The COVID-19 lockdown officially robbed us of the start of spring, along with our dreams of enjoying new, lighter outfits under the lovely Mediterranean sun. But rest assured, not all is lost. We refuse to be indefinitely doomed to wearing loungewear that devilishly seduces us with comfy drawstring pants to hide our quarantine (over)eating sins. Look ahead with hope at the 2020 summer fashion trends, especially now that Barcelona residents can go outside again and some normalcy seems to be in the horizon.
2020 Summer Fashion Trends
The Spring-Summer fashion season gives us plenty of choices as designers have offered up grounded, wearable pieces. They work well for TikTok wardrobe change videos, getting fancy for a Zoom party, a leisurely promenade outside during “individual sport” time, or some post-confinement outfit planning. Here are my recommendations on how to take some of these trends off of the runway and into real-life territory.
Neon
Fluorescent shades have been trending since last year and it seems they’ll be around for quite some time. Hues of lime green, neon yellow, hot pink, and flame orange kept popping up on the runways this year. Don’t fret though! We’re not suggesting you come out of confinement looking like a traffic cone. For those of us who don’t necessarily want to be spotted from a mile away, there are many ways of styling this trend.
HOW TO: Add neon accents to a basic outfit, for example, with eye-popping accessories like a belt, shoes, or bag. Pair one fluorescent garment with neutral hues, dark colors, or even a lighter shade of the same palette.
SHOP:
1.Mansur Gavriel orange bucket bag (sold out now, mansurgavriel.com but still at Luisaviaroma
2. Maite by Lola Casademunt jeans
3. Maite by Lola Casademunt pistachio pants
4. Sandals by Ash
5. Maite by Lola Casademunt Raincoat
Runway Credits: Courrèges – Iceberg – Valentino
90s Clean Lines
For all of you GenXer’s out there, think back to the heyday of Helmut Lang, Calvin Klein and Martin Margiela, when the oversize silhouettes of the 80s got striped down to plain low-rise denim, slip dresses (which Kate Moss wore throughout the entire decade) tees, Keds and whole lot of grunge.
After seasons of out-there trends, designers are going back to basics by rescuing the elegant minimalistic clean lines, relaxed tailoring, and simple staples of the 1990s. The quiet quarantine evenings are a great moment to edit your closet to include a good selection of essential pieces to wear on the regular, which is key to getting your style on point.
HOW TO: Minimalism doesn’t mean boring. Stick to clean cuts, while adding fun with a bit of color and texture. Swap your classic white button-down shirt for one in a pastel shade, or try denim in a different color. Light summer knits are also a great option that can offer some protection for cooler evenings.
SHOP:
Puff Sleeves
In 1981, Princess Diana made headlines with her puff-sleeved wedding dress and made it one of the trendiest silhouettes of the decade. Statement sleeves made a comeback this spring, as seen in Carolina Herrera, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, to name but a few.
When it comes to thinking of your summer ensemble, draw some inspiration from designers’ vision and don’t be afraid to incorporate soft colors and floral detailing into your looks.
HOW TO: The silhouette itself makes quite a statement, so you won’t have to think too hard when styling it. Try a breezy puff-sleeved dress or a top paired with denim; both practical choices that will keep you cool and stylish for when the temperature rises.
SHOP:
2. Zara poplin shirt
Relaxed Tailoring
Architectural, structured silhouettes might be the keys to looking sharp, but summer fashion trends for 2020 include low-slung tailoring unexpectedly fresh, polished, and fashion-forward. Whether it’s a pair of culottes, low-waist skirt, drop-waist jumpsuit or dresses, loose silhouettes are key. A structured handbag and heels polish the look. Who says your work look can’t be both professional and comfy?
HOW TO: For weekends, think of low-waist jeans or culottes paired with a boxy top and sneakers. Flaunt your curves with a low-slung skirt and something fluid on top; the perfect look for your next weekend outing.
SHOP:
1. Purificación García
2. Mango
Runway Credits: VERSACE SPRING/SUMMER 2020 – GIVENCHY SPRING/SUMMER 2020 – CHLOE SPRING/SUMMER 2020
Back to Boho
The 70s might seem the decade of “anti-fashion” for some, but designers continue to draw inspiration from the bohemian style. Take for example, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Céline, Balmain, Chloé, and Gucci, who brought back seventies nostalgia to their Spring Summer 2020 collections. This era was all about freedom, so embrace carefree silhouettes like tiered tops, bell-bottom pants, button-front skirts, peasant blouses, and flowing maxi dresses.
HOW TO: Wear flared jeans with a frilly, ruffled blouse and complete your boho-chic statement with a wicker basket or a saddle bag. For an even more romantic summer style, pay attention to details like broderie anglaise dresses, crochet tops, lace skirts, and eyelet blouses. If you don’t want to go for the full boho look, accessories like platform shoes, a fringed handbag, or wide brimmed hat are great ways to add just a touch of boho to any casual look.
SHOP:
Runway credits: CELINE SPRING/SUMMER 2020 – MISSONI SPRING/SUMMER 2020 – CHANEL SS 2020
A flirty new summer wardrobe needs an equally fun local trip to show it off. We recommend a quick trip to Cadaqués (once we’re able to travel again).
