of wrapped skirts.

Spring Summer Fashion Season Colors

These are the top 10 colors Pantone is reporting fashion designers are using this season:

Images courtesy Pantone

You'll notice quite a few of them in use in the trend images above.

Like This Page?